Question

In Jonathan Edwards's sermon from American Literature, identify three word pictures or images he uses to convey his point.

a. Fire and brimstone
b. The spider over the pit
c. The bow of God's wrath
d. The storm of divine judgment

Answer 1

Jonathan Edwards utilizes vivid imagery in his sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' including 'fire and brimstone,' a 'spider over the pit,' and 'the bow of God's wrath' to emphasize the dangers of sin and the urgency of redemption.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Jonathan Edwards's influential sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," he uses powerful imagery to convey his points about the perilous state of sinners and the possibility of divine retribution. Three stark word pictures that Edwards employs include:

Fire and brimstone, which evokes visions of the fiery torments awaiting the wicked in hell.

The analogy of a spider dangling precariously over a pit, symbolizing the fragile position of humanity over the abyss of divine judgment.

The bow of God's wrath, a metaphor suggesting that God's destructive power is ready to be unleashed on the sinners.

These graphic images served to awaken the audience to the reality of their spiritual condition and the urgency of seeking salvation. The emotional intensity of the sermon contributed significantly to the Great Awakening, promoting fervent religious experience throughout the colonies.