Tuesday, January 27, 2015

The Puppeteer

“You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it and burn it asunder,” said Jonathan Edwards, a powerful Calvinist preacher, as he began an extended metaphor to his congregation. “And there is no other reason to be given why you have not dropped into hell since you arose in the morning, but that God’s hand has held you up.”

As I read these words today as a Post-Enlightenment-Middle-Class-Mormon-Woman-In-College I was struck by something tragic and something so dramatic that I laughed through my fear. This hellfire and brimstone does little to motivate me and all of my sensitivities, however it spoke powerfully to participants of the religious revival that sparked from the Great Awakening.

It was interesting to me, that in Edwards’ approach to convey the delicate eternal situation of each member of his congregation, he assumed a rhetorical role similar to the God he described. The powerful imagery and extended metaphor used by Edwards brought to mind the picture of a great puppeteer.

The emotions of his congregation were likely heightened even before the sermon, again as a product of the revival. A pathetic appeal had the desired effect, and logic was all but abandoned (allusions to serpents and Sodom aside):

“How many is it likely will remember this discourse in hell! And it would be a wonder, if some that are now present should not be in hell in a very short time, before this year is out. And it would be no wonder if some persons that now sit here in some seats of this meetinghouse, in health , and quiet and secure, should be there before tomorrow morning!…

The language of Jonathan Edwards was picturesque; in his conviction (and no doubt the passion in his expression) he essentially characterized his own words, effectively motivating the congregation that embraced religious fanaticism.


And to you, Professor Burton, do we think the spider was skiwompous on God’s slender thread?

2 comments:

  1. I had forgotten about the challenge to use "skiwampus"! Nice job.
    You're right: this image of dangling over a lake of fire and brimstone is totally an emotional appeal. It's useful and powerful, too...but like you said, it only works for certain audiences. If an apostle got up and started saying the same thing (unless it was Elder Holland) (...ok, even if it was Elder Holland) we'd all be like, Huh?

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  2. I agree that the ability to tell stories effectively can give one the power to be, as you said, a "puppeteer." As the audience continues to become more familiar with his style, he becomes a sort of friend to them. This in turn makes it easier for them to trust him and obey what he preaches regarding the need to be continually vigilant in their religion.

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