was a
theologian in mid- to late-18th century in New England. In 1741, he preached "" (the
published pamphlet of the sermon described this as his sermon on "The Danger of the
Unconverted"). This period in colonial American history would come to be known as the Great
Awakeninga spirit of religious revivalism in the face of both the Church of England and
Puritanism.
Edwards' message can be read in several ways. First, one can read
quite clearly the theology in which he was steeped, and which he emphasized in his sermon. He
asserts that Hell is quite real, a place of eternal torment for the wicked (people who do not
wholeheartedly seek God through the mediation of Christ). The theology describes how the wicked
taste Hell even in this life, and could be taken at any time to Hell. "'Tis only the Power
and meer [sic] Pleasure of God that holds you up." Nothing can be done by man to avert the
fiery fateno amount of care for health or belief in man's wisdom and intention can alter their
wickedness. The only way to be saved from Hell is through Christ, who is the mediator of God's
covenant of grace.
From a broader perspective, this sermon is one of the best
examples of a period known as the Great Awakening. Characterized by refuting the dry, staid
religion of the Church of England and Puritanism, the Great Awakening introduced an experience
of religion, evoking a greater intimacy with God through sometimes-intense fervor and emotion in
prayer.
These experiences led to religious and political shifts. A new
boldness in the face of religious authority led to a greater sense of ownership of and
participation in the worship of God. This brought about the rise of various denominations
instead of uniformity. This new understanding that religious authority was not a sole source for
salvation would translate over the next decades into the political arena. Political authority
would no longer be attributed to a single monarch. The revolution would
begin.
No comments:
Post a Comment