Jonathan Edwards' Use of Similes and Metaphors

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the writings of theologian and preacher Jonathan Edwards. The paper first defines the figures of speech known as simile and metaphor. It then examines the works of Jonathan Edwards and his use of similes and metaphors therein to advance his teachings. The paper concludes that the writings of Edwards were designed to win over converts to his church.

Table of Contents:
The Beginning of His Metaphor
Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God
The "Shadow" of Love
The Dissolution of the Human Condition and Effort
The Conclusion that Edwards' Work is Like Fear Propaganda

From the Paper:

"The writings of Edwards were designed to win over converts to his church, increasing his social status and contributory base in the congregation. The method chosen to do so was through religion, with the use of similes and metaphors and prime vehicle in his delivery of ideas. Vivid metaphors were created and presented to his parishioners, creating within their minds pictures of hellfire and eternal damnation, devaluing their love and desires, glorifying their love towards a contemptuous god. Similes were presented to them, allowing Edwards to describe intangible objects such as love and God like a light, or as the will of the soul. In consideration of his goal, Edwards was for a time successful, establishing his church and presenting his sermons and subsequently having them published for some time. However, eventually his fearful sermons and tactics would sully his image with his parishioners, who would come to dislike his famous similes and metaphors on eternal damnation, and the futility of trying."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Edwards, Jonathan. 1741.
• The Nature of True Vision. Edwards, Jonathan. 1765.
• "Simile." Dictionary.com. Retrieved on 23 November 2007.
• The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God. Edwards, Jonathan. 1741.
• Stickel, George W. "American Philosophers before 1950." Dictionary of Literary Biography, Volume 270. A Bruccoli Clark Layman Book. Edited by Philip B. Dematteis, Saint Leo University, and Leemon B. McHenry, California State University, Northridge. Gale Group, 2002. pp. 89-102.

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