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American Rationalism Research Paper

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According to elements of literature the writers that helped inspire the American revolution based the arguments that they made off of Rationalism. “Rationalism, a movement that marked the beginning of the age of reasoning in Europe in the seventeenth century, is based on the belief that human beings can discover the truth by using reason rather than relying solely on religious faith” (Christenbury). And this is what lead to what we know as deism. “Deism is the belief that people could understand the world and guide their lives by their capacity to reason” (Christenbury). We use this today in our society even more than they did back then. The Puritan and foundational time period of American literature had many authors and characteristics. …show more content…

“Edwards became known widely for his fiery sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," which implored parishioners to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ before they were banished to hell as nonbelievers” (Johnathan Edwards biography). Johnathan’s works consisted of the idea of free will and a firm confidence in Gods righteousness. Also wrote Religious affections, and The Freedom of the will. “The sermons and writings of Jonathan Edwards helped to shape the course of Protestant theology before, during, and after The Great Awakening of 1740-1742” (Johnathan Edwards Biography). He would later die March 22nd, 1758, in Princeton New …show more content…

He was the third born out of ten children. He would later go on to be the Draftsmen of the US Declaration of independence. “Thomas Jefferson was one of the earliest and most fervent supporters of the cause of American independence from Great Britain. He was Elected to the Virginia house of Burgesses in 1768, and joined its radical bloc, led by Patrick Hennery and George Washington. In 1774, Jefferson penned his first marker political work, “A Summary View of the Rights of British America,” which established his reputation as one of the most eloquent advocates of the American cause” (Thomas Jefferson). He would later die July 4th, 1826 in bed.
The people and traits of the Puritan and Foundational times were very influential, and that’s where the belief that people can find the truth by using reason. The belief that people can find truth by reason came from the puritan time and is still believed by many people today. Without reason we wouldn’t have half the things we have today, can you imagine a world where nobody used reason, where there is no reasoning at

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