Jonathan Edwards Individualism

Individuality, the way in which one conducts them, expresses extreme importance in human nature. From the way we perform certain tasks to how we behave in public, a crucial factor in the never-ending journey of discovering oneself includes individuality. The perception of individuality shifts in American literature from early Puritan beliefs to the Romanticism movement. With such a significant aspect like individuality there has been plenty of various views on the subject, like the difference between Emerson's view in "Self Reliance" and Jonathan Edwards in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God".
Many philosophical and analytical scholars comment on the idea of individuality throughout the history of mankind. Every person attempts to answer
Edwards exemplifies the Puritan beliefs that people should only act to please god or they will face his wrath. Edwards also believes that the God that made the world is an angry and wrathful one that can strike at any moment. He believes "that it is not because god is unmindful of their wickedness, and does not resent it, that he does not let loose his hand and cut them off" (Edward line 12-13), explaining how God can cut off anyone at anytime if he sees fit. This view differs from the romanticism view on individuality and why people should act certain ways. Emerson takes the approach that men should act out of good morals and good intentions. He opposes the belief that
Emerson believes a great life doesn't follow a strict schedule but one that constantly changes. "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines" (Emerson 372), the hobgoblin represents a negative connotation for the foolish consistency of people who only follow god's will and demand. Emerson looks down upon these people since they do not act the way they would like to but only the way god wants them to. This does not allow for individuality, but only mindless sheep following their Shepherd. On the other hand, Edward believes this is the only way to live "Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come...." (Edward line 105-106). Edward encourages people who obey what god wants the human race to do, practically eliminating free will. Edward clearly fears god's wrath and what would occur to the human race. Not embracing their own individual aspects, hostility in the romanticism movement began. Emerson basically wrote “Self Reliance” in response to Edward's stories and people that share his same beliefs. Emerson dared to speak out against the hierarchy, "'Self-Reliance" is the culmination of Emerson's attempt to name and describe the role of individualism in an age of unsettling change causing both hope and fear in the young nation." (Mott, Wesley