The most famous of American theologian Johnathan Edwards works, ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’, was meant to instill fear in the hearts of his faithful Puritan congregation. Edwards’ sermon combines intense picture of Hell with observations of the modern world and frequent reference to Holy Scripture. He wrote his sermon during a time known as the Great Awakening. Edwards work displays values and ideal of the time in which he wrote. During the time Edwards wrote for the church in Connecticut he was not as influenced in the Great Awakening. He spoke upon the request by the church’s pastor to preach to the people by using examples and stories throughout the Bible. Edwards explained how people who fail to repent for their sins are in a volatile position. He wanted to tell the church members about the hazards of a sinful life and how being lost in those behaviors could leave you stranded in the horror of hell. At the end of the sermon, he specifies how the bible and history of the scriptures and God’s people support his religious arguments. The sermon was meant …show more content…
“There is no want of power in God to cast wicked men into hell at any moment (Edwards).” Puritans believed sinners are only permitted to remain on earth is because God is not ready to smite them. “The only reason why sinners have not fallen already, and do not fall now, is only that God’s appointed time has not yet come. For when time comes…then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight (Edwards).” Edwards directs it to the people when he says “God is a great deal angrey with great numbers that are now on earth; yea, doubtless, with many that are now in this congregation (Edwards).” Edwards sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” showed Edwards’ belief in his people to become better through Christian teaching and faithful devotion. Edwards was encouraging them to obey the religious rules in order to avoid