Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies during the 18th century, characterized by a surge in evangelical fervor and a call for personal faith and emotional connection to God. This movement played a crucial role in shaping the religious landscape of the Appalachian region, influencing the development of various denominations and fostering a culture of individual spirituality and community-based worship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening was marked by influential preachers like George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards, who emphasized personal piety over established religious practices.
2. The movement contributed to a sense of unity among colonists across different regions, fostering a shared identity that would later influence American independence.
3. In Appalachia, the Great Awakening led to the establishment of new congregations and denominations, particularly among those seeking alternative forms of worship outside traditional church structures.
4. The emphasis on personal experience in faith during the Great Awakening challenged established religious authorities, leading to greater religious diversity in the region.
5. The legacy of the Great Awakening can still be seen today in the strong tradition of revival meetings and camp gatherings prevalent in Appalachian communities.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening influence individual spirituality among people in the Appalachian region?
  • The Great Awakening encouraged individuals to seek a personal relationship with God rather than relying solely on traditional church authority. This shift led to an emphasis on emotional expressions of faith and personal conversion experiences. In Appalachia, this movement fostered a culture where individuals felt empowered to engage in their spiritual journeys, often forming new congregations that reflected their unique interpretations of faith.
• Discuss the role of prominent figures like George Whitefield in shaping the Great Awakening and its impact on Appalachian religion.
  • George Whitefield was a key figure in the Great Awakening known for his charismatic preaching style and ability to draw large crowds. His itinerant preaching across the colonies, including Appalachian areas, ignited widespread enthusiasm for evangelicalism. Whitefield's emphasis on heartfelt religion resonated deeply with many Appalachian settlers, leading to increased attendance at revival meetings and significantly influencing local religious practices and community structures.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Awakening on religious diversity and community identity in Appalachia.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Awakening significantly reshaped religious diversity in Appalachia. By challenging established denominations and encouraging new forms of worship, it paved the way for various evangelical movements to flourish. As different groups formed based on individual beliefs and communal ties, these changes fostered a distinct community identity rooted in shared experiences of faith. This legacy continues today, as diverse religious expressions remain an integral part of Appalachian culture.

Related terms

Revivalism: A movement within Christianity that emphasizes the need for personal spiritual renewal and transformation through emotional experiences and public demonstrations of faith.

Methodism: A denomination that emerged from the revivalist movement, emphasizing personal faith, social justice, and the importance of community in worship and service.

Camp Meeting: An outdoor religious gathering, often associated with the Great Awakening, where people would come together for days of preaching, singing, and communal worship.