Jonathan Edwards Biography

Jonathan Edwards is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential American philosophers and theologians. He played a very significant role in the religious revival known as “The First Great Awakening” that revolutionized the Protestant religion in Europe and British America during the mid 18th century. As a theologian his works covered various aspects of the Christian religion though he was primarily regarded as a pioneer in the Reformed faith or Calvinism. He was the only son among the several children born to his parents and his family had great aspirations for him. He was accepted into the Yale College when he was just 13 and graduated as the head of his class. He was deeply influenced by the philosopher John Locke and scientist Isaac Newton. He became a pastor of the church at Northampton and played a significant role in the Christian revival movement “The First Great Awakening”. He preached about the sovereignty of God and encouraged people to develop a profound spiritual conviction. One of his very famous sermons, ‘Sinners in the hands of an Angry God’ projects vivid descriptions of hell and is a classic example of the sermons of the Great Awakening. His followers became known as New Light Calvinist ministers.