“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” A Sermon by Jonathan Edwards

Puritans in the 18th Century By the early 1700’s, Puritanism in America had declined morally. The Puritan way of life had deteriorated. The Puritan Church had begun to replicate The Church of England.

The Great Awakening Puritans noticed that ministers benefited financially from the church, rather than spiritually. This was deemed to be sacrilegious to many. Puritans rebelled, trying to return Puritanism to its roots. This is called “The Great Awakening.”

Jonathan Edwards One of the many preachers to take part in the Great Awakening.

Edwards’ Education Fluently spoke 7 languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Hebrew, and Greek) by the age of 9. Wrote several theological essays studied in theology classes before he was 10. Started and preached in his own church by the age of 11. (source: Norton’s Anthology of American Lit.)

Edwards’ Education Entered Yale University at the age of 13. Graduated a year early as his class valedictorian. Earned his Master’s Degree in Theology by the age of 19.

Edwards and the Public Known for his fiery sermons that confronted the public on their hypocrisy. His confrontational manner and demanding expectations labeled him “The Last American Puritan.”

Edwards’ Disgust Edwards felt that the Puritan people had weakened morally. Their souls were corrupt. No one was Elected.

Reactions to “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” His most popular sermon was delivered in Enfield, Connecticut in 1741. During his speech, church members broke into tears, fainted, ran around the church in hysterics, cried, and screamed in horror. Puritans in attendance wrote of the smell of urine and a few declared to see devils flying around the room while Edwards was “bathed in the Protective Light of God, His Majesty the Lord!” Edwards had to demand silence multiple times.

Sinners (cont’d) Edwards used figurative language (various metaphor structures) to sway his audience to recognizing their own sins, weaknesses, and unavoidable Damnation.

Some Metaphoric Styles Used… Similes: Using “like” or “as” Symbolism: A simple object to represent a larger, more abstract idea. Conceit (or Extended Metaphor): A metaphor that elaborates on the connection between two objects.

The End of Puritanism in America In 1750, Edwards was asked to leave his post. His sermons were deemed to be too much for people to handle. Edwards spent the remaining years of his life converting Mohicans to Christianity. Died of small pox in 1759.