Week 2 Discussion One: Edwards

Between Edwards’, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” and Winthrop’s “A Model of
Christian Charity", what I found to be different is definitely the way that both authors deliver
their tone. Edwards shows to give his point in a more aggressive and direct tone while Winthrop
gave a more uplifting and inspiring tone. I feel that both the authors gave their tones the way
they did due to their experience and settings. Winthrop’s message was more enlighten where he
felt that people can change and lead a new life, while Edwards’ message seemed more negative
where if you are a sinner, you are being warned by him that God may judge you harshly on your
sins. I feel that the message has changed between the two where one expresses a feel of hope and
the other expresses a feel of fear. However, both authors tell their message for the others to
change and look towards God. The implications I feel that this has towards American society is
the different ways that people view God or religion. Some people follow the two either
somewhat loosely or strictly and strongly believe in both and try not to sin. Edwards’ ideas seem
to fall flat in today’s society with the idea that there are no harsh punishments or consequences if
you are to sin. People go to confession and there is the idea that you are forgiven by God.