The Enlightenment American Lit.

What are other names the Enlightenment Period are also known as?

Age of Reason

The “Modern Era”

What are the key principles or values of the Enlightenment Period?

Belief that all men are created equal and endowed with certain natural rights

Belief that God exists and created the universe

God gave the ability to reason

Belief that the universe operated by a rational formula

The idea that order can be found everywhere in the natural world, found in science, not religion

Belief that government exist only by the consent of the governed

Most of the writings of the Enlightenment period were aimed at what goal?

To apply reason and scientific methods to society to better the whole of the community, rather than the individual

What is deism?

The new religious movement that was a faith without church or churchmen. Validated by mathematics, scientific observation, and logic instead of divine revelation

Holds that reason and observation of the natural world, without the need for organized religion, can determine that the universe is the product of an all-powerful creator.

What is the Great Awakening?

Religious spread of ideas that ignited spiritual revelation/revival and encouraged people to go to church for an “experience” rather than just to listen to a message/sermon

Who are two important figures/writers of the Great Awakening?

Jonathan Edwards - Puritan minister who used Calvinist ideas and theology to write a fire and brimstone sermon called “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” that was intended to restore the original sense of religious commitment that he felt had been lost.

George Whitefield - English Anglican minister known for his passionate preaching style that fueled the Great Awakening

What is Calvinism?

Theological system of John Calvin and his followers marked by strong emphasis on sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the doctrine of predestination.

What was the goal of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”? That is, what was the intended purpose of the sermon?

To encourage a renewed sense of spiritual revival among the congregation and to have people have a religious “experience” instead of just listening to a sermon

Consider the images and analogies utilized by Edwards throughout the sermon. What are the prominent themes communicated by the images and analogies that Edward employs?

Humans are inherently sinful. It is only by God’s mercy and grace alone that you are not cast into the pits of hell right now. He intends to convey the imminent dangers of divine wrath and human helplessness. He wants others to understand human righteousness alone will not help you escape eternal damnation.

What scripture does Edwards use as the premise for his sermon?

Deuteronomy 32:35 Their foot shall slide in due time.