"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 during the First Great Awakening, which emphasized intense emotion and a personal relationship with God. This sermon exemplifies the fervent religious atmosphere of colonial America and reflects the Puritanical beliefs that permeated colonial society, particularly the emphasis on salvation, sin, and the wrath of God. Edwards’ vivid imagery and compelling rhetoric aimed to evoke a sense of fear and urgency among his listeners, urging them to seek redemption through a deep and personal connection to faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' was delivered in Enfield, Connecticut, and is often cited as one of the most famous sermons in American history.
2. 'The sermon paints a stark picture of God's wrath, describing sinners as dangling over the pit of hell like spiders on a thread, emphasizing the precariousness of human existence without divine grace.
3. 'Edwards’ delivery was known to be dramatic and emotional, often leading to physical reactions from his audience, including crying and fainting due to overwhelming fear and conviction.
4. 'The sermon reflects the broader Puritan belief in predestination, where salvation was seen as a gift from God rather than something that could be earned by good works.'
5. 'The impact of Edwards’ sermon was profound, contributing to a renewed sense of urgency about personal salvation and leading many to join new religious movements during the First Great Awakening.'

Review Questions

• How does 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' reflect the central themes of the First Great Awakening?
  • 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' reflects central themes of the First Great Awakening by emphasizing personal religious experience, emotional intensity, and the urgency of seeking salvation. The sermon showcases how revivalist preachers like Jonathan Edwards sought to awaken listeners from spiritual complacency by delivering vivid imagery that invoked fear about divine judgment. This approach encouraged individuals to pursue a more personal relationship with God, which was a hallmark of this religious revival period.
• In what ways did Jonathan Edwards' style of preaching influence colonial society's religious landscape during his time?
  • 'Jonathan Edwards' style of preaching had a transformative impact on colonial society's religious landscape by introducing highly emotional sermons that contrasted with more traditional, formal styles. His use of vivid metaphors and intense rhetoric not only captivated audiences but also sparked widespread interest in revivalist movements. This shift encouraged many colonists to reassess their own beliefs and participate actively in their spiritual lives, thus reshaping the religious dynamics in many communities throughout colonial America.'
• Evaluate the long-term effects of 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' on American religious thought and practice.
  • 'The long-term effects of 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' on American religious thought include a lasting emphasis on personal conversion experiences and emotional expressions in worship. This sermon exemplified how fear-based rhetoric could motivate individuals toward spiritual awakening, leading to new denominations and movements focused on personal faith over institutional authority. Additionally, it set a precedent for future American evangelicalism by highlighting the importance of direct communication with God, influencing generations of preachers and shaping modern Protestant practices.'

Related terms

First Great Awakening:

'The First Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s that emphasized emotional experiences and personal faith over traditional religious practices.'

Puritanism:

'Puritanism was a religious reform movement in England that sought to purify the Church of England from remnants of Catholicism and significantly influenced the development of colonial American religious life.'

Jonathan Edwards:

'Jonathan Edwards was a preacher and theologian known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons, particularly 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' which played a significant role in the First Great Awakening.'