100% (1)
Pages:
1 pages/≈550 words
Sources:
1
Style:
APA
Subject:
Religion & Theology
Type:
Essay
Language:
English (U.S.)
Document:
MS Word
Date:
Total cost:
$ 3.96
Topic:

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Essay Instructions:
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.
Essay Sample Content Preview:

Topic: Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Student`s Name:
Professor`s Name
Course
15 November 2011
The sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is one of the most widely studied sermons in history. This sermon was preached on July 8, 1741 by Jonathan Edwards in Enfield, Connecticut during the great awakening period. It is important to know that this period coincided with the "enlightenment era". This paper seeks to explain the relationship between Edward`s description of the angry God and the classical Calvinist thought. It shall also ascertain the relationship between the sinful human to his angry God. Moreover it shall seek to find out Edward`s subscription to the Calvinist idea that God is absolute and omnipotent. In addition we shall look at how Edward departs from the Calvinist idea of strict predestination. Finally we shall determine the effectiveness of the sermon and ascertain if it is scary and the type of audience the sermon targeted.
It is important to note that this sermon is delivered during the enlightment era. This is the era when scientific reasoning was emphasized to understand various aspects of human life and nature in general. This was also the period of the great awakening when people were encouraged to look at religion and salvation as an individual affair and not to follow church doctrine for its sake. The classical Calvinist believes that there are people that are predestined unconditionally for wrath. Similarly Edward seems to agree with him that some people will experience the wrath of God. According to Edward sinners who have not received Christ are eternally condemned.
There exist a sour relationship between the sinful people and their angry God. The sinful people in this case are...
Updated on
Get the Whole Paper!
Not exactly what you need?
Do you need a custom essay? Order right now:
Sign In
Not register? Register Now!