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Jonathan Edwards (1703-58) was preeminent as a theologian in the eighteenth century American colonies, deeply involved in the religious revival known as the Great Awakening. He was also the first American Puritan, or Calvinist, to recognize the challenges to traditional views of the world posed by figures like John Locke and Isaac Newton. Thus he is a pivotal figure as American thought evolved from heavily religious beginnings toward populism and a new rationalism in the young nation. His many books include Freedom of the Will, Religious Affections, and Original Sin, although he is probably best known for a legendary sermon he titled "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." Perry Miller's study of Jonathan Edwards as a writer and an artist is regarded as one of the great studies of "the life of a mind." He challenges readers to understand Edwards as an intellectual who, living in his own time and place, wrestled with issues relevant to the modern world. This Bison Books edition, with an introduction by John F. Wilson, will help to introduce Jonathan Edwards to a new generation of readers.… (more)
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Biography material is only a small portion of this work which is what the author refers to as external biography. There is an analysis of Edward’s thoughts and writing is what makes for a majority of the book. By no means is the history of Edwards ignored as the pages are full of facts about his family, culture, conflicts and his community. Some of the major issues faced in his lifetime are discussed in depth such as the history of Revivalism in America and The Halfway Controversy.
Edwards (1703–58) is considered the most preeminent theologians in the 18th century American colonies, deeply involved in the religious revival known as the Great Awakening. He was also the first American Puritan, or Calvinist, to recognize the challenges to traditional views of the world posed by figures like John Locke and Isaac Newton. Miller notes on how Edwards read Locke in his college years and was influenced by Locke’s method of argument & study of matters as he argued against Arminianism.
Miller admires Edwards, but not in agreement with the primitive theology and philosophy of Edwards. Yet he argues Edwards was advance in his knowledge of science and Psychology. Thus he is a pivotal figure as American thought evolved from heavily religious beginnings toward populism and a new rationalism in the young nation. His many books include Freedom of the Will, Religious Affections, and Original Sin; although he is probably best known for a legendary sermon he titled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” He challenges readers to understand Edwards as an intellectual philosopher who, living in his own time and place, wrestled with issues relevant to the modern world. In conclusion it is a great read for anyone who wants additional study and viewpoints on Edwards thought and American Puritanism.