Sunday, June 6, 2010
"Sinners"
Excerpts from Jonathan Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"is one of the first things in my literature textbook for my English 11 class. It's a pretty harsh way to start the year, but I figure if I can't put the fear of God into my students, perhaps Mr. Edwards can. We listen to it on a cd, and that makes it really come alive for my classes. I just read the biography and full text of "Sinners," and I found out some new info. My lit book mentions that Edwards was dismissed from his parish because the people thought him too harsh, but it didn't say that he stopped allowing every baptized member to take communion, but only those who he thought were worthy. After reading "Sinners," I find it hard that he found anyone worthy. My students often laugh at some of the things said in this sermon (I think we all have to laugh to keep from crying tears of fear), but they are also able to put themselves into the shoes of the congregation. I explain how these people believed this and reacted in fear and repentance to such sermons. We contrast that with most religions of our day and how people want to be taught about how God loves them, not about how much he despises their sins. Even back in Edwards' time, this was happening, which is why he was dismissed from his church. I ask my students to think about which kind of sermon is more effective--one about love, or one about fear? They often decide that it depends on the circumstance. I read the excerpt on Benjamin Franklin right after I read "Sinners" and was interested in this quote from "Poor Richard's Almanac":"Those who are feared are hated." I found this interesting as it was written at almost the exact same time as "Sinners." Again, this shows that not all people appreciated Edwards' Calvinist views on God.
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I loved your post and it reminded me of a joke I heard during some training this summer that goes right along with your views...
ReplyDeleteA young man who had been expelled from several schools for bad behavior was enrolled in a Catholic school and surprised his parents with good behavior finally. When questioned why he had so abruptly changed, he replied that on his first day at the Catholic school, he had been walking down the hall with the principal when he came across a statue of a very distressed man on a cross. He exclaimed to his parents, "You should see what they do to students who misbehave at this school!!" As Marzano states...modeling is a very powerful practice!
I love the question you asked your students, "Which kind of sermon is more effective-- one about love or one about fear?" That would really make your students think, and is the question I also asked myself as I read Jonathan Edwards. I have to admit that the fear thing doesn't work for me, but it is a different time.
ReplyDeleteA different persepective on why Jonathan Edwards was dismissed from his parish was that he was preaching against religiosity and mute programs that teach about God and man's interpretation about what "following the Lord" means, versus each person needing to personally ask and receive God into their lives, accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, deny self, pick up their cross and follow Him. There is a huge difference. An eternal difference. Edwards was saying that no one can earn their way to heaven. Obedience is greater than sacrifice, thus "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". God's anger at the sin we choose to walk in and set before Him, yet in His love and mercy He keeps us in His hands hoping we seek Him for forgiveness, will repent, turn and follow Him instead of ourselves. Each of us must choose. God gives us freedom of will because He is a loving God not a tyranical religious God. God is love and His mercy is everlasting. That's what He says in His word, the Bible. :)
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