Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Definition

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is a sermon delivered by Jonathan Edwards in 1741 that vividly portrays the precarious state of sinners before God’s wrath. The sermon is a quintessential example of the Great Awakening's emotional and revivalist preaching style, emphasizing the urgency of repentance and the terrifying consequences of sin. Edwards' intense imagery and powerful rhetoric aimed to awaken his listeners to their moral failings and their need for salvation, illustrating the broader religious fervor of the time and its literary impact through persuasive texts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jonathan Edwards delivered this sermon during a period of intense religious revival, aiming to convert individuals by instilling fear of eternal damnation.
2. The sermon uses powerful metaphors, such as comparing sinners to a spider dangling over a fire, to illustrate humanity's vulnerability and God's judgment.
3. Edwards emphasized that salvation is not guaranteed and can only be achieved through true repentance and faith in Christ.
4. The impact of this sermon extended beyond its immediate audience, influencing American religious thought and literature, reinforcing themes of sin and redemption.
5. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God played a significant role in shaping evangelical Christianity in America, highlighting the effectiveness of emotional preaching in engaging congregations.

Review Questions

• How does Jonathan Edwards use imagery in Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God to convey his message about sin and salvation?
  • Edwards employs vivid imagery throughout Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God to evoke strong emotional responses from his audience. For instance, he compares sinners to a spider over a pit of fire, emphasizing their precarious position before God’s wrath. This dramatic imagery not only illustrates the seriousness of sin but also serves to instill fear, encouraging listeners to seek salvation urgently. The effectiveness of this imagery reflects the broader revivalist trend during the Great Awakening, which aimed to awaken spiritual awareness among congregants.
• In what ways does Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God reflect the characteristics of revivalism during the Great Awakening?
  • Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God embodies key characteristics of revivalism, particularly its emotional appeal and focus on personal conversion. Edwards' sermon is marked by its urgent tone and dramatic delivery, intended to provoke immediate responses from listeners. The emphasis on individual sinfulness and the necessity for personal repentance aligns with revivalist goals of reawakening faith within individuals. This aligns with the broader movement during the Great Awakening that sought to foster deeper spiritual connections through intense preaching and heartfelt worship.
• Evaluate the long-term effects that Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God had on American religious thought and literature.
  • The long-term effects of Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God on American religious thought are profound. This sermon not only solidified Jonathan Edwards’ reputation as a leading figure in American theology but also established a precedent for emotional and fervent preaching styles that would permeate evangelical movements. Its themes continue to resonate in contemporary Christian thought, particularly concerning sin, redemption, and divine judgment. In literature, Edwards’ work influenced future writers who adopted similar rhetorical techniques, thereby contributing to a rich tradition of moralistic and didactic literature that engages readers through vivid imagery and compelling narratives.

Related terms

Great Awakening: A series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the 18th century, marked by passionate preaching and a focus on personal piety and emotional experience.

Fire and Brimstone: A style of preaching that emphasizes the dangers of hell and divine punishment, often used to instill fear in listeners to encourage moral behavior.

Revivalism: A movement aimed at reawakening individuals to religious faith, often through emotional appeal and fervent worship, which was prevalent during the Great Awakening.