Question

Question 4 (3 points)

In paragraph 3, Edwards writes that people have no more chance of keeping themselves from falling into hell
"than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock. Why is this comparison effective?
The image of a spider falling through the sky would make even the bravest person seek cover.
Spider webs are sticky, and as such the rock would be caught. This conveys the sheer strength of human
nature and our innate desire to overcome.
The image of a heavy rock falling through a fragile spider web helps convey the vulnerability of
humanity's position in relation to God's power
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God has ultimate control over a person's destiny, just as the spider has control of his web.

Answer 1

The image of a heavy rock falling through a fragile spider web helps convey the vulnerability of humanity's position in relation to God's power.

The main thesis of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is that the congregation members should repent of their sinful lifestyle, or they will go to hell. The sinners are the spiders, and their artificial righteousness is the cobweb. Jonathan Edwards is saying that just like the spider's web won't be strong enough to stop a rock from falling through it, his audience's prayers and small efforts won't be enough to protect them from hell fire unless they seek forgiveness and change their ways.