Jonathan Edwards

American Christian preacher, philosopher, and theologian
Questions and Answers

FAQ

Q: Question 1: Who is Jonathan Edwards?
A: Jonathan Edwards was an American Congregationalist minister, theologian, and preacher in the 18th century. He is widely regarded as one of America's most important and influential religious leaders.
Q: Question 2: When and where was Jonathan Edwards born?
A: Jonathan Edwards was born on October 5, 1703, in East Windsor, Connecticut, in the British American colonies.
Q: Question 3: What are some of Jonathan Edwards' most notable works?
A: Some of Jonathan Edwards' most notable works include "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd," and "The Freedom of the Will."
Q: Question 4: What is Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" about?
A: "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is a sermon that focuses on the concept of God's wrath and the consequences of sin. Edwards used vivid imagery to portray the eternal damnation that awaits sinners who do not repent.
Q: Question 5: Where did Jonathan Edwards attend college?
A: Jonathan Edwards attended Yale College (now Yale University) in Connecticut. He graduated in 1720 as valedictorian of his class.
Q: Question 6: What is the significance of Jonathan Edwards' role in the First Great Awakening?
A: Jonathan Edwards played a significant role in the First Great Awakening, a religious revival movement that swept through the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s. His powerful preaching and emphasis on personal conversion made a profound impact on the religious landscape of the time.
Q: Question 7: What happened to Jonathan Edwards' ministry in Northampton, Massachusetts?
A: Jonathan Edwards' ministry in Northampton, Massachusetts came to an end in 1750 due to a theological dispute. Edwards was dismissed from his position as pastor after disagreements with the congregation over church membership and the terms of salvation.
Q: Question 8: What role did Jonathan Edwards play in the Princeton Theological Seminary?
A: Jonathan Edwards played a significant role in the establishment of the Princeton Theological Seminary. He served as the institution's third president from 1758 until his death in 1758.
Q: Question 9: What is Jonathan Edwards' theological perspective?
A: Jonathan Edwards was a Reformed theologian, who believed in the sovereignty of God and the necessity of personal conversion. He emphasized the doctrines of original sin, total depravity, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Q: Question 10: How did Jonathan Edwards contribute to the fields of philosophy and science?
A: Jonathan Edwards made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy and science. He wrote extensively on topics such as metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of the human will. His work influenced subsequent philosophers and scientists, including American pragmatist Charles Sanders Peirce.