Jonathan Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" relates to several key theological and social issues prevalent during the Great Awakening in the 1740s:
* Human Depravity and Sinfulness: The sermon emphasizes the inherent wickedness of humanity in the eyes of God. Edwards argues that people are born sinners, deserving only of eternal damnation. He vividly portrays the corrupt and detestable nature of humans without God's grace.
* God's Wrath and Justice: A central theme is the portrayal of God's intense anger towards sinners. Edwards stresses that God is just in his wrath and that sinners are constantly in danger of being cast into hell. He uses powerful imagery to depict the horrors of hell and the eternal suffering that awaits the unrepentant.
* Divine Sovereignty and Predestination: While not explicitly stated, the sermon implies the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination. Edwards suggests that salvation is entirely dependent on God's will and grace, and that humans cannot earn their way to heaven through good works. This idea highlights God's absolute power and control over human destiny.
* The Imminence of Death and Judgment: Edwards warns his audience that death can come at any moment, and with it, the certainty of divine judgment. He urges them to consider their eternal fate and to repent before it is too late.
* The Necessity of Conversion and Spiritual Awakening: The sermon is a call to action, urging listeners to recognize their sinful state and to seek conversion. Edwards emphasizes the importance of experiencing a personal and emotional transformation through faith in Christ. He aims to awaken people from their spiritual slumber and to lead them to seek salvation.
* The Role of Grace and Mercy: While the sermon primarily focuses on God's wrath, it also hints at the possibility of redemption through God's grace and mercy. Edwards suggests that even though sinners deserve damnation, God offers a way out through faith in Jesus Christ.
* Social and Moral Decay: The sermon can also be interpreted as a commentary on the perceived moral decline of society. Edwards believed that people were becoming too complacent and detached from religion, and he sought to restore a sense of religious fervor and moral seriousness.