Jonathan Edwards & "Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God"

Edward's vivid descriptions of Hell are meant to frighten his audience. This can be inferred from the fact that vivid descriptions of Hell are typically used to evoke fear and terror in people. By using such descriptions, Edward intends to create a sense of horror and unease among his audience, thereby achieving his goal of frightening them.

In the sermon, Edwards initially adopts a sorrowful tone to emphasize the terrifying consequences of sin and the impending judgment. However, as the sermon progresses, his tone shifts to a more hopeful one. He begins to offer a glimmer of redemption and salvation, providing the listeners with a sense of relief and optimism. This transition from a frightening tone to a hopeful one is evident in Edwards's words and the overall message of the sermon.

In his sermon, Edwards aims to frighten his congregation in order to make them realize the urgency of returning to Puritanism and seeking salvation. By using vivid and terrifying descriptions of God's wrath and the impending doom of sinners, Edwards hopes to provoke a sense of fear and guilt among his listeners. This fear is intended to motivate them to repent, turn back to their Puritan roots, and seek salvation before it is too late.

Edwards compares each of his listeners to "a spider or some loathsome insect held over the fire" to emphasize the powerlessness of human beings in comparison to God. This comparison suggests that just as a spider or insect has no control or ability to escape when held over a fire, humans are similarly powerless and insignificant in the face of God's supreme power and authority. The analogy serves to highlight the vast difference in power and control between humans and God, emphasizing the need for humility and submission to God's will.

The correct answer is "is often angry and vengeful." This is because the statement "Edwards presents God as a being who is often angry and vengeful" directly matches one of the given options. The other options, such as "continually redefines the universe," "enjoys human suffering and misery," and "easily forgives repentant sinners," are not supported by the information provided in the question.

The central message of the sermon is that the only hope for salvation lies in Christian rebirth. This means that individuals can only attain salvation by accepting Jesus Christ as their savior and being born again spiritually. The sermon emphasizes that good deeds and constant prayer are not sufficient for salvation, and that true salvation can only be achieved through a personal relationship with Jesus.

Jonathan Edwards used vivid and terrifying imagery in his sermons to evoke fear and repentance in his audience. The bow and arrow ready to pierce one's heart symbolizes the imminent danger and the consequences of sin. The flood waters held back by God's hand represent the wrath and power of God, ready to unleash destruction. The lake of burning brimstone symbolizes the eternal torment of hell. However, a wide, gaping canyon does not fit into the theme of imminent danger or divine punishment, making it the exception.

The use of a biblical quotation at the end of Edwards's sermon strengthens his argument by associating it with an authority respected by the audience. By referencing the Bible, Edwards appeals to the audience's belief in the religious text and the authority it holds. This helps to reinforce his argument and make it more persuasive to the listeners.