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Rhetorical Analysis Of Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

462 Words2 Pages

Khalid Tokhi
Mrs. Lee
English 3H, Period 3 28 October, 2014

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Writing Assessment

“Unconverted men walk over the pit of hell on a rotten covering”. The Puritans of the early 1700s were continually informed of the consequences that awaited them if they were to lead a life of sin. Time and time again, Puritans were told that wrongdoing would point them directly to Hell where they were said to face the extreme wrath of God. Jonathan Edwards, a rather charismatic preacher of his time, dedicated much of his time and effort to convert and convince his audience of a spiritual rebirth. He made certain of this through his sermons with “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” considered by far one of his most influential. In "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Edwards utilizes various rhetorical devices that deeply contribute to the thoroughness of his preachment. Also, he preaches the immense fear of all sinners, packed with metaphors, precise diction, and vivid imagery to frighten all wrongdoers into being reborn. …show more content…

Edwards' distinct diction is put to work to descriptively describe the power of the Lord and the unpleasant Hellfire that awaits the sinners. Such words efficiently infiltrate into the minds of his audience and scare them greatly. Edwards held his congregation locked up with his assurance of eternal damnation if the correct course of action was not taken. The church assembly felt the great impact of his rhetorical tactics and had the fear of the power of God on their minds. Through this, he was managed his followers to abstain from sin as well as from the torching pits of the

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