Eng48A
Journal for Edwards
Nov. 22, 2011
Author Quote
"Then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight. God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then, at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction; as he that stands on such slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot stand alone, when he is let go he immediately falls and is lost (426)".
Internet Quote
"Edwards hoped that the imagery and message of his sermon would awaken his audience to the horrific reality that awaited them should they continue without Christ. The underlying point is that God has given humanity a chance to rectify their sins. Edwards says that it is the will of God that keeps wicked men from the depths of Hell. This act of restraint has given humanity a chance to mend their ways and return to Christ"
Brief Summary
Edwards wanted to warn potential sinners of the possible torments of hell. He wanted to actualize God's wrath and scared people out of sinning. He essentially stated that if an individual were to reject God, they would burn in Hell and would not enjoy it, to say in the least.
Reaction/Response
My first reaction, being 100% Atheist and Liberal, is that Edwards is borderline crazy. It's almost as if he was setting the stage for all the religious nuts who isolate themselves in the Bible Belt. However, that is a personal bias. Yet, I believe that his approach to preaching is extremely effective. He is preaching in a manner that people use today; the "fear-factor". He's scaring people by telling them if they do anything God says is wrong, they would suffer. However, I believe when he uses the word "slippery" he's saying that anyone could sin. It could come knocking on the door at any moment and there's no escaping. Although, an individual could "slip" without their consent. For example, a person would slip on a banana peel. What if a sinner were to sin, without their knowing? Would they go to Hell and suffer through all of this torment that Edwards so vividly describes? He is saying that there is no leeway and that God will punish, and it will not be pleasant. It seems a bit harsh to me. Specifically being "inclined with their own weight" suggests that every person is responsible for their own actions and that no person can avoid the wrath of Satan. Although, sin isn't always in the hands of an individual and the concept of sin is ambiguous. Additionally, the fear-factor that Edwards uses seems to be a cop-out in the attempt to convert people to Christianity. The sermon was used to enlighten people and to promote the word of God. The negative definitely out shined the positive. People essentially avoided sin to avoid Hell. What about Heaven and all of it's glory?
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