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Post by Mr. Thomas on Sept 14, 2013 15:11:24 GMT -5
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Post by eointunney on Sept 15, 2013 12:51:46 GMT -5
Eoin Tunney Mr. Thomas English 11 15 September 2013
E. I really enjoyed this short story by Jonathan Edwards. I felt that it was a lot more entertaining than the other Puritan poems/ stories that we have read. Edwards’ story is very different from other Puritans because Edwards talks about the wrath of God and how if you don’t do the right thing you will be punished. Other Puritan writers write about how God is amazing and how much the trust him. These types of poems and stories become very boring quickly. One example of Jonathan Edwards’ different style of writing is on page 48, which reads, “The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: …” This sentence in particular amazes me how much of a difference there is in Edwards’ and other Puritans writings.
D. There were many lines in this story that really amused me. I found these lines amusing because of how crazy and unholy they were. One sentence I found absolutely ridiculous was on page 47. This line reads, “…; there is nothing between you and hell but the air; it is only the power and mere pleasure of God that holds you up.” I found this sentence to be absolutely nuts because Edwards is saying he that if it wasn’t for God we would all be in hell. He is also saying that our lives are like a game to God. Honestly I would have loved to be in the church when Jonathan Edwards was saying this because I want to see what everyone’s facial expression was.
C. Overall I thought this poem was very amusing considering it was written by a Puritan writer. There was nothing in the story that I was I confused with, but I was wondering why would Jonathan Edwards write about God as an angry and fierce person? In most Puritan writings God is portrayed as a very kind and gentle person, but in Edwards’ story God is given a totally new personality. It makes me wonder if something had happened to Edwards to make his think this way
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Post by seandelossantos on Sept 15, 2013 13:11:01 GMT -5
Sean de los Santos Mr. Thomas English 11 15 September 2013 Discussion A. The story kind of relates back to when I was in elementary school and I was first being taught about hell. When I was back in the 5th grade they taught us about the three places you go after death. They taught us about heaven purgatory and hell. When I was in the 4th/5th grade they taught us how hell was the eternal separation from God. I didn’t realize that it was going to be as bad as the story really did explain it. I didn’t realize how you would just plunge in and then you everything about you doesn’t help you in the depths of hell. B. The text really helps explain the details of going into hell. It really helps explain what could help and what can’t help you in hell. It also helps explain who god really is when your down in the depths of damnation. Without the text, it really wouldn’t help the reader know what would happen in the depths of hell. With the text being their, it helps give the story be more interesting in which the details are really exaggerated. C. The narrator was the character I particularly had interest in. He really explains the hell and torture that the Puritans thought existed in the afterlife. He really helped put fear and terror into the story. He helped all of the reader understand what would happen if you sin. The narrator really exaggerated those specific details.
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Post by bourdonm15 on Sept 15, 2013 13:14:20 GMT -5
Matthew Bourdon English 11 Mr. Thomas 9/14/13 B. The text sets the tone as angry and demanding. As the title says, it is about God being angry at sinners. “His anger is as great toward them as to those that are actually suffering the executions of the fierceness of His wrath in hell” (Page 46). This shows how Edwards is trying to say that God being angry at the sinners is as great as those He has in hell. If it is a venial sin I would doubt that God would be THIS angry at the sinners. God is a very forgiving being and this is just way over exaggerated. D. This poem was actually very interesting to me. I found it pretty interesting as to hear someone else’s point of view on how they think God really is. It wasn’t confusing or a hard story to understand in my opinion. “You have offended Him infinitely more than ever a stubborn rebel did his prince; and yet it is nothing but His hand that holds you from falling into the fire every moment.” (Page 48) This is a very powerful description of God’s feelings. It is interesting as to how this man Edwards even knows how God feels. E. I didn’t agree with the idea and central meaning of the story. It seemed as if he took certain things to literal. I doubt highly that God is ever this angry at any human if it involves venial sins. “For who knows the power of God’s anger?” (Page 49) Edwards just contradicted his whole message of the story! He was talking about God’s feelings of anger, etc. throughout the whole story and now he says who knows the power of God’s anger. This is the exact reason why the idea of this story had no value of meaning.
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Post by poulong15 on Sept 15, 2013 16:06:41 GMT -5
Gregory Poulon
Mr. Thomas
English-11
September 15,2013
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
E. The reason this story was so interesting to read and really caught my attention is because of the clear and straight point the author tries to get across to the reader. The reason I liked this short story was because it was not like any other story I have ever read. The way the author gets his point across to the readers is the most influential part of the story. He uses his sensory words to express his feelings. The thing I really likes about the story is the fact that the author had go angry. In most short stories’ God is always the calm person who is always settling the problems. In this story god plays the other role in playing angry.
D. the lines that really stand out to me come on page 47 when the author states “ If God should only withdraw His hand from the floodgate, it would immediately fly open, and the fiery floods of the fierceness and wrath of god, would rush forth with inconceivable fury, and would come upon you with omnipotent power”. These lines stand out because it shows the exact opposite of how god is usually portrayed.
C. The short story was very straightforward and was a really well written story, the only thing that was a bit confusing, was why the author Jonathan Edwards would portray god in such a way. Being a puritan, puritans think of God not as angry but as happy, and helpful. So why would Jonathan Edwards portray god into this angry person?
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Post by matthewsegarra on Sept 15, 2013 16:16:19 GMT -5
Matthew Segarra Mr. Thomas English 11 15 September 2013 A. This story is relatable because it shows my initial depiction of hell. Through today’s media and books you can get an idea of what hell is actually like. Generally, most people would say that hell is complete torture of your soul. It is a fiery abyss where your soul is owned by the devil for eternity. Depending on the sin you committed, you land in one of the nine circles of hell. Just like this story, the torture is endless, and you are completely separated from God. Nothing from your past life carries on with you into hell, your personality for example. B. This story helps to create an image of what hell is really like. It shows the “dos and don’ts” of hell and how to get around. It also shows what Gods role is while you are in hell. Without the story, we would be oblivious to the tales of what really goes on in hell, even though this is a fictional story. The story shows you how to form your own theory of what hell is like and makes for an interesting read. C. The narrator was the character I liked in the story. He depicts the Puritan ideas very well and kept you reading the story. He makes the readers terrified of hell. He makes us readers not want to sin and want to do whatever possible to get into heaven. The narrator’s use of hyperboles was very extensive.
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Post by johnmarano on Sept 15, 2013 16:31:52 GMT -5
John Marano Mr. Thomas English 11 15 September 2013 D. I really enjoy this story by Jonathon Edwards because it is very different and because I can actually understand them a lot more. One specific line that really stood out to me was, “keep you out of hell, than a spiders web would have to stop a falling rock" (Edwards, 47). I really like this quote in particular because it explains the difference between my beliefs and the Puritans. It indicates how it is impossible to keep a sinner out of hell. I find this amusing because in our everyday beliefs if we genuinely apologize to God, we are forgiven and can reach heaven. It seems like the "god" he is portraying is out to get you, not to help. E. FIRST OFF, this entire story had some messed up facts about God. I can’t even explain my reactions; confused? Shocked? Angry? "The God that holds you over the pit of hell…abhors you” (Edwards, 48). Is this a joke? This quote really bothered and kind of disgusted me because God doesn’t hate anyone. No one should ever think like that. We love knowing we can pray to God and he will listen. We don’t need to beliee that he hates us. WHAT? CRAZY TALK. I. I was very impressed with the answers all of my classmates have posted. I would like to point out Eoin’s and Gary’s response. Eions quote really stood out to me. “There is nothing between you and hell but the air; it is only the power and mere pleasure of God that holds you up” (Edwards, 47). I really agree with his analysis and opinion on this quote because I also feel that this was ridiculous. It is almost saying that hell is meant for us and God only keeps us up. I disagree because God gives us the free will for decision and he believes in forgiveness. I feel like it is saying hell is stronger than heaven, and I completely disagree. Gary also pointed out his confusion as to why Edwards portrayed God in such an evil way. In all beliefs, God is the center of life and represents freedom and joy, not evil.
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Post by matthewko on Sept 15, 2013 17:38:01 GMT -5
Matthew Ko Mr. Thomas English 11 15 September 2013
D. I enjoyed reading many quotes throughout this story. One that stood out was when Edwards writes, “The bow of God’s wrath is best, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart, and strains the bow, and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God,” (page 42, bottom-right). Although this is a painful thought, us readers get a good understanding of how bad Hell. The way Edwards puts things into a perspective of a non-religious person helps them understand the meaning of things. An arrow is something everyone knows about and can easily comprehend from.
E. My initial reaction to Edwards tone was very shocking. It seems as if so much hate has been built up towards anyone or everyone who has committed sin. Edwards constantly tries to terrify people with non-stop actions that God will do if you do not behave. These actions are very harsh and detailed as if he wished they would happen to others which is a sin within itself. Edwards writes, “It would be dreadful to suffer this fierceness and wrath of Almighty God one moment, but you must suffer it to all eternity” (page 49 top left). Not only does he want the sinners to go to Hell, but also to burn forever. It just amazed me how much hate he had towards people who were not like him.
A. This reading relates to social issues today. Many people are having extreme anger towards other religious groups because of their beliefs. Edwards writes, “O sinner! Consider the fearful danger you are in” (page 48 right middle) basically disliking those who don’t follow his puritan ways. In the North African region, conquered by the followers of Muhammad is witnessing a renewed assault on the church. So basically religious hate has been around for many years, even when the puritans were around.
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Post by Sgarlato on Sept 15, 2013 19:00:39 GMT -5
Stephen Sgarlato Mr. Thomas English 11 9/16/13
A. Edwards, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” reminds me of what every kid has ever been taught about Hell. Edwards uses imagery to create a horrid depiction of the eternal separation of God. Edwards tries to sell such a horrifying picture to his readers that Hell is a terrible place. It is always a question of how bad Hell actually is; I don’t think anyone realizes how terrible a place it is to be in.
C. The only thing I am unsure of is why he chose to write about it this drastically. I know puritans are all about being close to God and “pure” but what was Edwards reason for writing this. It doesn’t make sense if it was directed to other puritans because they think the same way he does so they will make sure they don’t end up in Hell. So I’m basically only concerned with who his primary audience was.
D. “ If God should only withdraw His hand from the floodgate, it would immediately fly open, and the fiery floods of the fierceness and wrath of god, would rush forth with inconceivable fury, and would come upon you with omnipotent power” (Edwards 47). I don’t like this line because God is not mean like this and he is not depicted like this anywhere. God is not somebody that is willingly holding his own wrath on people. If anything he is letting his love and affection flood everywhere.
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Post by 1adams12 on Sept 15, 2013 19:01:08 GMT -5
Michael Adams Mr. Thomas 9/15/13
E. What really caught my eye, was how angry the author, Edwards, seemed to be. The words of hatred kept repeating throughout the literature passage. Also, the author kept saying that it is God that keeps punishing His followers when he fails. That means, that if you don't fail, you won't be punished by God. If you do fail, you will be punished by God. What this sounds like to me, is that if you are good and follow God, you will be able to be successful in the future, and if you are not good and follow the Word of God, you will be punished and not have a good future ahead of you. I truly do not believe this and instead believe that God will forgive you once you are sorry and ask for God's forgiveness.
C. The short story was interesting because usually Puritans think God as helpful and useful as we have seen in the literature passages that we have read so far in English. If this is the case, why does Edwards portray God as an angry person? Is it because Edwards is angry about something that God did, and that is why he is not thinking God as helpful and useful?
A. I can personally see, whenever I am angry, that God is bad and not useful or helpful. I can sort of see why Edwards is felling this way. I also understand, that even though you may be angry at God, God always does something for a reason.
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djmat
New Member
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Post by djmat on Sept 15, 2013 19:53:51 GMT -5
DJ Mat Mr. Thomas English 11 15 September 2013
D. The way God is depicted in this story is a bit weird scary even. At times it made God seem like a tyrant or even an evil omnipotent being. At one point Edwards talks about Gods wrath was hanging over our heads: "There are the black clouds of God's wrath now hanging directly over your heads, full of the dreadful storm, and big with thunder; and were it not for the restraining hand of God, it would immediately burst forth upon you." In this line Edward makes it seem as if we are lucky to not have already been smited down by God. Most people would see God as kind or forgiving but Edward sees God as a all powerful being that can take down mankind at any given moment.
A. This story reminds me of preachers that I see on the train. A lot of the time when i am on the train there are preachers preaching about how God is all powerful and unless we follow his way we are all going to hell. The story also talks about how wicked and that is very similar to what i hear from the preachers on the train. Edward says "Your wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tend downwards with great weight and pressure towards hell" and is weird because he is basically sating that man is evil.
C. At first I thought I thought I understood most of the puritans religions but this story was bit confusing. I wondering why someone so devoted to God would depict him as a scary being that could use his power to destroy us at any moment?
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Post by etiennem15 on Sept 15, 2013 20:46:04 GMT -5
Marvin Etienne Mr. Thomas English 11 16 September 2013 Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God E. I really enjoyed this story by Jonathan Edwards, and there were many things that stuck out to me. I was surprised at how angry and negative he was in describing the journey toward hell. I can imagine that he thinks that he will be sent to hell also. "His wrath toward you burns like fire; He looks upon you as worthy of nothing else but to be cast into fire; you are ten thousand times more abominable in His eyes than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours." This quote is disturbing and he compares us all to the devil because in the story of Adam and Eve, Satan is depicted as a snake. He is basically saying that we are all more evil than the devil himself. A. I can relate to this story in a way because I have heard pastors talk in a similar tone. Sometimes I see them on the train or on television and they say that we are all destined for hell. This is a pretty extreme opinion on God's relationship to humanity. It contradicts the image of God that most of us have been taught about since we were little. D. This story confused my view of the Puritans. The other stories and poems that we read depicts them as devoted to God in extreme ways. Yet, Edwards talks about how much God hates us and that we sinners could never possibly be saved from the fires of hell. Why is his opinion so extreme and different from regular Puritans?
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Post by epoccia on Sept 15, 2013 21:20:00 GMT -5
Eddie Poccia
English 11
Mr. Thomas
15 September 2013
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards
A. This story reminds me of being in church and listening to the priest's homily, although it isn't as extreme as this. You could tell this is a sermon of some kind because of the tone of the speaker. You could really tell that he is trying to get a point across. It also reminds me of a preacher that you would find preaching on the corner or in the subway in the city.
E. " So that, it is that natural men are held in the hand of God, over the pit of hell (pg 1)." It is easy to see that Jonathan Edwards is a Puritan because of his depiction of God. I remember learning in class that Puritans believed that everyone was born with a predestination. This meant that it is already decided if you are going to heaven or hell. In this reading, Edwards depicts God as an intimidating, all powerful figure.
D. " The devil is waiting for them, hell is gaping for them, the flames gather and flash about them, and would fain lay hold on them, and swallow them up (pg 1)." I like these lines because they are very descriptive and intimidating. I think these lines are meant to scare the reader into following what Edwards is saying. As I was reasing, these lines popped out at me and I found them interesting.
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Post by georgebaroudos on Sept 15, 2013 21:25:38 GMT -5
George Baroudos Mr. Thomas English 11 14 September 2013
H – Although I cannot see From Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God entering any movie scene I would be able to have some fun with it. The scenery would be incredibly dark and gloomy; in the hell scenes it would be fiery and burning. The movie would be one of suspense and constant change. I would attempt to create outfits that reflect past times such as the 1950’s. I don’t believe I would be a good director to this film. I am in no way shape or form interested in work such as this. It is confusing and depressing and quite honestly I would not be able to direct this movie.
D – Edwards perceives God’s wrath as “Ten thousand times greater then the strength of the stoutest, sturdiest devil in hell …” (47). This particular quote caught my attention, this is a very bold statement and Edwards says it with confidence. My depiction of God is one of grace and glory, never of wrath. This quote has not changed my depiction of God; it did make me think though. There are so many different views of God and they can be completely different. Edwards seems to take a controversial stand on his views, but considering the Puritan belief it may have intertwined with the extreme view.
A – A positive outlook can influence any person, if we believe “ That God’s hand has held you up” (48) it can help any distressful situation. I know that God’s hand has held me up before, after Sandy I found a stronger relationship with God. God’s hand allowed me to bounce back stronger then I already was and I am grateful for that. I believe God will be there for anyone who looks for him, but this must be an ongoing relationship. We cannot just go to God when we need something. In my life God plays a vital role in decision-making and how I live life. I do think God’s hand has held me up many times in the past and hopefully in the future.
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Post by frankclarke on Sept 15, 2013 21:32:11 GMT -5
Frank Clarke Mr. Thomas English 11
14 September 2013
D. First off, this story was a lot easier to understand/ read than the rest. His message is more clearly portrayed to me, rather than our past readings. One line I really enjoyed was “The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked…” (Page 48) this line really stood out to me because it talks about an angry God, and that if you sin, he will not be nice. As shown in these lines, he can be a cruel and evil God when he needs to be. Yet, as the story goes on, we learn that God would rather forgive than act cruel.
E. Again on page 48,Edwards talks about how when most people sin, he holds them up. This meaning that when a man sins, he does not directly send him to the pits of hell, but rather keeps him to have him learn from his miss-guided mistakes. This is also a main point of the short story. This part of Puritan beliefs is something I can agree on. That a God who does not dispose of a sinner right away is a God no one will pray too, which is why our God is so understanding and willing to listen.
A. This story can be related to the conflict in Syria. With a dictator killing his own people, and mostly no one taking action, the United States threatens to bomb then. However, they first seek diplomatic sanctions first, along side with Russia, and try to reevaluate the situation and understand. Just as God would in this story, when he sees a sinner, he does not send them directly to the pits of hell.
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