Final answer:
Jonathan Edwards was a central figure in the Great Awakening with his emotive preaching, while Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father, exemplified Enlightenment ideals, focusing on political unity and societal advancements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin
Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin were two prominent figures who made significant contributions to American history, though in markedly different domains. Edwards was a theologian and preacher who played a central role in the spiritual revival known as the Great Awakening. His fervent and persuasive preaching, most notably his sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God', exemplified his vivid depictions of hell and the need for personal salvation, sparking widespread religious fervor and conversion.
In contrast, Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers, exemplified the Enlightenment ideals. He contributed to shaping the foundations of American society through his political, scientific, and philosophical works. His famous statement 'Join or Die' became a rallying cry for colonial unity and independence, inspired by the Iroquois Nation's example of union. Franklin's vast achievements in areas such as governance, diplomacy, and literature reflect his multifaceted influence on the nascent United States.
While Edwards focused on religious and evangelical matters, putting the spotlight on an emotional connection to divine beliefs, Franklin focused more on practical matters, intellectual enlightenment, and social and political organization. Together, these figures provide a rich tapestry of the diverse ideological currents that shaped early American life and thought—Edwards representing the heart and Franklin the head of colonial American culture.
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