This paper analyses if intertextuality in Jonathan Edward’s Sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is a veracity mechanism.
Jonathan Edwards delivered a sermon in Enfield, Connecticut, during the time of the so-called First Great Awakening (1730–1755) that is known by the title "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". This sermon combines vivid imagery of Hell with quotations from and plenty of allusions to the Bible.
Reverend Steven Williams, who in his diary calls it "a very awakening sermon," also notes that even "before the sermon was done there was a great moaning and crying out through the whole house […] so that the minister was obliged to desist". The question thus arises, which elements or rhetorical aspects of the speech might have amplified the reactions of the crowd?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Veracity Mechanisms
3. The King James Bible
4. Intertextuality as a Veracity Mechanism in Edwards’ Sermon
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines how Jonathan Edwards utilized a specific form of intertextuality to function as a "veracity mechanism" in his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," thereby augmenting the rhetorical impact and perceived authority of his message upon the congregation.
- Analysis of "veracity mechanisms" in religious and supernatural discourse.
- Evaluation of the King James Bible as the primary scriptural foundation for Edwards' sermon.
- Exploration of "scriptural intertextuality" as a tool for enhancing sermon credibility.
- Investigation into how specific biblical quotations and allusions create a sense of inevitable divine judgment.
- Assessment of the rhetorical techniques used to bridge the gap between religious text and the audience's perceived reality.
Excerpt from the Book
Intertextuality as a Veracity Mechanism in Edwards’ Sermon
Thus far we have established our research question, discussed the tools we will use in our analysis, and defined the corpus. In what follows we will take a closer look at Jonathan EDWARDS’ sermon. In particular, we will analyze the sections of the text in which he quotes the King James Bible directly. Fortunately, in the 1741 edition of the sermon these sections are visually highlighted. Not only are they emphasized by italics, but they are also initiated by the actual references such as Luk. 11. 21. While the congregation could of course not see the italics, they did hear the minister read the references out aloud which likely augmented the veracity mechanism presumably at work. It is therefore almost irrelevant whether most people who attended the “very awakening” sermon were themselves well-versed in the Bible. Even if some of them might have been in fact illiterate, the veracity mechanism would have still worked, because everyone knew that the Bible was meant to be the word of God, and they most certainly knew what a scriptural reference sounded like.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the historical context of the First Great Awakening and introduces the central thesis regarding the use of intertextuality as a veracity mechanism.
Veracity Mechanisms: Defines the theoretical framework of veracity and evidence mechanisms as proposed by Markus A. Davidsen, applying them to the study of religious discourse.
The King James Bible: Explains the significance of choosing the King James Version as the primary comparative text, citing its status as the dominant biblical authority in colonial America.
Intertextuality as a Veracity Mechanism in Edwards’ Sermon: Analyzes specific biblical quotations and rhetorical techniques used by Edwards to ground his sermon in divine authority and heighten the emotional response of the audience.
Conclusion: Summarizes how Edwards' use of scriptural intertextuality effectively acted as a veracity mechanism, reinforcing the sermon's terrifying power and lasting impact.
Keywords
Jonathan Edwards, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Intertextuality, Veracity Mechanisms, King James Bible, First Great Awakening, Biblical Allusion, Rhetorical Techniques, Sermon Analysis, Divine Authority, Religious Discourse, Puritan Theology, Scriptural Intertextuality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the rhetorical strategies used by Jonathan Edwards in his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," specifically focusing on how his use of biblical references functions as a "veracity mechanism" to increase the credibility and impact of his preaching.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the intersection of rhetorical theory and religious oratory, the historical dominance of the King James Bible in 18th-century America, and the psychological impact of intertextual references on a congregation.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to determine how the specific type of intertextuality employed by Edwards functioned as a veracity mechanism to augment the powerful reactions observed during his 1741 sermon.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author uses a comparative and analytical approach, drawing on established concepts of narrative and religious veracity mechanisms, and systematically analyzes the sermon's text against the King James Bible.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the definition of veracity mechanisms, the historical and cultural context of the King James Bible, and an in-depth, chronological analysis of Edwards' use of scriptural quotations to substantiate his warnings of divine wrath.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as scriptural intertextuality, veracity mechanisms, Jonathan Edwards, biblical authority, rhetorical imagery, and religious affordance.
How did Edwards' specific use of the King James Bible influence his listeners?
By framing his own words with authoritative scriptural references and phrases like "the word of God," Edwards successfully anchored his message in a higher reality, making the abstract concept of divine judgment feel immediate and undeniable to his audience.
What role does the "tactile sense" play in this analysis?
The author acknowledges the established academic view that Edwards successfully commands the audience's tactile sense through imagery, but posits that scriptural intertextuality serves as an additional, crucial layer that reinforces the perceived factual nature of his message.
Does the paper suggest this mechanism is limited to the Bible?
No, the author suggests that the study of "scriptural intertextuality" as a veracity mechanism can be applied broadly to other religious contexts, noting that other scriptures like the Quran also possess the affordance to be used in potentially dangerous ways when interpreted to justify violence.
- Quote paper
- Jonathan Stumpf (Author), 2019, Intertextuality as a Veracity Mechanism. Jonathan Edwards’ Sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1000267
