Transcript Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Puritans and Patriots
Voices of Conscious
Cornell Notes and The Puritans
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Do not write everything!
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main ideas, people, events
wait until the end of each slide – we will discuss
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Continue to organize your notes with headings
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Write phrases, not full sentences
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Use abbreviations and symbols
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e.g.: use = to show relationships
e.g.: shorten names after you write it out once
Who were the Puritans?
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God and religion central to daily lives
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New world seen as a gift from God
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Immigrated as families 1620- early 1700’s
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Established Massachusetts Bay Colony
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Theocracy
Advocated for education for all
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Bible
What did Puritans believe?
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Predestination
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Struggle between good and evil
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Search for grace
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Purification
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Universal education
What was a Puritan Sermon like?
What was a Puritan Sermon like?
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“Hellfire and Brimstone” sermon
Would seem “long” and “boring” today
Memorized essay
Heavily (and repeatedly) scripture based
Seriously push sinner to behave/repent
Delivery
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words (holy) more important than delivery
Spoke in monotone—no distract from the
message
Very serious: no entertainment
Like a memorized essay (5 paragraph)
Why did Puritans write?
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To transform a mysterious God - mysterious
because he is separate from the world.
To make him more relevant to the universe.
To glorify God.
What was the style of Puritan writing?
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Non-fiction ONLY
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Protestant
Purposeful
Reflected the reading public
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Who were the Puritan Writers?
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William Bradford
“Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been
produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and
gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle
may light a thousand, so the light here kindled…”
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Cotton Mather
“Ah! Destructive ignorance, what shall be
done to chase thee out of the world!”
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Anne Bradstreet
There’s wealth enough, I need no more,
Farewell, my pelf*, farewell my store
* pelf: money or wealth held in contempt
What is Puritan doctrine?
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God is mad at the wicked and isn’t going
to take it anymore!
You never know when you’ll feel his
wrath—you’re probably suffering right
now!
God is all power and can do anything he
wants whenever he wants—especially
when he’s mad at sinners!
God will let you repent—which would be
a sign that you’re already saved.
Why did Puritanism decline?
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2nd & 3rd generation had limited personal
experience with “grace” and religious
struggles
Growing numbers to religions and beliefs in
America
Age of Rationalism in 17th century
What are the signs of Puritan decline?
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The Puritans would say we as a society
are declining (just like they did).
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What would they point out today as signs
of moral/spiritual decline?
What is “Sinners…” about?
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Topics:
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human sinfulness
the uncertainty of human/personal existence
God’s ultimate power over salvation
the need for a Christian lifestyle
the chance of redemption
the importance of conversion
What is the Puritan Legacy?
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Need for moral justification/morality
Quest for Freedom
The Puritan work ethic
Morbid fascination with death
“The City Upon the Hill”
Education
Jonathan Edwards
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Early 1700’s
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Preacher theologian missionary
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Founded revival movement
“The Great Awakening”
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Most famous and dramatic sermon: Sinners in
the Hands of an Angry God
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Keep an eye out for: (but no notes yet!)
 Imagery: vivid descriptions
 Voice: tone and credibility
 Symbols: objects/events that represent something else
 Metaphors: comparisons of two unlike things (no like or
as)
 Theme: morals and lessons
 Wrath: vengeance or punishment as the consequence of
anger
Time to Read!
A/B sharing
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Describe the tone of the sermon. Imagine your
reaction if you were in the audience today.
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Evaluate the effectiveness of Edwards’s fiery
approach.
A/B sharing
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Infer the main idea of this sermon.
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If positive, constructive behavior is a sign of
salvation, then what would Edwards say
about our society today?
What are the themes of “Sinners in the
Hands of an Angry God?”
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God is angered when you turn away from Him –
Hell awaits!
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God is powerful and merciful beyond our
understanding
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Proper God-fearing behavior is vital
Boondock Saints
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“And I am reminded, on this holy day, of the sad
story of Kitty Genovese. As you all may remember,
a long time ago, almost thirty years ago, this poor
soul cried out for help time and time again, but no
person answered her calls. Though many saw, no
one so much as called the police. They all just
watched as Kitty was being stabbed to death in
broad daylight. They watched as her assailant
walked away. Now, we must all fear evil men. But
there is another kind of evil which we must fear
most, and that is the indifference of good men.“
What would the Puritans say?
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Do actions demonstrate grace?
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Is apathy evil?