While reading Jonathan Edwards’ “A Sermon”, I originally expected to be bombarded with vehemently written sermon infused with uncontrollable emotion, especially considering how important and popular of a minister Edward’s was during that time leading into the Great Awakening. The tone of the sermon was rather professional and formal. Points were clearly outlined and he clearly stated where he was going with each point, thus leaving the audience to do nothing but listen/read the information and absorb the material, rather than drawing their own conclusions. I believe Edwards did this so that his audience would recognize the truth in his sermon as opposed to thinking that he was embellishing or over exaggerating the circumstances. Edwards wanted the people to get an realistic impression of the difference between a true connection with God and one in which the person merely believes with their mind in God’s divinity, however does not truly believe with their heart. Edwards wants there to be a clear path for the people to recognize that his doctrine is factual, thus he leaves attempts to leave out emotion which would interfere with the conveyance of the message. He even repeats that he wants people to take notice that not only is his doctrine rational, but it is also scriptural. He wants the people to be attentive to the religion behind all of the philosophy of the times. He is bringing people back to the scriptures (thus he intertwines scriptures throughout the sermon).
In the midst of the formality of the tone of the sermon, Edwards did seem to make it a point to emphasize how sweet God’s holiness and divinity was. He continuously made his way back to this sweetness after every point he made. The recurrence of words such as, excellence, sweetness, beauty, and loveliness, serve to reinforce the basic doctrine of the Lord (that He is the divine light which cannot be achieved through natural means and with the acquisition of this light, one will be blessed with the sweetness of God’s grace. From reading the sermon it seems as if Edwards feels as if the people believe in God and his holiness, however not truly feeling it in their soul. Their connection with the Lord is one built on rationality instead of spirituality.
In the midst of the formality of the tone of the sermon, Edwards did seem to make it a point to emphasize how sweet God’s holiness and divinity was. He continuously made his way back to this sweetness after every point he made. The recurrence of words such as, excellence, sweetness, beauty, and loveliness, serve to reinforce the basic doctrine of the Lord (that He is the divine light which cannot be achieved through natural means and with the acquisition of this light, one will be blessed with the sweetness of God’s grace. From reading the sermon it seems as if Edwards feels as if the people believe in God and his holiness, however not truly feeling it in their soul. Their connection with the Lord is one built on rationality instead of spirituality.
1 comment:
Chelsea,
Your account of the structure and purpose of the sermon is excellent. You also offer plausible reasons for Edwards' rhetorical choices. For example, you suggest that "Edwards feels as if the people believe in God and his holiness, however not truly feeling it in their soul. Their connection with the Lord is one built on rationality instead of spirituality." Your reading is detailed and attentive. For your next post, supplement your concise summaries by quoting from the text to support your points, and analyzing the language that the author uses. Great job!
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