Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who wrote Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God?

Johnathan Edwards

What is the tone in the beginning of the piece?

Intense/passionate/dark/dire

What is the time and place of the piece?

1741/Enfield Connecticut

What context is important to know about this piece?

The Great Awakening is occurring when this piece was written. Signup and view all the answers

What does exigence refer to in this context?

Puritans came to purify the church but weren't doing what they were supposed to do. Signup and view all the answers

What does the repetition of the message of you are all going to Hell emphasize?

It emphasizes urgency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ethos presented in the sermon?

Edwards was a well-known preacher and graduated at an early age; he's a Puritan himself. Signup and view all the answers

What is Edwards's biggest tactic in his sermon?

Using guilt (guilt tripping the Puritans and telling them to act). Signup and view all the answers

Why does the message resonate with the reader?

It touches home. Signup and view all the answers

What does Edwards appeal to in his sermon?

Some success/jealousy by basically saying 'don't you want to go to Heaven like the others?' Signup and view all the answers

What was Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God?

A speech (face to face to show how urgent/important it is). Signup and view all the answers

Why is the author putting fear into the reader?

Fear keeps us alive and if we die then you don't know what's going to happen so it scares the Puritans. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone in the middle/towards the end of the piece?

Edwards is speaking as if he is righteous and it seems annoying at times. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone in the ending?

Hopeful Signup and view all the answers

What is the mood of the whole piece?

Fearful of the wrath of God Signup and view all the answers

What does pathos refer to in this context?

Instilling fear with damnation. Signup and view all the answers

What does logos refer to in this sermon?

Refers to the Bible. Signup and view all the answers

What imagery is used in the sermon?

Gruesome/vivid/dark/fire of Hell Signup and view all the answers

What does the last sentence in the piece do?

It enhances Edwards' credibility because he used a Bible verse. Signup and view all the answers

According to the opening paragraph, what keeps sinners from falling into hell?

The pleasure of God holds up sinners and keeps them from falling into hell. Signup and view all the answers

According to Edwards, what do his listeners mistakenly feel keeps them from falling into hell?

Sinners believe that if they preserve their life and commit good deeds then they are safe from being sent to hell; however, only God can save them. Signup and view all the answers

What words in the sermon's title suggest the emotional focus of Edwards's message?

The words 'Sinners' and 'Angry God.' Signup and view all the answers

What additional traits does Edwards attribute to God as the sermon progresses?

Even though the author describes God as being wrathful, he also mentions God's mercy. Signup and view all the answers

Toward the end of the sermon, what does Edwards say sinners can obtain? What must sinners do to obtain these things?

Edwards explains that sinners can obtain God's mercy. Sinners can obtain salvation for they are in the world of the living. Signup and view all the answers

Given his purpose and the audience of worshippers to whom he spoke, do you think Edwards's sermon was effective? Why or why not?

Edward's sermon must have been effective to his audience. The Puritans and all sinners were warned of their sins and how they are at God's mercy. Signup and view all the answers

What message is Edwards conveying in this sermon? Note 2 places where he directly states his purpose and message.

The message conveyed is that God is the one who determines if the sinner is meant to be sent to damnation or to salvation. '...it is nothing but His mere pleasure that keeps you from being this moment swallowed up in everlasting destruction.' Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Edwards's purpose and message are persuasive. What does he want?

Edward wants his audience to have a change in heart and to turn to God or become closer to God. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Context

Johnathan Edwards wrote "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
The sermon was delivered in 1741 in Enfield, Connecticut, during The Great Awakening, a period of religious revival.

Tone and Mood

The beginning features an intense, passionate, dark, and dire tone.
The overall mood is fearful, emphasizing the wrath of God and the danger of damnation.
The middle and ending tones evolve; mid-sermon, Edwards comes across as righteous, while the end presents a more hopeful tone.

Themes and Techniques

The sermon's urgency is highlighted through repetition of messages about hell.
Guilt is a central tactic used to motivate the Puritans to act.
The sermon addresses the common misconception that good deeds provide safety from hell, asserting only God can grant salvation.

Ethos and Credibility

Edwards has automatic ethos as a well-known preacher and a Puritan.
Use of biblical references enhances his credibility and connects his messages to the scripture.

Emotional Appeals

Pathos is significant, instilling fear of damnation and the consequences of sin.
The imagery depicted is gruesome, vivid, and centered around the fire of hell to evoke strong emotional reactions.

Key Messages

God’s pleasure sustains sinners and keeps them from hell; withdrawal would lead to immediate damnation.
Edwards encourages sinners to seek God’s mercy while there is still time, emphasizing the importance of a change of heart.

Audience Reaction and Effectiveness

The sermon likely resonated deeply with the audience, as it effectively warned them of their sins and the dire need for repentance.
Edwards's style, incorporating powerful analogies and vivid imagery, is designed to instill fear and prompt a positive transformation in the audience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Edwards conveys that salvation is determined solely by God, underlining both His mercy and judgment.
This message is communicated with the intent of urging listeners to reconsider their spiritual state and draw closer to God.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts and terms from Jonathan Edwards' sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God'. This quiz covers important elements such as tone, historical context, and biographical details related to the piece. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic work.