Essay On Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

Don’t Rely on Yourself

(A Discussion of Jonathan Edwards’ Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God)

In today’s world, cultures are separated by religion. Some people are polytheistic, some are Buddhist, and others are Jewish. The religion that Jonathan Edwards belonged to was Christianity, in which he preached sermons, often begging people to repent of their sins. While his sermon that was called Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was a bit aggressive, he made several great points, which made it a wonderfully persuasive talk. “Jonathan Edwards is America's most penetrating, rigorous, and subtle theologian, as well as its most literarily accomplished and influential.” (Schwarz). Edwards used three methods, which were using powerful words,

intimidating language, and personal speaking, to convert others to his ways.
In Sinners, Edwards used powerful words to grasp the attention of his listeners. “That world of misery, that lake of burning brimstone, is extended abroad under you. There is the dreadful pit of the glowing flames of the wrath of God...” (87). When using words that have such a protruding voice, it is no wonder that Edwards was able to have his audience clinging on to every word. With the language he used, he was able to confuse people enough to help them see his true point, oddly enough. “Powerful words and transparency rise to the surface again and again and make the article so meaningful.” (Spann). Powerful words give boring sermons a new meaning, bringing life into the vacantness. Edwards truly was a brilliant speaker in many ways.
The second method Edwards used in Sinners was that of intimidating language.

When he spoke, others had no choice but to listen to the words that he presented to them. He often spoke in loud volumes, clutching the eyes of wandering faces. “The God that hold you over the pit of Hell, much as one holds a spider or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked…” (89). The words spewing from Edwards’ mouth during his sermon made sure that every person’s full focus was on him and him alone. “Of course, there's a difference between hearing and listening, and all of us could use practice with the latter.” (Onderko). With hearing and listening, however, Edwards made sure that there was no difference, as everyone around him heard every word with an intent heart.

Lastly, in Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Edwards uses the method of personal speaking. He could have a audience with hundreds of people and make it feel as though you were the only person there listening. “God stands ready to pity you” (89). While he was often times talking to a large group, he used words that were direct towards a single member of the congregation, not using plural words. “ It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction.” (Enfield). Edwards was an astonishing speaker because he was able to grasp the concept of getting every person’s attention, and keeping

it.
While Jonathan Edwards may have been an aggressive speaker, he was a good one. He knew how to wow people with his words, and keep them clutching to every word. “Edwards did not accept his theological inheritance passively. In his “Personal Narrative” he confesses that, from his childhood on, his mind “had been full of objections”” (Schafer). Not everyone starts their life believing, but Edwards made sure that people didn’t end their lives the same.

Works Cited
Enfield, J. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” CBN.com - The Christian Broadcasting Network, 26 Sept. 2013, www1.cbn.com/churchandministry/sinners-in-the-hands-of-an-angry-god.

Onderko. “This Is the Secret to a Healthy Relationship.” SUCCESS, 17 July 2017,
www.success.com/article/this-is-the-secret-to-a-healthy-relationship.

Schafer, Thomas A. “Jonathan Edwards.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 20 Oct. 2016, www.britannica.com/biography/Jonathan-Edwards.

Schwarz, Benjamin. “New & Noteworthy.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 1 Apr. 2003,
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2003/04/new-noteworthy/302707/.

Spann. “The 10.” Wordsandphrases.org, open.buffer.com/motivation-words/.