Sunday, August 26, 2007

Jonathan Edwards in American History


Assignment for Thursday, August 30: To complement our discussion of Puritanism on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, we will focus on the life of Jonathan Edwards, a notable minister from western Massachusetts (b. 1703, d. 1758). Edwards is the subject of considerable controversy, interest, and fascination. I've studied him since 1998 and have read most of what he wrote, including many of his sermons--even some in 18th century manuscript form.


While a mere day does not do justice to the complexity of Edwards, I'd like us to examine some of his accessible key works to prepare for discussion. You must complete a primary document analsyis form for each document (3 total).


By Wednesday evening if not before, introduce yourself to JE by reading a short biography of JE here.


Document 1: Read the first 5 pages or so of the Resolutions

Document 2: Read the first 5 or 6 pages of the Personal Narrative

Document 3: Juniors, read a few pages of Distinguising Marks (after reading the intro read of few sections of DM here), and sophomores read a few pages of Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.


You have plenty of time to read before Thursday; come prepared with analysis forms complete.


[Thanks to the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale for providing JE resources.]

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

When I open the 3 documents all that comes up is the introductory to them. I don't know where I can find the 5 pages that I'm supposed to read for each. Is anyone else having this problem or is there anyone that can help me?

Phil said...

There's a link to a pdf file at the end of each introduction; the analysis form to fill out is under links @ Primary Document Analysis (also a pdf file).

Who is anonymous?

Anonymous said...

it is jennifer gurney, thank you for the help!

Anonymous said...

Hey Dr. Phil! its sarah leatherwood, and i've read all the documents but i cant find the analysis form anywhere...?