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Jonathan Edwards – An Overview When one hears the name, Jonathan Edwards, the first thought to come to mind is often that of a, “harsh dogmatist who terrified his listeners with his fire-and-brimstone sermons” (Dematteis). Edwards however, was and still is regarded by his peers and critics for being, “America’s first great philosopher” (Hatch 143) and, “a significant intellectual”(Dematteis). Edward’s became highly regarded through his many sermons and treatises that were shaped by his childhood, education and the time in which he lived. It is because of these same sermons and treatises though, that he also became disregarded and despised by many. Jonathan Edwards’ childhood, education, and family had a profound impact on his life ergo his work and way of thinking. He was born on October 5, 1703 in East Windsor, Connecticut amidst the great Puritan era, the son, grandson, and great-grandson of Protestant ministers (Levin xix). His father, Reverend Timothy Edwards, took upon him the job educating his son, focusing primarily on religion, specifically, “the idea of evangelical theology” (Hatch 143)(Griffin). At the age of 13 Edwards entered the Collegiate School, later named Yale, in New Haven where hi