Term Papers on Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

Term Paper Title	Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God
# of Words	957
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	3.83

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"

Jonathan Edwards's sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is moving and powerful.  His effectiveness as an eighteenth century New England religious leader is rooted in his expansive knowledge of the Bible and human nature, as well as a genuine desire to "awaken" and save as many souls as possible.  This sermon, delivered in 1741, exhibits Edwards's skillful use of these tools to persuade his congregation to join him in his Christian beliefs.
As many religious leaders before and after him, Edwards's source of inspiration and guidance is the Bible.  His understanding of this cornerstone of New England society enables him to reinforce a persuasive dissertation with biblical quotes and passages; however, not all the quotes sited by Edwards support his interpretations exclusively.  Often Edwards uses parts or sections of biblical verse rather than complete text because too much information might diminish the importance of his primary intent.  These instances of manipulation occur in the doctrinal section where Edwards attempts to prove the basis of his application.  "Cut it down, why cumbereth it in the ground?", Luke 13:7, is used by Edwards to illustrate God's justifiably immediate destruction of those guilty of sin.  Absent from his selection is any mention of the moderation and patience that continues in Luke 13:8-9: "let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.  And if it bears fruit, well."  By omitting these verses of scripture, Edwards hopes to move his audience by his calling rather than at their own leisure.  Another example of manipulation occurs as Edwards proposes that sinners are already Satan's property.  In section five he states that Satan "stands ready to fall upon them and seize them as his own," yet rather than cite a biblical reference by verse, he chooses only to name it: "Luke 11:12".  Unfortunately, this particular section in Luke deals more with asking for God's salvation than giving into Satan:"If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone?  Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" Luke 11:11-13.  The complete passage shows how salvation is so easily granted whereas Edwards's purpose is to imply certain irreversible doom.  Of course, this manipulation is not always the case, but it can seem misleading under analysis.
Just as effective as language manipulation is Edwards's use of language transformation; indeed, his skillful employment of descriptive language adds a visual dimension to his message.  Even if the foundation is misinterpreted, these transformations allow any listener to mentally "see" Edwards's overall direction.  For instance, God's wrath is referred to as "great waters t...

This is ONLY a preview of the article. If you would like to view the entire document, you must subscribe to Digital Term Papers. Please register below now!

Digital Term Papers has over 63,000 essays, term papers, and book notes online. Many paper sites will charge you hundreds of dollars for a single paper. Digital Term Papers only charges $14.95 for a one month membership with instant account activation!

Don't waste anymore time! Join NOW!!!

1 Month (automatic renewal) ($14.95)

3 Months (automatic renewal) ($29.95)

6 Months (one-time billing) ($39.95)

Pay by: