What was the difference between Jonathan Edwards' and Benjamin Franklin's positions during the enlightenment?
Jonathan Edwards was a preacher and theologian who focused on religious revival and the concept of divine sovereignty, emphasizing sinners' need for salvation. In contrast, Benjamin Franklin was a scientist, inventor, and statesman who promoted practical knowledge, rationality, and self-improvement through his writings on virtues and the pursuit of happiness. Their differing positions reflected the broader contrast between religious fervor and rational enlightenment ideals during the 18th century.