Question

Write an argumentative essay of no less than 750 words, in which you explain why you think early American settlers were persuaded by Edwards's sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."

Answer 1

Jonathan Edwards's sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", persuaded early American settlers because of its vivid imagery, its alignment with the Great Awakening's emphasis on personal piety, and the culture's existing religious fervor. His use of reason combined with emotional appeal resonated deeply with audiences, leading to widespread conversions and increased church attendance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The persuasive power of Jonathan Edwards's sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", can be attributed to several factors that resonated deeply with early American settlers. Edwards's vivid depictions of hell and the terrors awaiting sinners played upon the prevalent religious beliefs and fears of among the people of New England.

His sermon came during the Great Awakening, a period of religious revival that emphasized personal piety and a more emotional connection with God, which was a stark contrast to the previously more subdued Puritan practices.

Edwards's approach to revival combined reason and a restrained yet potent emotional appeal, as opposed to the more overtly emotional style of preachers like George Whitefield, with whom he had a mutually influential relationship. However, the effect of his sermons on audiences could be highly emotional, often resulting in weeping, shouting, and fainting among the congregants.

Edwards's effective use of fear as a rhetorical device is seen in passages where he describes the precarious position of sinners, on the brink of eternal dammnation, to stir his audience to seek salvation. His language was vivid and evocative, painting a stark picture of the consequences of sin.

Furthermore, the cultural context of the time, which was steeped in religious fervor, made his audience much more receptive to his message.

The impact of Edwards's sermon was so significant that it contributed to driving a wave of conversions and increased church attendance, marking him as a pivotal figure in the spiritual revival of the era. The overarching need for securing one's salvation in the uncertain world of colonial America provided fertile ground for Edwards's urgent message to take root.

Answer 2

There are many reasons why early American settlers were persuaded by the sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," such as their historical context, the power of the speech and the strength of their faith.

The historical context that the early settlers lived in contributed to the power of the sermon. The sermon was written during a period called the Great Awakening. During this time period, people approached religion in new and innovative ways. Religion began to be seen as a deeply personal matter, and one that should be lived fully and intensely. This gave rise to preachers such as Jonathan Edwards, who was known for his passionate and heartfelt sermons, such as this one.

Moreover, the sermon was powerful in the way in which it was written. Edwards employs extensive rhetorical devices as well as powerful imagery that make the sermon extremely vivid.

Finally, the early American settlers were persuaded by the sermon due to the strength of their convictions. In general, early American settlers valued religion highly, and they gave it a prominent place in their lives. This made people more likely to listen to passionate preachers such as Jonathan Edwards.