Market Economics vs. Christian Economics: Poverty in Jonathan Edwards's Writings

Abstract

Jonathan Edwards, an eighteenth-century theologian and preacher, is often most recognized for his teachings on hell and damnation. This stereotypical understanding prevents a proper understanding of the complexities and depth of subjects that Edwards did in fact address. Edwards preached and wrote extensively on other aspects of theology forming one of the most voluminous collections of written works in early America. Many have written analyzing Edwards theology and have traced his commentary on social, political, and economic ideas. There is however, a gap of scholarly research as to how Edwards's understanding of poor relief directly and indirectly shaped and influenced his social, political, and economic beliefs. Thus, this study has been devoted to making that connection. It specifically focuses on Edwards's understanding of the Christian's responsibility to aid the poor. It examines the works that Edwards's himself produced in order to find the basis for how Edwards's belief in aiding the poor affected his teachings on the market economy. In addition, it analyzes how Edwards utilized the language of the market in his critique of it. It is primarily focused on the works in which Edwards used economic language and ideas, and seeks to understand the source of such viewpoints.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2006

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Beiler, Rosiland J.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

History

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022077

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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