The End For Which God Created The World Pdf
"The End for Which God Created the World" is a well-known philosophical treatise written by Jonathan Edwards, a prominent figure in American religious history. The book was first published in 1765 and remains an important work to this day. It explores the question of why God created the universe in the first place and what his ultimate purpose for doing so was. This article will provide an overview of the book and discuss some of its main themes and arguments.
The Author, Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards was a prominent American theologian and preacher who lived from 1703 to 1758. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers in American religious history and is known for his deep philosophical writings on topics such as free will, predestination, and the nature of God. "The End for Which God Created the World" is one of his most famous works and is considered a classic of American literature.
The Central Thesis of the Book
The central thesis of "The End for Which God Created the World" is that God created the universe for the express purpose of glorifying himself. Edwards argues that everything in the universe, including human beings, exists solely to bring glory to God. Even the existence of evil and suffering are ultimately for God's glory, as they provide an opportunity for him to display his mercy and justice.
The Role of Human Beings
Edwards presents a highly Calvinistic view of human beings in "The End for Which God Created the World." He argues that human beings have no free will and that everything they do is predetermined by God. However, he also emphasizes the importance of human beings in God's plans, as they are the primary means through which God displays his glory to the world.
The Relationship Between God and His Creation
One of the key themes of "The End for Which God Created the World" is the relationship between God and his creation. Edwards argues that the universe is fundamentally dependent on God and that everything in it exists solely to serve his purposes. He also emphasizes the importance of God's sovereignty and argues that everything that happens in the universe is ultimately part of his plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The End for Which God Created the World" is an important work of American religious philosophy that explores the central question of why God created the universe. Jonathan Edwards argues that everything in the universe exists solely to glorify God and that even the existence of evil is ultimately part of his plan. Despite its highly Calvinistic view of human beings, the book remains an influential work to this day and continues to be studied by philosophers and theologians around the world.