Question

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (1741) by Jonathan Edwards (Links to an external site.)

Links to an external site.http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1053&context=etas

What is the theme of Edwards’ message to his congregation? Why did audiences respond so favorably to Edward’s preachings? After reading your text you should know from what movement this sermon derives and the effect that this and other sermons had on the listener; use specific examples from the sermon to illustrate exactly why it was effective. What does Edwards deal with most in this sermon? Would this sermon, if given today, have the same effect on people as it did in 1741?

Answer 1

The central theme of Edwards’ message to his congregation is very clear that those who are not converted to Christianity and worship the true God of Christianity would be punished severely by God himself. He also insists that these people will be always outlaws and outcasts who would be a threat to Christianity thus punishing them becomes inevitable and unavoidable.

Religious fervour was at its peak during those days and it was fear of the unknown that tied people to the religion. The preachers brought terror in the minds of the people with the images of hell and angry God who punishes people. So, it’s this fear and terror that made the audiences respond so favorably to Edward’s preachings.

Most of the time, he brings the hell image and punishment that one would receive from God if one doesn’t obey God or fulfil one’s duties to God and Church. It was all about frightening the audience that makes this speech effective in those days when there was not enough scientific advancement. It will not have any effect today and people might laugh at him for his ignorance as the world and society is already becoming more pluralistic.