Jonathan Edwards and the Complexities of Slave Ownership

How Could Jonathan Edwards Own Slaves?

Jonathan Edwards, the renowned theologian, is widely revered as one of the greatest preachers and pastors in American history. His works have been studied, quoted, and preached for centuries. However, in recent times, it has come to light that Edwards was a slave owner. This revelation has caused many to question how such a godly man could have participated in the evil institution of slavery.

The Historical Context of Slavery

Before we delve into Edwards' life and slave ownership, it is essential to understand the historical context of slavery. Slavery has been a part of human history for thousands of years. In the United States, slavery was a legal and accepted practice during Edwards' lifetime. Slavery was not only legal, but it was also a vital part of the economy in the southern colonies. Many of the founding fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, owned slaves.

It is crucial to understand that the concept of slavery was not new to Edwards' time. Slavery was an institutionalized practice across the world, and it was accepted by many as a necessary part of society. The Bible, too, spoke about slavery and gave instructions on how masters should treat their slaves.

Edwards' Life and Ministry

Jonathan Edwards was born in 1703 in East Windsor, Connecticut. He was the fifth of eleven children born to Timothy and Esther Edwards. Edwards was a brilliant student and graduated from Yale College at the age of seventeen. A few years later, he began his ministry as the pastor of the Congregational Church in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Edwards' ministry was marked by a deep devotion to God and a passion for preaching the gospel. He was a powerful preacher and a gifted theologian. His sermons were characterized by a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the necessity of repentance.

During his ministry in Northampton, Edwards experienced one of the most significant revivals in American history. From 1734-1735, a wave of spiritual awakening swept through the town, and many people were converted to Christianity. The revival had a profound impact on Edwards' ministry, and he became a leading figure in the Great Awakening, a spiritual movement that swept through the American colonies in the 1740s.

Edwards' Views on Slavery

Given Edwards' deep commitment to God and his passion for preaching the gospel, it is surprising to learn that he owned slaves. However, it is essential to understand that Edwards' views on slavery were shaped by the culture and society in which he lived.

Edwards believed that slavery was a necessary evil. He saw it as a part of God's providential plan and believed that it was the responsibility of slave owners to treat their slaves with kindness and compassion. Edwards did not believe that slavery was a sin, but he did acknowledge that it was a practice that could be abused.

In his Treatise on Grace, Edwards wrote, "The God of the Bible nowhere prohibits slavery, but rather gives rules for the regulation of it." Edwards believed that the Bible gave instructions on how masters should treat their slaves and that slaveholders had a responsibility to care for their slaves' physical and spiritual needs.

Despite his views on slavery, Edwards did acknowledge that slavery was a practice that could be abused. In a letter to a friend, Edwards wrote, "It is very manifest that the practice of holding our fellow creatures in slavery, and treating them as we do our beasts, is not agreeable to the principles of natural justice, and that both the law of God and nature are against it."

Edwards' Slave Ownership

While Edwards' views on slavery were nuanced, it is clear that he did own slaves. In 1731, Edwards purchased a slave named Venus for his wife, Sarah. Over the next few years, Edwards would purchase two more slaves, a man named Titus and a woman named Agrippa.

It is important to note that Edwards did not purchase his slaves. Rather, he inherited them from his father-in-law, Solomon Stoddard. Stoddard was a slave owner, and upon his death, his slaves were passed down to his daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Jonathan Edwards.

Edwards' ownership of slaves was not a secret. In fact, he wrote about his ownership of slaves in his diary and in letters to friends. However, it is clear that he did not see his ownership of slaves as a contradiction to his faith.

The Legacy of Slavery

It is clear that Edwards' ownership of slaves was a product of his time and culture. Slavery was an accepted practice in colonial America, and many Christians believed that it was a necessary evil. However, it is important to note that slavery was a grave injustice that dehumanized and oppressed millions of people.

The legacy of slavery is still felt in America today. The effects of slavery, including systemic racism and inequality, have had a profound impact on our society. As Christians, we must acknowledge the sin of slavery and work towards healing and reconciliation.

Conclusion

Jonathan Edwards was a man of deep faith and a powerful preacher. However, he was also a slave owner. While Edwards' views on slavery were shaped by the culture and society in which he lived, it is essential to acknowledge that slavery was a grave injustice that dehumanized and oppressed millions of people. As Christians, we must work towards healing and reconciliation, acknowledging the sin of slavery and working towards a more just and equitable society.

References

1. Marsden, George M. Jonathan Edwards: A Life. Yale University Press, 2003.

2. Edwards, Jonathan. The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume 16: Letters and Personal Writings. Yale University Press, 1998.

3. "Slavery and Justice." The Gospel Coalition, 2022, www.thegospelcoalition.org/topics/slavery-and-justice/.

4. "The Bible and Slavery." Bible Study Tools, 2022, www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/slavery-bible-verses/.

Keywords

Jonathan Edwards, slave ownership, historical context, slavery, Bible, Christianity, systemic racism, inequality, justice, reconciliation.