Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Introduction + Context
Plot Summary
Detailed Summary & Analysis
Part 1
Part 2. Application
Themes
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Power and Precariousness
Wrath, Mercy, and Grace
Language and Metaphor
Theology and the Human Condition
Quotes
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Jonathan Edwards
God
Christ (“the Mediator”)
The Congregation
Symbols
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Slippery Surface
Vermin
Literary Devices
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Alliteration
Allusions
Dramatic Irony
Ethos
Genre
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Irony
Metaphors
Mood
Pathos
Personification
Setting
Similes
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
by
Jonathan Edwards
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Introduction
Intro
Plot Summary
Plot
Summary & Analysis
Part 1
Part 2. Application
Themes
All Themes
Power and Precariousness
Wrath, Mercy, and Grace
Language and Metaphor
Theology and the Human Condition
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Jonathan Edwards
God
Christ (“the Mediator”)
The Congregation
Symbols
All Symbols
Slippery Surface
Vermin
Lit Devices
All Literary Devices
Alliteration
Allusions
Dramatic Irony
Ethos
Genre
Imagery
Irony
Metaphors
Mood
Pathos
Personification
Setting
Similes
Style
Tone
Quizzes
All Quizzes
Part 1 Quiz
Part 2. Application Quiz
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: Part 2. Application Quiz
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What is the purpose of the second section of Edwards's sermon?
1 of 18
To provide a detailed analysis of biblical history
To instruct the congregation about how to apply the sermon to their lives
To entertain the congregation with stories and parables
To debate various theological interpretations
What shift in perspective about mankind does Edwards introduce in this part of his sermon?
2 of 18
From viewing mankind as inherently evil to seeing them as fundamentally good
From seeing mankind as naturally good to portraying them as irredeemably evil
From emphasizing human independence to highlighting their reliance on divine grace
From stressing the benign nature of mankind to underlining their destructive impact
How does Edwards describe the accumulating nature of God's wrath towards sinners?
3 of 18
As a steady and gentle rain that nurtures growth
As a constant and unchanging force that remains stable over time
Like dammed water that builds force the longer it is held back
Like a light breeze that can be easily withstood
What does Edwards state is necessary to avoid being in the hands of an angry God?
4 of 18
Simple moral reform and good deeds
A deep, earnest religious conviction alone
Regular attendance at church services
Undergoing a change of heart and a rebirth
Why is the spider metaphor particularly effective in Edwards's sermon?
5 of 18
It illustrates the contempt and loathing God has for sinners
It suggests that sinners have great autonomy and power
It shows that sinners are strange and inscrutable to God
It implies a nurturing relationship between God and humanity
What is the purpose of Edwards using a numbered list in his sermon?
6 of 18
To clearly structure his thoughts and ensure the congregation understands
To illustrate the fact that sin begets sin
To impress the congregation with complex theological ideas
To spice up the sermon's content by making it flashy and fun
How does Edwards compare the wrath of God to that of earthly kings?
7 of 18
God's wrath is similar in intensity to that of kings
God's wrath is immeasurably greater and more terrible than a king's
Kings are described as more powerful and fearsome than God
The wrath of kings is mostly symbolic whereas God's wrath is literal
According to Edwards, how does the reality of God's wrath compare to its description in language?
8 of 18
The descriptions and language adequately capture the full intensity of God's wrath
The wrath of God is as severe as it sounds but in a profoundly different way
The biblical descriptions of God's wrath apply differently to people in contemporary times
God's wrath is more profound and terrifying than any words can convey
Why does Edwards mention that God's punishment will not exceed what justice requires?
9 of 18
To indicate that God often forgives and forgets even though he has the right not to
To suggest that sinners will never be able to fathom the nature of their future punishment
To reassure the congregation that God's wrath is ultimately fair and justified
To undermine his own argument about the terrifying nature of divine wrath
According to Edwards, why is God ready to pity the congregation right now?
10 of 18
Because today is "the last day of the sinner's past"
Because today is "the final dawning of the damned"
Because today is "a day of mercy"
Because today is "a day of repentance throughout the land"
What aspect of God's nature does Edwards highlight through his quotation from the Book of Isaiah?
11 of 18
God's tendency to entrap sinners using their own shortcomings
God's mercy and willingness to offer second chances
God's impartiality and mild response to sin
God's extreme contempt and readiness to punish sinners
According to Edwards, what purpose does the public display of a sinner's suffering serve?
12 of 18
To demonstrate God's mercy and forgiveness to the universe
To show the vastness of God's love and the severity of his wrath
To trick other sinners into continuing in their ways without fear
To prove that sinners are inherently flawed
How does Edwards portray God's character in his depiction of sinners' public humiliation?
13 of 18
As vindictive and concerned with power
As forgiving and reluctant to punish
As indifferent to human suffering and distant
As nurturing and primarily concerned with redemption
How does Edwards characterize earthly conceptions of the "state of a soul" in hell?
14 of 18
As mere snapshot of "depictions of misery and gore"
As only a "faint representation" of the situation's reality
As a "meager aspiration" toward "divine knowledge"
All of the above
What does Edwards suggest about the congregation's reaction to his sermon?
15 of 18
He reassures those who feel secure that their confidence is well-placed
He dismisses the importance of their reactions and focuses on God’s mercy instead
He sarcastically praises those who show no concern for their eternal futures
He suggests that those undisturbed by the sermon are likely at greater risk of damnation
What opportunity does Edwards present to the congregation that those in hell do not have?
16 of 18
The chance to be forgiven and avoid the horrors of hell by coming to Christ
The ability to continue living in sin without any consequences for the time being
The possibility to earn salvation through good deeds and morality
The option to challenge the finality of their damnation through earthly powers
Why does Edwards focus heavily on the imagery of God’s wrath instead of emphasizing the wonders of salvation?
17 of 18
He believes that the congregation isn't listening carefully
He thinks that the congregation is already sufficiently motivated by positive imagery
He considers the fear of hell more motivating than the allure of heaven
He prefers to use a balanced approach that equally emphasizes heaven and hell
What does Edwards suggest will happen if the congregation denies Christ today?
18 of 18
Their hearts will become more receptive to salvation after further reflection
They will find themselves confused if they wait to come to Christ
They will find it more difficult to find Christ later
None of the above
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McNamara, Sylvie. "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
LitCharts.
LitCharts LLC, 28 Sep 2017. Web. 12 Apr 2025.
McNamara, Sylvie. "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 28 Sep 2017. Web. 12 Apr 2025.
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