Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Jonathan EdwardsPage 46

Sermon

• “a speech given from a pulpit in a house of worship”– Oral counterpart of an

essay– Can take various tones– Flourished as a popular

literary form in colonial America

Jonathan Edwards• 1703-1758• “Fire and brimstone” Puritan preacher whose

presence and sermons helped bring about the Great Awakening

• Entered Yale at age 13, graduated as valedictorian

• Began preaching in 1727 (age 24)

Jonathan Edwards

• 1750 – dismissed from his position because of his extreme conservatism (alienated audiences)

• Most famous work: Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, delivered in 1741– Reportedly caused listeners to rise from their

seats in a state of hysteria

Jonathan Edwards

• Used a quiet and restrained speaking style• Audiences reportedly groaned and

screamed in terror during his sermons.• Used imagery, figurative language, and

repetition

Literary Techniques

• What is a “scare tactic”?

• Is this an effective way to motivate people?

Reading Preparation

• Look for Edwards’ use of– Metaphor– Simile– Personification– Repetition– Tone– Imagery– Analogy

*Be prepared to identify on the test!

Questions for Reading

• What does Edwards mean by saying that “men are held in the hand of God”?

• What have humans done to appease God?• On what particular fear does Edwards focus?• To whom does Edwards specifically direct this sermon?

What is his purpose?• How does Edwards depict God?• How does Edwards present a sense of urgency?

Questions for Reading

• What does Edwards say is the only way to escape God’s anger?

• What is meant by the “bent” bow and the “ready” arrow?

• What does Edwards mean by “let everyone fly out of Sodom”?

• List the comparisons Edwards uses for God’s wrath.• Why does Edwards use natural forces to reflect

God’s anger?

Vocabulary

• Provoked• Appease• Constitution• Contrivance• Inconceivable

• Omnipotent• Abhors• Abominable• Ascribed• Induce