Teachers.io

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Study Guide

Introductory Information: A sermon is a speech given by a preacher in a house of worship. A sermon is a type of oratory, or formal public speaking. Keep in mind these features of an oratory:

• It is persuasive.

• It appeals to the emotions of listeners.

• It addresses the needs of listeners.

• It calls for listeners to take action.

• It uses colorful language.

  Also, you need to look for archetypes drawn from myth, literature, and tradition. Remember that archetypes are patterns, images, and character types that are common in stories and cultures around the world.

  Summary: Edwards' sermon tells about God's anger toward the sinners in his audience. He compares God's  anger to floods and to a bow bent ready to shoot an arrow. The only thing that keeps God from dropping sinners into the fire is his mercy, according to Edwards. He tells the people that they can be reborn and save themselves from the anger.

  1. What are some clues in the reading which help you understand this was a sermon rather than a narrative? In other words, what phrases give you an idea of the purpose of this reading?

  2. What would happen to the members of Edwards' audience if God let them go?

  3. What is the definition of omnipotent? Be sure you can use this word in a sentence in case you have a context clues quiz question.

  4. Which listeners are in the hands of an angry God, according to Edwards?

  5. How does Edwards approach his listeners? Is he trying to be emotional or intellectual? How do you know?

  6. Look at the second paragraph. Of what does Edwards believe his congregation is not "sensible"?

  7. The emotional appeal of the sermon comes from the archetypes that Edwards uses. Try to find at least two archetypes in the paragraph that starts with "bow of God's wrath is bent."

  8. One technique used in a sermon is repetition, or repeating the same idea for effect. Look over the paragraph which begins with "O sinner! Consider the fearful danger...", and look for an idea/ideas that are repeated.

  9. What is the meaning of dolorous? What about ineffable?

  10. What will happen to listeners who continue in an unconverted state?

  11. How do you think a contemporary audience would react to this type of "fire and brimstone" biblical imagery?

      12. What mood or feeling is created by the images of water on page 88?

      13. In what ways do these images of the fury of water help convey Edwards' message?

      14.Note on the Afterlife: Edwards' belief in the afterlife is typical of the followers of most major religions. According to the ancient Greeks, people who led a good life were sent to Elysium, a paradise filled with sunny fields. Ancient Egyptians, too, believed in the afterlife as an agricultural land of plenty. In Norse mythology, heroes slain in battle went to Valhalla. In Buddhism and in Hinduism, the soul is reincarnated (reborn in another body or form) until it achieves a state of spiritual perfection.

      15. What is the meaning of mediator? What about induce? Again, could you define these words from context?

      16. Throughout this sermon, Edwards has painted a frightening picture of God's power and anger. In the paragraph that begins with  "How dreadful is the state of those that are daily and hourly in the danger...," Edwards begins to talk to the congregation about mercy and the opportunity for hope. Why does he do this?

      17. As an example of persuasive oratory, this sermon ends with a call to action. What does Edwards encourage his listeners to do?