Thursday 17 July 2008

What words in the sermon's title suggest the emotional focus of Edward's message?

"Sinners" and "angry" are
indeed key words that point directly to human emotion (such as anger). However,
"hands" and "God" add nuanced emotion to the title of the sermon as
well.

"Sinners" refers to people, presumably those listening to the
sermon who have transgressed, or might transgress, against God. By naming God in the title,
Edwards is characterizing the mysterious, all-powerful force in the universe that creates life
(and has been very commonly characterized as "God" though history!). However, Edwards
puts us, the listeners or readers, directly into God's hands. 

Imagine that,
shrinking yourself into someone else's hands. It generates a feeling of powerlessness and
vulnerability, that the individual is a mere toy in the hands of someone who is angry. The shift
in perspective makes God seem like an enormous, controlling giant, while we listeners are putty
in His hands.

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