The Great Awakening

Chapter 5, Section 4

A Revival of Faith

1700s many church leaders feel religious commitment is declining

1730s individual ministers tried to renew religious enthusiasm

Hold emotional and inspiring sermons

A Revival of Faith

Hold revivals: public church gatherings where masses of people came to hear a ministers sermons

Usually held in open fields

A Revival of Faith

The “Great Awakening” was an unorganized, but widespread movement of evangelical Christian sermons and church meetings

Changed political and social life in the colonies

Leaders of the Great Awakening

Jonathan Edwards

Born in Connecticut attended Yale

Was president of college for several years

Pastor of Congreagtional Church in Massachusetts

Said sinners must ask forgiveness of their sins or face eternal punishment

Leaders of the Great Awakening

George Whitefield

Came to America and began series of revivals in Georgia and Virginia

Made several tours of the colonies

Drew crowds of thousands

Words of the Great Awakening

Salvation could only be gained through acceptance of God’s grace and forgiveness of sins

Often took a threatening tone

Preached all people were born sinners

Everyone has equal chance to be saved

“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

“Old Lights”

New England traditionalists

Did not believe enthusiasm of Great Awakening could awaken spirituality

“an imaginary, not a real inspiration”

Felt sermons were inappropriate way to gain salvation

Charles Chauncy of Boston’s first church

“New Lights”

Followers of the Great AwakeningGilbert Tennent: leader of the movementAttacked the Old Lights in his writing The Danger of an Unconverted MinistryInspired growth in church membership

Faith on the Frontier

Great Awakening swept west to the frontierItinerant preacher: traveled the country to deliver sermonsEstablished first churches on the frontierSome frontier missionaries oppose the Great Awakening

Effects on SocietyAttracted people of different classes and races

Women seek spiritual renewal at time of childbirth

African Americans find message of acceptance and equality appealing

Ministers from different colonies communicate

Large outdoor meetings can be places to discuss political issues

Question religion = question politics