Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God

Edwards, Jonathan. "Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God"
28 March 2008. < http://www.piney.com/JonEdwSinHands.html >


Reflection: Edward's "Sinners in the hands of an angry god" expresses that man is condemned to hell, yet it is God's will that man shall not perish. The puritan's express everything according to god such as it was the act of God that this person died or it was God's will that the meteor struck the town. The author, Edwards, seems to convey God's wrath in his sermons, considering he wants to convince his audience one thing is for certain, all of us are going straight to hell. Yet God does not wish to cast man from earth, although he has the power to crush any form of rebellion against him. His support tests our faith, and without his hand to hold us we would immediately fall straight into the fathoms of hell. Well, if the puritans are zealous servants to God and embrace him, what is Edward's purpose in writing such frightening works? Apparently these sermons are a means of scaring the people and telling them about man's potential wickedness. Of course it is all about keeping the puritan community under control, making sure that no one would deviate from their religious customs. This fear Edwards creates is a weapon that is used against those who differ from the puritan community. For instance, say if an individual visits the puritan community in that time frame. The individual believes in God; however, he does not celebrate the rituals or customs of the puritan faith. The outcome would most likely be brutal considering that Edwards pressured the community to despise anyone who is not like them, not like the true righteous believers. Throughout time fear has been one of the greatest tools for man. By inspiring fear into people telling them that God does not want to welcome man to heaven and that no matter how kind or pure of heart, they are still wicked and belong to Satan. All Edwards has really done is create prejudice thus preventing the puritan community to advance and eventually de-evolve.
At the age of 11, I was in fifth grade at a private school. This would be my first and last time in private school. It was specifically a Christian school; it was nothing different from public school except that the last time of the day was saved for reading parts of the bible. I never said anything about my beliefs considering I was not dedicated to any religion. People knew that about me, since I kept asking questions about God's wrath such as, "If God wants us to love him then why does he punish people?" The friends I had didn't mind the fact I was not Christian, yet it did stop me getting into trouble. A few times our class was not on its best behavior, and so we would be forced to read more of the bible or other religious texts during lunch. One time I simply didn't feel like it so I escaped the classroom before lunch began (by asking to use the restroom). It didn't take much effort for the teacher to know that I was skipping since our class consisted of only twelve kids. She said it was no excuse for me not to read the bible since I was not Christian. After that, she did not tell me I was going to hell for skipping in fact I was let off the hook. She wanted to let me know that no matter what or who you believe, it is important to understand others only then will they make an effort to understand you.

Diary: Sad, so sad. It is sad that such scum thrive on the earth, in which the Lord provides us. It is sickening to know that those who protest against the Lord are in the presence of his House. This village has already bore too much filth. I cannot stand to know that this once pristine and divine place holds many sinners in which they call it their home. I shall let them know that it is my home, and in my home scum are cast down to the very fathoms into the earth waiting at the gates of hell. We have been idle for too long, and I grieve to say that heresy grows from idleness. Brothers and sisters we must unite and be holy in our cause. Our ultimate goal is to please him, the Lord. It would be more than a pleasure for him than to rid the filth from his presence. Exile was these sinners only chance for mercy, and now this village holds no more. For mercy is not tolerated any longer, it is only for the weak.

What about the Dream? (EQ)

The life of a puritan, as seen through their literature, is judged in the name of God. Of course every event is due to God's will. The views of a puritan woman and a man are very contrasting in the community. Anne Bradstreet usually conveys a soft-toned message, in which God always saves her from the material world so she may be guaranteed her spot in heaven. While Jonathan Edwards, is very dark and furious in his purpose to expose that every man crumbles to his feet without God's aid and that we are all assured to be sent to hell, unless life is just in God's eyes. Such an angry tone from Edwards creates hostility in the community where society itself crumbles. The Salem Witch Trials are a good example of the puritan community collapsing. It was either accuse or be accused in those times of heresy. The Puritan's were too caught up in their goals and started purging other puritans not the unholy. The Puritan dream can be described as finding one's way to God's Kingdom; however, according to Edwards and other puritan authors only so many can be accepted to heaven that the journey towards it becomes a fight for survival.

Slave Narrative

Equiano, Olaudah. "Account of the Middle Passage"
02 April 2008. < http://www.wsu.edu:8000/~dee/Equiano.html >


Reflection: Equiano's vivid imagery of his torment and confinement appeals to the physical human sense as well as the emotional sense. Before his captivity in the filthy pilgrim ships that transported his able body to be sold as a working automaton, Equiano's life was based upon hunting and supporting his village. However, his peaceful routines were ruined by the self-righteous white man who sought drag him and fellow villagers out of their beds and forced them to serve white men simply because they wished others to do their dirty work. After their captivity, black men, women, and children were shoved into the decks of ships and rotted for some month's time until the arrived at the island of Barbados. Not only are they captured but beaten into submission as a reminder that they are on the bottom of the food chain, while the white men rule over them as if they were God. Throughout his narrative, Equiano questions the interaction between slaves and masters. For example, young black girls are sexually abused and it is ok for a white man to treat minorities in such a way. Yet if a black man commits some action or is even accused, death knocks at his doorstep. Equiano is questioning whether or not the blacks like him are even recognized as humans. He is disgusted at how the white man journeys the world not to understand, learn, or negotiate with other peoples, but instead destroys and enslaves all for their selfish humanly desires. He is disgusted at the how the white man feels superior to all and defines "civilized" only to their culture.


Diary: These people indeed posses some fascinating items. I'm starting a diary today because my master's spouse is teaching me reading and writing. I guess she wants me to learn since master takes a long leave of absence. I'm not sure about him, but his spouse is very nice. I guess I'll start by telling my story. I used to live in a huge forest where the people here call "Africa". But one time, I guess the people here started taking me, my family, and the rest of our people onto these huge things called ships. Father told me, that the men used spells and magic to make the ships float and move on the water. We stayed in the dark for a long time on these ships and most of the time we just sat next to other people. Then they led us out and started separating us. I cried and cried for my mother, but no one would answer me. I was scared and felt alone even when I was with other kids like me. They put us on stands and that's when people here just started taking us into their huts. That's how I got here, but my master left his hut as soon as he brought me in. I couldn’t understand anything these people said until his spouse started teaching me their language. One day I asked, "Misses Pettigrew, when can I see my mother and father again?" she then looked up at me and said, "I don't think you can" she told me. I asked her another question, "Why not? What can I do to see them again?" she then told me "All you can do is looked toward God, only God can help you now".

What about the Dream? (EQ)

Although they lived a happy and well-suited life, the African natives were soon captured by the white man and sold as property. So now, all they want is freedom. Eventually a man named Olaudah Equiano soon achieved his freedom and wrote a narrative based on his captivity and harsh times as a slave. So now he has his freedom, what possibly more could he want? Even though Equiano is free, he does not enjoy the full rights of a white man. To be understood and treated as a human is just as important as his freedom. In the 1800's a man by the name John Brown sought to banish slavery from the earth since he believed it to be pure evil. He was loser in life, but fought many battles against those who favored slavery and was eventually executed for it. His violent actions were to be called the meteor of the Civil War. Due to slavery, America's government divided with hostility and bitterness toward the differing opinions. Over 620,000 American lives would be the cost to end such a feud.

A Revolution: Patrick Henry

Henry, Patrick. "Give me Liberty, or give me death"
09 April 2008. < http://www.liberty-page.com/foundingdocs/givemeliberty/main.html >


Reflection: In his famous "Give me Liberty, or Give me death" speech, Patrick Henry utilizes the three methods of persuasion, which are ethos, logos, and pathos in order to convince colonial America to stand up and fight against Great Britain's tyrannical rule. Henry makes well use of God in the three methods since almost everyone was a Christian considering the church ran most of the city affairs. Ethos means ethical appeal. Henry believes that it is ethical to go to war; however, such brutality war holds can not ethical, so what is his purpose? First of all, Henry says, "I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past" before the outbreak of war America was taxed by Britain constantly and had no voice of opinion. So all the people could do was stick their heads in the ground and hope for a reform, but that never happened. It was ethically wrong and unjust for Britain to have a rule over the colonies when they promised the American people their freedom. It was also unjust for people to convince themselves of such false hope, for Britain wouldn't change. Also, Henry makes note that God sees the injustice in this and commands that we must take back what is ours. Cowering away from the situation would bring dishonor to the colonies, yourself, and more importantly God. Henry makes his logical appeal by reminding them the economic crisis Britain has brought upon the colonies. How could a man make a living if all mighty Britain taxed him for every breath? Logically it was right to declare war to achieve true freedom and independence from Britain just as the pilgrims sought to in 1620. Finally Henry appeals emotionally to the public. Like the ethos, Henry uses God once again as a method for persuasion. Since colonial America didn't have much of an army, navy, or any allies how would they defeat Britain? However, it was not to worry since God would take care of plight of the situation and punish Britain's wickedness for lying to the colonies. What better way to stir the spirits of the population than to appeal to their religious beliefs? Allusion is also a key method in his speech of eloquently portraying America's strangled position. For example, "it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty?" therefore the siren is one his symbols in which it represent false hope. Just like the soothing song of the siren, it is comforting to feel safe and believe everything will untwine in our favor. Yet this was not the case, as time went on Great Britain was able to seize America piece by piece likewise any action would not be passed without the approval of Britain. It was easy to be told what to do instead of standing up and fighting for what they wanted.


What about the Dream? (EQ)

Through their inspiring words, Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine successfully appealed to the colonial peoples to gain independence from Britain's tyrannical rule. Although colonial American had formed an army, their numbers would never match against the British's mighty masses of soldiers. So just how did they hope to win? For one thing, they did have the morale to fight, but their lack of proper training and arms still cut their chances of victory. Not only did America have a small army, but many loyalists to Britain. These loyalists were a hated group and a prime target for the government. If caught during the war, they would more than likely be executed or shot on the spot for treachery. With 30% of the population consisting of loyalists, the colonial government was caught up in war that had to be fought internally and externally. It was hard to safeguard the idea that there was a chance for us to win this war especially since the army itself was not in tip top shape. Without Paine and Henry's voice, it would be hard to imagine if the war could have been won.

A Revolution: Thomas Paine

Paine, Thomas. "The Crisis No.1"
09 April 2008. <http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/NewNation/PaineCrisis1.pdf>

Reflection: Thomas Paine's "The Crisis" was a piece of propaganda in order to raise the morale of the army. Like Patrick Henry, Paine uses the three methods of persuasion as well. Emotionally, Paine speaks that they can only defeat Britain if they are truly strong in their cause. Even though the Americans don't have the numbers or weapons to stand up to the British, faith is a key part to success. He refers to Joan of Arc as such an example, "the whole English army, after ravaging the kingdom of France, was driven back like men petrified with fear; and this brave exploit was performed by a few broken forces collected and headed by a woman, Joan of Arc". Logically, the American's had to fight the British because they were being taxed to the very bone. Britain was basically robbing them and the colonists couldn't do anything diplomatically about it. They must fight back in order to gain their freedom of independence. Since the war had already begun, there was no choice but to fight. Although it seemed as if the colonial rebels couldn't match the British, it would be ethically wrong to back down. Cowardice was unacceptable it would betray the country, and every reason why the pilgrims came down here to make an independent lifestyle would have been in vain. There were two options, fight against Britain with great fury and faith or flee from the battlefield and die with only shame on one's side.


Diary: Now is the time, the time to fight, the time to show that Britain is no longer our ruler. Our fathers came to this place, in order to base a foundation for a new life .A new life free from such persecution under a self-righteous monarch. It would be then, where the people could judge people, and the majority would rule. Britain has lied to us, betrayed us, and now seeks to destroy us. We must stop such tyranny so we may preserve our free opinions. If we ever want to be free now is the time to stand up and rebel against the empire. However, with the loyalists tainting our foundation and everything we stand for. We must root them out of our beloved America. Only then can we stand united in our cause. Difference in a time of crisis creates a greater struggle for ourselves that is why we must rid these Tories from our towns no matter how loved or trusted, for they have lost our trust and are only dead weight to this land. We can only bring dishonor to ourselves by not repelling such a threat.

Interviews

Interview 1: Stacy Amezcua

Q What is the American Dream to you?
A The American dream is the possibility of living my life on my own terms. I feel appreciation for my country that I can choose what I want to be I can choose my priorities and I have the best possibility being in this country of making those choices a reality. I feel it's more important now than ever to impress upon my children their god given rights of individual choice and then not allowing our government to impede that process. I whole heartedly believe in the power of the people. It is the people of this country that have made it great. The individual's dream, individual's hardship, and the individual's triumph that have made this country great in every circumstance.
Q Do you think that the American Dream is misunderstood as get rich quick? If yes, why do you think that people favor money over their own values?
A Absolutely! Unfortunately with the advent of TV the marketing agenda has proliferated throughout our country like cancer; telling people what is they most desire. My great grandparents came to this country from Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and England with religious ideals and desire to belong something larger than themselves. They ended up owning much of southern Utah and my great grandfather, while the first in his family to speak English, and became a huge banker and eventually governor of Utah. While this monetary success is what many people think the American dream is. To my family it was living their lives with purpose and being apart of something larger than themselves.
Q How have you live your American Dream?
A While I haven't yet fulfilled or sought my personal potential I feel very fortunate that I have been able to spend the time and energy and have the economic ability to give my children the start they need to find their own answers. Again I cannot stress how grateful I am that we live in a country where I'm able to provide food, clothing, shelter, and hope for my children.
Q How have you taught your children the value of the American Dream?
A It's imperative through my actions which my children have always been privy to, that they understand their inherent rights as human beings. I truly believe that all beings are created equally and those born into privilege have responsibility. Although I have embarrassed my children many times they have witnessed first hand asserting my expectations as an individual for respect from government leaders, doctors, business leaders, school officials, etc. I absolutely expect for my children that they exercise their rights as Americans to assert their individual influence over their own individual destiny.

Synopsis: Stacy Amezcua always wanted to live her life as she saw fit. Yet she is not successful in establishing her own needs, and she strives though she gets frustrated when certain institutions dictate what she should feel and control. She either hat to compromise or assert herself as a consumer and rights as a person. And sometimes she has to pick her battles and move on or else her time and energy would be wasted. That is why she hates politicians who try to rule the citizens' lives and is happy to speak out because she can. "It is our country and not the opportunists who administrate it…Even though there are many liars, enough people believe in the basic human freedoms that it why evil will not win". Being aware of reality is important especially now, she says. It is important for people to open their eyes and see what's going on around them.

Interview 2: Oscar Amezcua

Q What is the American Dream to you?
A It's the pursuit of your personal happiness. Being able the things you want to do in peace and freedom. There are still a lot of countries that don't give you the opportunity to choose your own career.
Q Do you think that the American Dream is misunderstood as get rich quick? If yes, why do you think that people favor money over their own values?
A Yes, because people have been trained to consume instead of looking for ways to fulfill them. Entertainment has taken the place of education. People rather are entertained instead of learning what is in the world. Too many of us have become lazy.
Q How have you live your American Dream?
A I'm still working on it. I try to live each day the best I can, try to do my job the best way, try to help people: get out of debt, best loan, and best way to help them save money. I'm trying to give my contribution.
Q How have you taught your children the value of the American Dream
A By advising them to be aware of everything around them. Trying to make sure they understand the value of their own opinion by learning. Learn to be a person who is able to assert an opinion and able to find your own information and not letting the media wash their brains. It takes work to live in this world, and people don't take that serious enough because they liked to be entertained.

Synopsis: Oscar Amezcua, originally from Mexico City, pursued to live the American dream to escape the pessimism of his culture. His first obstacle was getting to the US. Mexico's education and rate was low at the time and he wanted to come to the US for opportunity in schooling. However, he faced prejudice since plenty of people in the US didn't like him for his thick accent and Mexican heritage. Of course he could only stay in the US if he had a student Visa and even this took a long time to get, 8 months. After the exorbitant amount of paperwork and time he finally arrived in California where some of his relatives lived. Unfortunately some of his relatives weren't going to give him a warm welcome. It was hard for him to find a place to stay. Even with all the negative events happening around Oscar still had a positive attitude. He says that, "Every time life presents itself with a challenge you have to look at the opportunities you and not wait for what happens, every nook and cranny must be searched to find an answer". Eventually his cousin Arturo was more than glad to be room mates with him.

Interview 3: Shannon Mathis

Shannon Mathis has worked at least 50 years of her life and started at the early age of 10. In these young ages she worked at neighborhood yards and malt shops while she was going to high school. Working summer jobs would help pay for her college since her family couldn't afford tuition. It was assumed in her generation that the government and Social Security would take care of her retirement. However, she found out her spending and spending on her young daughters would have to stop since she needed to start saving for her own retirement. Fortunately she took matters in her own hands and made wise decisions to invest. Although it was hard to part from her usual spending, it made up for it in the future. She learned it takes patience and knowledge to succeed in the financial world.

Reflection: Although it seems as though the American dream is based on status and keeping up with pop culture, to some people the Dream invests in the individual. When the pilgrim's first arrived in the New World, there was no money, entertainment, and specific norm. It was about setting up life again. Their sole intent purpose was to escape Britain, the norm, to set up their own separate life style. Eventually war broke out questioning the true independence of these colonists. And even if it seemed impossible, these colonists won and embraced their freedom they earned through their blood, sweat, and tears. Before then it was just a dream, the dream to believe that one could escape the tyranny of others. Now, our opportunities have increased; however, we are blinded by the media telling us what hip, cool is, or in. It is then the opportunities to educate ourselves are viewed upon as geeky and for smart people. The initiative to work hard is questioned. People now want to become singers, athletes, or actors. Those who don't want to work look at fall back on their false hopes to safeguard their laziness. The American dream is then a get rich quick process. Fortunately there are enough people to believe in themselves and their own strength to break away from the cycle. There is enough faith in the individual to lure people away from the media's sweet song. That is the very value America was built upon.