An Insight into Colonial Literature

What does the popularity of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" suggest about the colonists?

Were the colonists afraid of God during the colonial period?

Answer:

The fact that "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" was popular suggests that the colonists were indeed afraid of God during the colonial period.

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards was a sermon preached during the Great Awakening in the 18th century. The sermon focused on the wrath of God and the dire consequences of sin, portraying God as a fearsome and vengeful deity. The popularity of this sermon among the colonists indicates that they held strong beliefs in the power and wrath of God. The vivid imagery used by Edwards, such as comparing sinners to spiders dangling over a fire, instilled fear and a sense of impending doom in the minds of the listeners.

Furthermore, the message of the sermon also provided a glimmer of hope for the colonists. Edwards emphasized that sinners had a chance for redemption and could be saved from damnation if they repented and turned to God. This idea of being able to be reborn or redeemed resonated with the colonists, offering them a sense of control over their fate and a path towards salvation.

In conclusion, the popularity of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" suggests that the colonists were indeed afraid of God, but also sought comfort in the possibility of redemption and spiritual renewal.