Tag Archives: Benjamin Franklin

Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 5)

Over the last few days (with a few interruptions in between) we have been comparing Jonathan Edwards with Benjamin Franklin. So far we have seen how different they were in their religious upbringings, their attitude towards tradition, and their views on virtue. Today we wrap up this series by comparing their views on science andContinue reading “Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 5)”

Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 4)

Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin lived in an era marked by change. People’s view of the natural world was changing, people’s views on religion and theology were changing, and people’s views on the nature of authority and government were really changing. Both men grew up in a particular tradition and they had to navigate theirContinue reading “Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 4)”

Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 3)

Last time we took a look at the difference between Jonathan Edwards’ and Benjamin Franklin’s religious upbringings. Today we will take a look at the difference in their attitudes towards tradition. Jonathan and Benjamin on Tradition Benjamin Franklin is known for being a progressive thinker. His progressivism and tendency to break from tradition is especiallyContinue reading “Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 3)”

Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 2)

George Marsden loved to study history (I guess he still loves because he is still alive) by comparing major historical figures. In, A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards, George compares Ben Franklin with Jonathan Edwards. Over the next few days I want to highlight some of the comparisons the Marsden makes: Jonathan and Ben’s PiousContinue reading “Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 2)”

Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 1)

While at Fuller Seminary one of my favorite professors was George Marsden. George wasn’t on the regular faculty, he was just a visiting professor, nevertheless it was cool to have him come in every year and teach an intensive on Evangelicalism & Fundamentalism or Jonathan Edwards & C.S. Lewis. Learning about Edwards from him wasContinue reading “Edwards and Franklin (Pt. 1)”