Question

read the excerpt from \sinners in the hands of an angry god.\

yea, god is a great deal more angry with great numbers that are now on earth; yea, doubtless with many that are now in this congregation, who it may be are at ease, than he is with many of those that are now in the flames of hell.

what does this excerpt suggest about edwardss opinion of society?

he feels society in general, including many members of the congregation, is more sinful now than ever.
he feels society in general is more sinful now than it ever was, but members of the congregation can be at ease because they are saved.
he feels society in general is less sinful than it ever was, and members of the congregation can feel confident that they are saved.
he feels society in general is less sinful than it has been, but many members of the congregation are damned.

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: inferential comprehension and textual evidence

Step 1: Analyze the text

The excerpt states:

"Yea, God is a great deal more angry with great numbers that are now on earth; yea, doubtless with many that are now in this congregation, who it may be are at ease, than he is with many of those that are now in the flames of hell."

This sentence contains two main assertions:

1. God is angrier with "great numbers that are now on earth" than with many who are already in hell. This suggests that society in general is currently exceedingly sinful.
2. God is also angrier with "many that are now in this congregation, who it may be are at ease." This directly refutes the idea that members of the congregation are safe or should feel at ease.

Step 2: Evaluate the options

• Option 1: "He feels society in general, including many members of the congregation, is more sinful now than ever."

This matches the text perfectly. Edwards expresses that God is angrier with people currently on earth (society) and specifically points out members of his own congregation who falsely feel "at ease."

• Option 2: "He feels society in general is more sinful now than it ever was, but members of the congregation can be at ease because they are saved."

This is incorrect because Edwards explicitly warns that God is angry with many in the congregation who are currently "at ease."

• Option 3: "He feels society in general is less sinful than it ever was..."

This is incorrect because the text states God is "a great deal more angry" with people now on earth than those already in hell, indicating high levels of sinfulness.

• Option 4: "He feels society in general is less sinful than it has been..."

This is incorrect for the same reason as Option 3.

Answer:

He feels society in general, including many members of the congregation, is more sinful now than ever.