Many regard Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) as the most important theologian in American history. Edwards was a pastor, theologian, and philosopher. He was a brilliant man who entered Yale at the age of 13. Jonathan Edwards was one of the most prominent figures of the Great Awakening in the 1730's and 1740's. He was pastor of Northampton Church, a missionary to American Indians, and president of Princeton College.
Jonathan Edwards grandfather, father, father-in-law, a son, and several grandsons were all ministers. He was also the grandfather of the third vice president of the United States, Aaron Burr. Jonathan Edwards married Sarah Pierrepont in 1727. The couple had 11 children.
Jonathan Edwards wrote several books including, "Religious Affections" and "Freedom Of The Will." In Religious Affections he dealt with issues of true religious experience and true Christian conversion. In Freedom Of The Will he dealt with the issue of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
Jonathan Edwards most famous sermon was "Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God." He was a Reformed Christian theologian with a high view of God and the Bible. Edwards has been referred to as the Last Puritan. Many of his works are now available in modern English.
