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Rhetorical Techniques Used In Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

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There are many different platforms in history in which people created magnificent pieces of literature like, Walt Whitman’s O Captain! My Captain! or even the ever popular Rosie the Riveter “We Can Do It” poster, that have such a strong rhetorical impact. This impact also extends past the time they were popular but also into the current age because of the effective context that ethos, pathos and logos are used. Sinners In The Hands Of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards is one of the most pronounced works of literature for its strong rhetorical techniques. This sermon utilizes many rhetorical strategies in the sermon such as pathos and imagery. This sermon was delivered to Edward’s Puritan congregation during one of largest revivals in American history, The Great Awakening, not only to show to show his congregation that the wrath of God was imminent and true, but also the realness of his mercies. However, this sermon extends much further then just that Puritan community. This sermon continues to effect people today with its …show more content…
“Edwards used a variety of…vibrant images and simple metaphors to persuade sinners to repent” (marcoquiroz Feb 6). Edwards not only depicts what God will do but also what the devil will do. “The Devil stands ready to fall upon them and seize them as his own, at what Moment God shall permit him. They belong to him; he has their Souls in his Possession, and under his Dominion. “ (Edwards pg.7) Jonathan Edwards also says: “like greedy hungry Lions that see their Prey, and expect to have it, but are for the present kept back; if God should with- draw his Hand, by which they are restrained, they would in one Moment fly upon their poor Souls.” (pg.7) Edwards not only pacts a powerful punch with his fearsome depiction of God but also the sketch of Satan. Edwards also paints pictures of not only people and things but also time, which adds a very powerful

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