Sinners Review
How does Edwards portray God? How is this different than Bradstreet’s portrayal of God? God is often a vengeful, angry God. Bradstreet shows God as a provider and his nature as caring and instructive.
How does Edward’s use fear as a motivating factor? 1)He claims that damnation may occur at any moment 2)He uses images of fire and the fear of burning eternally
According to Edwards, how can man escape God’s anger? He must have a “change of heart” and accept Christ.
Why is God determining man’s fate in this way? Because Man is sinful and has done nothing to appease God.
Who is the audience? His congregation, particularly those who are considered “natural man” or have not experienced the “spirit of God”
What is Edward’s purpose? To get his congregation to change their ways
What images show that God is prepared to unleash his judgment and anger? The bow and Arrow His hand holding man over the pit of flames
Describe the characteristics of Edwards’ imagery. He uses mostly negative imagery associated with anger, wrath and damnation. He does not discuss God’s loving or forgiving nature, although he does indicate that God has been patient
What do the images seem to have in common? Besides illustrating God’s wrath, the images also are natural forces like floods and fire. He does this to make the abstract wrath of God more understandable and powerful.
What is the explicit message? God is furious and it is God’s mere pleasure keeping man out of hell.
What is the implicit message? God offers salvation to anyone who accepts Christ