Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Jonathan Edwards dismissed, Reformation leader born, Moravians

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Jonathan Edwards dismissed from his parish – June 22, 1750

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), notable American preacher of the "First Great Awakening."
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), notable American preacher of the "First Great Awakening." | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Jonathan Edwards, the famed Puritan preacher and evangelist, was dismissed from his pastorate in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Renowned for his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Edwards found himself removed from his church leadership for multiple reasons.

Jeremy M. Kimble of Cedarville University cited several reasons in a 2017 column for Crossway, including "his requests for an increase in salary," "his response to 'bundling' among the youth," and "his opposition to the 'Halfway Covenant,' and Stoddard's doctrine of the Lord's Supper as a 'converting ordinance.'"

"Of the 230 men who voted, only 23 stood in his favor," wrote Kimble. "Edwards, while certainly not a perfect pastor, loved his people to the end, and sought to guide them to a place of ever-increasing maturity, knowing they will one day stand before Christ as Judge."

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles