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
- Introduction
- Veracity Mechanisms
- The King James Bible
- Intertextuality as a Veracity Mechanism in Edwards' Sermon
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to explore how intertextuality, specifically the use of biblical allusions and quotations, functioned as a "veracity mechanism" in Jonathan Edwards' sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," amplifying its impact on the audience. The analysis investigates the rhetorical strategies employed by Edwards and how they contributed to the sermon's emotional power. The study does not attempt to fully explicate Edwards' motifs but rather investigates the mechanics of his rhetoric.
- The role of intertextuality in religious rhetoric
- The concept of "veracity mechanisms" in persuasive communication
- Analysis of biblical allusions and quotations in Edwards' sermon
- The impact of the King James Bible on Edwards' style and audience reception
- The relationship between textual strategies and audience response
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," delivered during the First Great Awakening. It highlights the sermon's powerful impact on its audience, prompting intense emotional responses. The chapter poses the question of which rhetorical elements contributed to this effect, suggesting that a specific type of intertextuality, functioning as a "veracity mechanism," played a crucial role. The introduction sets the stage for exploring this hypothesis.
Veracity Mechanisms: This section introduces the concept of "veracity mechanisms," as proposed by Markus Davidsen, techniques used in supernatural fiction and religious texts to enhance the perceived truthfulness of the narrative. Two main categories are defined: evidence mechanisms, which assert the reality of supernatural elements within the story, and anchoring mechanisms, which connect the story to the real world. The chapter explores various types of these mechanisms, including conversion narratives and the use of authoritative discourse, setting the theoretical framework for analyzing Edwards' sermon.
The King James Bible: This chapter justifies the selection of the King James Bible as the comparative text for analyzing Edwards' sermon. It discusses the historical context of Bible translations in America and explains why, despite Edwards' Reformed background, the King James Version is the most relevant text for understanding the context of his sermon and the likely source of his biblical references. The chapter asserts the dominance of the King James Bible in 18th-century America, concluding that it's the most appropriate comparand to analyze Edwards' use of Scripture.
Intertextuality as a Veracity Mechanism in Edwards' Sermon: This chapter, though its full content isn't provided, would analyze how Edwards' use of biblical quotations and allusions served as a "veracity mechanism" in his sermon. It would likely examine specific examples from the sermon, demonstrating how these intertextual references enhanced the credibility and emotional impact of his message, connecting it to the established authority of the King James Bible for his audience.
Keywords
Jonathan Edwards, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, First Great Awakening, Intertextuality, Veracity Mechanisms, King James Bible, Biblical Allusions, Rhetorical Analysis, Religious Rhetoric, Persuasive Communication.
Jonathan Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God": An Intertextual Analysis - FAQ
What is the main topic of this study?
This study analyzes how intertextuality, particularly the use of biblical allusions and quotations from the King James Bible, functioned as a "veracity mechanism" in Jonathan Edwards' sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." It explores how these rhetorical strategies contributed to the sermon's emotional impact and persuasive power.
What is a "veracity mechanism"?
A "veracity mechanism," as defined by Markus Davidsen, refers to techniques used in religious texts (and supernatural fiction) to enhance the perceived truthfulness of the narrative. These mechanisms can be categorized as evidence mechanisms (asserting the reality of supernatural elements) or anchoring mechanisms (connecting the story to the real world). Edwards' use of biblical allusions is analyzed through this lens.
Why is the King James Bible so important to this study?
The King James Bible is central because it was the dominant English Bible in 18th-century America, representing the primary source of biblical knowledge for Edwards' audience. Understanding Edwards' use of scripture requires analyzing his engagement with this specific version, even considering his Reformed theological background.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the role of intertextuality in religious rhetoric, the concept of "veracity mechanisms" in persuasive communication, the analysis of biblical allusions and quotations in Edwards' sermon, the impact of the King James Bible on Edwards' style and audience reception, and the relationship between textual strategies and audience response.
What does the study analyze specifically about Edwards' sermon?
The study analyzes how specific biblical allusions and quotations from the King James Bible within "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" functioned rhetorically to enhance the sermon's credibility and emotional impact. It investigates how these intertextual references connected the sermon's message to the established authority of the Bible for his audience, acting as a "veracity mechanism."
What are the chapters included in this study?
The study includes chapters on the Introduction (setting the context and posing the research question), Veracity Mechanisms (defining the theoretical framework), The King James Bible (justifying its importance as the comparative text), Intertextuality as a Veracity Mechanism in Edwards' Sermon (the core analysis), and a Conclusion.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Jonathan Edwards, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, First Great Awakening, Intertextuality, Veracity Mechanisms, King James Bible, Biblical Allusions, Rhetorical Analysis, Religious Rhetoric, Persuasive Communication.
What is the overall objective of this study?
The study aims to demonstrate how Edwards' strategic use of biblical intertextuality served as a powerful tool in persuading his audience, creating a strong emotional response to his message. It focuses on the *mechanics* of his rhetoric, not a full explication of his theological motifs.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Jonathan Stumpf (Autor:in), 2019, Intertextuality as a Veracity Mechanism. Jonathan Edwards’ Sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1000267
