Der Heilige Geist in Jonathan Edwards Lehre und Leben

Written in 1746 during the First Great Awakening, 'Religious Affections' is a treatise by Jonathan Edwards that aims to discern the true signs of Christian conversion. Edwards argues that true religion consists largely in holy affections, emphasizing the role of emotions and the inclination of the will in religious experience. He distinguishes between legitimate and illegitimate emotions, providing twelve signs that are uncertain and twelve true signs of gracious affections. The book is a comprehensive guide to understanding the marks of a saving work of the Holy Spirit and the importance of testing one's faith to ensure it is genuine.

This sermon, preached by Jonathan Edwards in 1741, is a powerful call to repentance and faith. It vividly describes the horrors of Hell and the wrath of God towards sinners, emphasizing that only God's arbitrary will prevents the wicked from falling into Hell at any moment. Edwards uses biblical scripture and vivid imagery to illustrate the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking salvation through Christ. The sermon was a catalyst for the First Great Awakening and remains a significant work in American theological history.

In 'Freedom of the Will,' Jonathan Edwards delves into the philosophical and theological debates surrounding free will, determinism, and moral agency. He critiques the Arminian notion of libertarian freedom, arguing that every act of the will has a cause and that true freedom consists in acting according to one's own choice without external constraint, rather than in an indifferent or self-determining will. Edwards defends the Calvinist view, using biblical and philosophical arguments to explain concepts such as moral necessity, natural necessity, and the connection between the will and the understanding. The book is known for its rigorous philosophical reasoning and detailed explanations of complex theological issues.