1. JONATHAN EDWARDS

2. WHY STUDY EDWARDS?
“Sinners. . .” is one of the most commonly anthologized sermons in all of American literature
Edwards is considered the most powerful voice in the American “Great Awakening”
Edwards is seen as a “world-class” theologian in a deeply religious time (an American voice contributing heavily to theological ideas)

3. WHY EDWARDS?
He is a bridge in American literature between Puritans (intense morality and religious focus) and Transcendentalists (heavy use of imagery and artistic language to present “divine” ideas)
His life story marks a distinct change in the national character (from “Puritanical” religious approach to one less rigid, defined, and emphasized)
Powerful example of literary imagery

4. GOALS/THEOLOGY
Wanted to restore sense of religious commitment that had been lost since Puritan days

5. GOALS/THEOLOGY
Wanted to restore sense of religious commitment that had been lost since Puritan days
Wanted not just believers or those who understand, but those “moved” by their belief

6. GOALS/THEOLOGY
Wanted to restore sense of religious commitment that had been lost since Puritan days
Wanted not just believers or those who understand, but those “moved” by their belief
Believed in supernatural grace (not redemption through good works)

7. GOALS/THEOLOGY
Wanted to restore sense of religious commitment that had been lost since Puritan days
Wanted not just believers or those who understand, but those “moved” by their belief
Believed in supernatural grace (not redemption through good works)
Emphasized humanity’s condition as “sinners in the hands of God”

8. GREAT AWAKENING
Spiritual renewal; move from complacency to great fervor and emotion
Encouraged more open expressions of emotions brought on through faith; not just “going through the motions”
Preparation for War of Independence: encouraged idea of personal power, not a dependence on an authority