what is the purpose of this sentence in edwards sermon

Daniel Parker

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24-02-2025

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The Purpose of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" — Deconstructing a Key Sentence

Jonathan Edwards's "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is a famously fiery sermon, leaving a lasting impact on readers and listeners alike. Pinpointing the purpose of a single sentence requires examining its context within the larger rhetorical strategy of the entire sermon. To understand the purpose of any given sentence, we must look at its function within the overall argument and its impact on the intended audience. This analysis will focus on identifying the purpose of a specific sentence, requiring you to provide the sentence itself.

Analyzing a Sentence from Edwards' Sermon: A Methodological Approach

To effectively analyze a sentence from Edwards' sermon and understand its purpose, we'll employ a systematic approach:

1. Identify the Sentence: Please provide the exact sentence you'd like analyzed. Context is crucial; the surrounding sentences will help determine the specific purpose.

2. Contextual Analysis: We will examine the preceding and following sentences to understand the flow of Edwards' argument. What points is he making before and after this particular sentence? What is the overall theme of this section of the sermon?

3. Rhetorical Devices: Edwards masterfully employs various rhetorical techniques. We will identify any figurative language (metaphors, similes, etc.), appeals to emotion (pathos), appeals to logic (logos), or appeals to authority (ethos) present in the sentence. How do these devices contribute to the sentence's purpose?

4. Audience Impact: Consider Edwards' intended audience: primarily Puritan colonists deeply concerned with salvation and damnation. How does this sentence specifically target their fears, hopes, and beliefs? What emotional response is Edwards aiming for?

5. Overall Purpose: Finally, we will synthesize our findings to articulate the sentence's overall purpose within the sermon's larger goal of persuading his listeners to repent and seek salvation. Is the sentence meant to frighten, inspire, persuade, or a combination of these?

Example: Analyzing a Hypothetical Sentence

Let's assume the sentence is: "You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of hell gaping below."

• Context: This sentence, likely appearing amidst descriptions of God's wrath, would emphasize the precariousness of the listener's spiritual state.

• Rhetorical Devices: The metaphor of "hanging by a slender thread" creates a vivid image of vulnerability, while "flames of hell gaping below" evokes terror.

• Audience Impact: This directly appeals to the audience's fear of damnation, highlighting their helplessness without divine grace.

• Overall Purpose: The sentence's purpose is to instill a sense of urgency and fear, motivating the audience towards repentance to avoid the terrifying consequences described.

Provide the Sentence for a Detailed Analysis

By providing the specific sentence, we can delve into a comprehensive analysis of its purpose within the powerful context of Edwards' sermon. Remember, context is everything when interpreting literary and religious texts.