The Great Disappointment of 1844

Definition

The Great Disappointment of 1844 refers to the significant event in American religious history when a large group of Millerites, followers of William Miller, anticipated the Second Coming of Christ on October 22, 1844, but were left disillusioned when it did not occur. This event not only marked a pivotal moment in the development of new religious movements but also led to the establishment of various sects and interpretations that emerged in response to this unfulfilled prophecy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Disappointment stemmed from William Miller's calculations based on biblical prophecies, particularly the book of Daniel, leading his followers to believe that Christ would return in 1844.
2. When Christ did not return as expected, many Millerites experienced profound disappointment and confusion, which led to a crisis of faith for some and a reevaluation of their beliefs for others.
3. In the aftermath, a significant number of former Millerites continued to search for meaning and understanding, leading to the formation of new religious groups, notably the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
4. The event is seen as a key moment in the development of American religious movements during the 19th century, reflecting broader themes of revivalism and millenarianism prevalent at the time.
5. The Great Disappointment also illustrated how failed prophecies can impact religious communities, often leading to fragmentation or transformation within those groups.

Review Questions

• How did the predictions made by William Miller lead to the Great Disappointment, and what were some immediate reactions from his followers?
  • William Miller's predictions were based on his interpretation of biblical prophecies, particularly those in the book of Daniel, which he believed indicated that Christ would return on October 22, 1844. When this did not happen, many followers faced intense disappointment and confusion. Some lost their faith entirely, while others sought to reinterpret Miller's messages or adapt their beliefs, setting off a period of reflection and reorganization within the movement.
• Discuss the long-term effects of the Great Disappointment on American religious movements and how it contributed to the formation of new sects.
  • The Great Disappointment had profound long-term effects on American religious movements by prompting former Millerites to reexamine their beliefs about prophecy and salvation. This reevaluation led to the establishment of new sects, most notably Seventh-day Adventism, which adopted many original teachings while modifying them to account for the failed prediction. The event highlighted how disillusionment can fuel religious innovation and growth within new movements.
• Evaluate the significance of apocalyptic beliefs within religious movements in light of events like the Great Disappointment and their impact on society.
  • The significance of apocalyptic beliefs is underscored by events like the Great Disappointment, as they reveal how deeply held convictions about imminent change can shape community dynamics and social structures. The failure of a major prophetic event can lead not only to fragmentation but also to renewed zeal as believers seek alternative interpretations or new paths. This phenomenon illustrates how apocalyptic expectations can drive religious innovation and adaptiveness in changing societal contexts.

Related terms

William Miller: A Baptist preacher who founded the Millerite movement and predicted the Second Coming of Christ in the early 19th century.

Seventh-day Adventism: A Christian denomination that emerged from the Millerite movement, emphasizing the imminent return of Christ and observing Saturday as the Sabbath.

Apocalypticism: A belief system centered around the end times and the imminent return of a messianic figure, often associated with prophecies in religious texts.