Religious Affections

In the 18th century, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) emerged as a pivotal figure in American religious life, serving as both a pastor and scholar in Massachusetts. Often regarded as the last of the great Puritans and a key architect of modern evangelicalism, he played a significant role during The Great Awakening in 1732—a profound religious revival that swept through his church and many others in the region. This movement ignited intense emotional responses, termed affections, manifesting as joyous outbursts and heartfelt weeping, which unsettled more conservative believers. In response, Edwards penned Religious Affections to articulate how genuine emotions could enrich Christian spirituality, provided they were grounded in robust theology and righteous practice. Today, this work is celebrated as a classic in the realm of Christian spirituality. (Summary by Matthew James Gray)