Question

List three specific techniques Edwards uses in this sermon to persuade his congregation.

A) Emotional appeals
B) Biblical references
C) Repetition of key points
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Jonathan Edwards used emotional appeals, biblical references, and repetition of key points as techniques to persuade his congregation, particularly in his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," which had a profound impact during the Great Awakening.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jonathan Edwards utilized multiple techniques in his sermons to persuade his congregation. Three specific techniques include:

• Emotional appeals: Edwards appealed to various emotions such as fear and urgency to motivate his listeners toward salvation, particularly in his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." His vivid descriptions of hell and God's anger created a strong emotional response.
• Biblical references: He frequently used scripture to support his points, grounding his arguments in the authority of the Bible, lending ethos to his sermons.
• Repetition of key points: Edwards repeated his main arguments throughout his sermons, emphasizing the central themes and ensuring they made a lasting impact on his audience.

These techniques, by engaging the listeners emotionally, intellectually, and through the repetition of strong messages, were highly effective during the Great Awakening.