Jonathan, Edwards: The Great Awakener

by Helen K. Hosier

Those who remember Jonathan Edwards (1703--1758) only for his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" overlook his many and varied contributions to American church history. A man of powerful intellect, Edwards is credited with instigating America's first Great Awakening. Beginning in 1734, six sudden conversions in his parish turned into a flood of thirty per week, ultimately drawing people from up to a hundred miles away. In addition to preaching, Edwards also wrote several books, including Treatise on Religious Affections, served as a missionary to Native American tribes, and was briefly president of the College of New Jersey (later Princeton). He died at age fifty-four after receiving a smallpox inoculation.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Timothy S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible book about one of the leading figures behind the I Great Awakening. I learned so much from and about Mr. Edwards and saw his spirit for lost souls and missions. The thing that stood the most out to me was Edwards’ respect for the Bible and that he read and studied Scripture for himself even if it led him to a conclusion that wasn’t popular among religious leaders.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Edwards' biography.
I was not a fan of him before this, but I like him more now, after reading about all he went through as a minister. His devotion to his congregation, to others' spiritual wellbeing (his children, neighbour's children, parishioners), his love for his wife and kids - his practical life spoke well of him.
It would have been good for me to read these kinds of biographies when I was a teen. I would have been more prepared for the reality of life in my twenties in so many aspects.

[Linda Yezak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Edwards always fascinated me. What's sad is that there are so few people who engage in the amount of study and reflection these days as there were back then. Too many distractions now, and none are as productive as before screens were introduced into our culture.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Edwards is one of my favorite pillars of the Christian faith. His is probably the most brilliant philosopher and theologian american has produced. His writing is amazing.



This was a good biography of his suprisingly short life. It was a review from a seminar class I took 5-6 years ago and it was good to skim through and remind myself of the key points in his life. Some of the best reading I've done has been the writings of Jonathan Edwards, a rare and unseen depth and insight.



As I've told my middle school kids, Jonathan Edwards and the Great Awakening is one of the events/people who helped set the stage for an independant America. The great awakening helped people govern their own behavior, a pre-requisit for any kind of repulican or democratic government. A man to be appreciated by a slow reading of his works. This quick biography helps set the context for his writings.

[JD']

The best examples of parents who loved their children can be seen by looking at Jonathan and Sarah, the godliest couple during the 18th century. Jonathan Edwards was their most famous son, a revivalist preacher during the Great Awakening.
Their other children would become some of the most important and wealthiest men and women in America. 13 kids became university professors, 65 kids became professors, 100 kids became lawyers, 1 law dean, 30 kids became judges, 66 kids became doctors, 1 medical dean, 80 kids became government officials, 3 US senators, 3 mayors of large cities, 3 governors, 1 controller of the US treasury and 1 vice president of America.
When we love God with all of our heart like Jonathan and Sarah Edwards, I believe God will protect and bless our children for many years to come.

[Marshall Walter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic biography but great for a quick overview. Appreciate the work and character of Edwards very much.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this history of one of the foremost theologians of the 1700's.