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Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God Analysis

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Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God Analysis
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is a sermon given by Johnathan Edwards, a preacher and a theologian. Published in 1741, Edwards’ sermon is one of most defining pieces of literature during the First Great Awakening in the United States. The Day of Doom is a poem written by Michael Wigglesworth, a Puritan minister. The poem became wildly popular in Puritan New England when it was published in 1662. Both texts discuss the themes of divine judgement and punishment. Edwards’ sermon illustrates that it is God’s will that keeps evil men from being sent down to hell. Wigglesworth describes the Day of Judgement in which God will decide who will be saved who will be sent to hell. These pieces of religious literature both describe a harsh God who has ultimate judgement and no mercy when it comes to punishment. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is sermon that deals with the concept of wrath. Edwards states that at any moment men will be sent down to hell and they should be living in peril because, “As he that walks in slippery places is every moment is liable to fall” (Edwards 430). The only reason why they are not in hell yet is because, “God’s appointed time is not come” (Edwards 430). It is God’s judgement that casts men into hell at any moment. These statements instill a sense of fear into the audience. Edwards …show more content…
In their texts, God is a being with ultimate, divine power who is not merciful in regards to punishment. They both use harsh language and frightening imagery to illustrate their portrayal. In “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, Edwards believes that God uses his divine judgement to determine when people get thrown into hell and that sinners will be punished for eternity. In The Day of Doom, Wigglesworth believes that God predetermines whether people will be saved or if they are sinful. Both texts are still influential today in terms of analyzing divine judgement and
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