Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards was a well-known preacher who began preaching in Connecticut in the eighteenth century. His father, Timothy Edwards, was also a preacher. Jonathan Edwards was able to graduate from Yale and even get his Masters degree. This led him to be a preacher and give what was known as one of his most famous sermons "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." In this sermon, it seemed as though he was trying to scare people into believing in God because the alternative was eternal damnation. Even though his sermons may have had harsh titles like this one, it is said that he did not yell at his listeners, but rather talked in a calm voice.

Edwards was also a theologian. He is well known for inspiring the Great Awakening. His main point was to get his listeners to understand the importance of Jesus Christ. This brought the surrounding colonies and Christian related religions closer together as they experienced this revival. The revivals even spread to England, which led Jonathan Edwards to meeting George Whitfield as he visited the New England states.

It is said that Jonathan Edwards owned a slave, but he understood all men were created equal. The Edward’s family was very generous, and allowed many people to stay in their home when it was needed.

 Later on in his life he became the President at the College of New Jersey, which is now known as Princeton. Jonathan not only had sermons published but books as well. Those who followed the teachings of Jonathan Edwards were known as the "New Light Calvinists." Unfortunately, he died from a case of small pox in 1758. He says that God is the only true "substance," and people here on earth matter, but our relationships will only disappear when we leave this Earth, so God is whom we need to center our lives around.