EDWARDS, Jonathan (1703-1758):
a staunch CALVINIST and probably the greatest American
philosopher of all time and an outstanding REVIVALIST PREACHER and theologian who played
the key role in the GREAT AWAKENING, 1734-1735. His early writings covered various
subjects, i.e. SOCIOLOGY and PSYCHOLOGY of RELIGION, see Concerning Religious
Affections (1746); philosophical works, see The Freedom of the Will (1754)
which was a reply to John LOCKE, and theological treaties, such as Original Sin
(1758). Like AUGUSTINE, he combined a highly intellectual speculative outlook with
personal PIETY and devotion to GOD.