Jonathan Edwards gained fame for preaching the sovereignty of God, the evil of all humans, the danger of hell, and the need for a New Birth. This is when Edwards preached his most famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" in 1741. Edwards became disfavored in his church and from area ministers in 1748. He called for stricter requirements on receiving communion than did Stoddard. Edwards believed too many pretenders and unbelievers were being accepted into church membership. The controversy led into Edwards' dismissal from the Northampton church in 1750. Scholars see the event as a turning point in American religious history. Many believe Edwards' ideas of faith on God's grace instead of good works began a rejection of Puritan attitudes widespread in New England up to that time.
Jonathan Edwards gained fame for preaching the sovereignty of God, the evil of all humans, the danger of hell, and the need for a New Birth. This is when Edwards preached his most famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" in 1741. Edwards became disfavored in his church and from area ministers in 1748. He called for stricter requirements on receiving communion than did Stoddard. Edwards believed too many pretenders and unbelievers were being accepted into church membership. The controversy led into Edwards' dismissal from the Northampton church in 1750. Scholars see the event as a turning point in American religious history. Many believe Edwards' ideas of faith on God's grace instead of good works began a rejection of Puritan attitudes widespread in New England up to that time.