Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Go to http://edwards(dot)yale(dot)edu/archive?path=aHR0cDovL2Vkd2FyZHMueWFsZS5lZHUvY2dpLWJpbi9uZXdwaGlsby9nZXRvYmplY3QucGw/Yy4yMTo0Ny53amVv. Sinners In the Hands of An Angry God, preached a number of times by Calvinist Congregationalist preacher Jonathan Edwards in colonial New England in the early 1740's--during the "Great Awakening" of the American colonies (look that up to learn more about the social and cultural background of the time), is a fairly lengthy read, but is considered one of the most famous sermons ever preached by an American preacher; it is also a remarkable representation of marvelous use of the English language to evoke deep emotional response from listeners. Take time to read through and think about what Edwards is trying to say to the listeners. How does his description of the angry God fit in with classical Calvinist thought? What about the relationship of the sinful human to this angry God? Does Edwards uphold the classical Calvinist view of God as absolute and omnipotent? Can you think of how Edwards may also be departing somewhat from the Calvinist idea of strict predestination? Feel free (in an observational manner, not one of preaching back another sermon) to offer your reactions to this sermon. Do you consider it to be effective? Is it scary? What sort of man does Edwards seem to be, judging simply from this sermon? (He actually was one of the most intellectual men of colonial America during his lifetime, ranging widely beyond the message presented here.) This assignment will be a standard of six points, but because there is a great breadth of ways in which you might respond, I will make available two more points for especially well-considered submissions. Please carefully note the deadline.