The document discusses Jonathan Edwards and the religious movement known as the Great Awakening that occurred between 1734-1750. It describes how Edwards sought to promote a "religion of the heart" that moved converts beyond moral duties to an ecstatic spiritual experience. While Edwards writing synthesized Puritan piety and Enlightenment philosophy, he wished to liberate humans from their senses rather than define them by senses. Edwards played a key role in revitalizing religious commitment through powerful sermons, but his dismissal from his church in 1750 showed the limits of the Awakening.

1. The Great Awakening Jonathan Edwards: The Last Great Puritan or the First American Romantic? http://www.learner.org/amerpass/

2. “The Great Awakening” From 1734 until around 1750 Purpose: to promote what the preachers called a “religion of the heart” Move converts beyond adherence to moral duties Move towards an ecstatic experience of spiritual grace Great Awakening conversions were often characterized by physical reactions such as shouting, shaking, fainting, or even falling to the ground.

4. Enlightenment belief in the potential of the human will

6. Edwards and “The Great Awakening” Transitional figure between 17th c. Puritan culture and 18th century Enlightenment ideals Master’s degree from Yale (known for conservative religious training) Studying Enlightenment philosophy: John Locke, Isaac Newton Earliest known writings: scientific examinations of natural phenomena, like storms, rainbows, etc.

7. Edwards and “The Great Awakening” Assisted his grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, at his church in Northampton, Massachusetts Became sole pastor in 1729 Remarkable success at revitalizing religious commitment with forceful language and vivid imagery Powerful effect resulted in unprecedented number of conversions in his church

8. Edwards and “The Great Awakening” Happening at the same time as mass conversions in the southern and middle colonies through the work of itinerant preachers at large camp meetings Edwards worried about delusions rather than true conversions at the camp meetings Excessive enthusiasm and emotionalism But, used some of the preachers’ rhetorical devices

9. Edwards and “The Great Awakening” Unable to sustain his popularity after the 1740’s Required a formal, public profession of conversion of a full church members Use his pulpit to chastise prominent church members for immorality Many parishioners thought he had gone too far Members voted to dismiss Edwards in 1750

10. Edwards and “The Great Awakening” Accepted a call to minister in Stockbridge, MA, as missionary to Housatonnuck Indians Position freed him focus on writings and philosophical inquires 1757, asked to serve a president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) Reduced workload so he could write Instituted controversial smallpox innoculations Had a reaction to the vaccine, became ill, and died at the age of 35

11. Edwards’ Approach True belief is something we feel, not something we comprehend only intellectually Took the difficult (for 18th c. minds) concept of “election” The most reasonable doctrine The most “delightful” doctrine, “exceeding, bright and sweet” (attempt to make salvation emotionally and aesthetically pleasing)

12. Structure: Epigraph: Starts with a quotation from Scripture Doctrine: Elucidates the doctrine it contains with Scriptural Evidence Reasons: Explains its applications in the lives of his listeners Application: Explains how the doctrine applies to one’s life Epilogue: Emphasizes arguments, provides a call to action, ends with an emotional appeal