English Department
University of Heidelberg
HS Literature: Science and Religion
Instructor: Dr. Prof. Jan Stievermann
WS 11/12

Jonathan Edwards: The Theory of Conversion and His Disposition towards Science

Angela Abram
Am Güterbahnhof 26, 69181 Leimen angeljoy89@yahoo.com English philology, semester: 5
Matriculation number: 2828314
April 9th, 2012

1. Introduction 3

2. Jonathan Edwards 4
2.1. His Life and Calling
2.2. The Conversion Experience 6

3. Edward’s Disposition towards Science 10 3.1. Science as a Way to Know God
3.2. Book of Nature vs. Book of God 13

4. Is Empiricism Important? 14

5. Jonathan Edwards: A Scientist and Christian 18

6. Conclusion 21

Bibliography 23

Honor Pledge 24

1. Introduction

Throughout the centuries the relationship between science and religion has been at times harmonious and at other times at odds with each other. Even today we still find many religious groups who see science as a threat to their belief system. Among these groups are Evangelical Christians. We hear of concerned mothers protesting against the teaching of evolution in front schools, pastors warning their congregation about the dangers of science and many more instances of believer trying to “fight against” scientific findings that are not compatible with the word of God. However, a closer look reveals that there are and have been indeed many strong professing Christians who did not view science as a threat to their religion, but rather as more proof for the existence of God and a spiritual realm. Many of us have heard of Jonathan Edwards. He is one of the most famous preachers in Church History and is perhaps most known for is his sermon ‘Sinners in the hands of an angry God’. As a devout Christian