American Lit
how did Jonathan Edwards balance his idea and his religion?
Here are two excellent articles on Edwards.
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/edwards/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Edwards_(theologian)
To understand how Jonathan Edwards balanced his ideas and religion, it's important to examine his background and beliefs. Jonathan Edwards was a prominent American theologian and preacher during the Great Awakening, a religious revivalist movement in the 18th century.
1. Study Jonathan Edwards' writings and sermons: To gain insight into how he balanced his ideas and religion, you can explore his works. Edwards wrote extensively on religious topics, such as sin, salvation, and divine sovereignty. Some of his notable writings include "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and "Freedom of the Will."
2. Analyze his religious beliefs: Edwards was a devout Puritan and believed in the absolute sovereignty of God. His writings reflected his commitment to religious principles and the importance of personal piety. For Edwards, religion was not just a set of abstract ideas but a deeply personal relationship with God.
3. Understand his intellectual inclinations: Alongside his religious devotion, Edwards also had a keen intellectual curiosity. He delved into various philosophical ideas and engaged with thinkers like John Locke and Isaac Newton. Edwards was known for his rigorous intellectual pursuits and sought to reconcile his religious beliefs with philosophical concepts.
4. Recognize the tension between reason and faith: Edwards acknowledged the tension between reason and faith, but he did not see them as mutually exclusive. He considered reason as a tool to understand and interpret religious truth. However, he emphasized that faith and revelation were essential for a genuine religious experience.
5. Explore his concept of "affections": Edwards placed a significant emphasis on religious affections, which referred to the sincere emotions and heartfelt experiences of believers. He believed that true religious experiences were characterized by intense emotions rooted in love for God. Edwards saw this focus on affections as a way to bridge the divide between intellectual understanding and religious devotion.
In summary, Jonathan Edwards balanced his ideas and religion by blending his devout beliefs with intellectual inquiry. He believed that reason could complement faith, and he emphasized the importance of authentic religious experiences rooted in intense emotions and personal affections for God. To fully understand his approach, it is advisable to delve into his writings and explore the intricacies of his religious philosophy.