Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, characterized by an increase in evangelical fervor and a shift towards more personal, emotional expressions of faith. It sparked a wave of religious enthusiasm and a questioning of traditional authority, leading to the growth of new denominations and a greater emphasis on individual spirituality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening is often seen as a response to the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason over faith, leading many to seek a more personal connection with God.
2. Revival meetings were characterized by passionate preaching, emotional responses from congregants, and an emphasis on personal salvation.
3. Prominent figures such as Jonathan Edwards delivered powerful sermons, including 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' which vividly illustrated the need for repentance.
4. The movement contributed to the decline of established churches' influence and fostered the rise of independent congregations and new denominations.
5. The Great Awakening had lasting impacts on American culture, including promoting religious tolerance and setting the stage for future social movements such as abolitionism and women's rights.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening influence religious practices and beliefs among colonial Americans?
  • The Great Awakening led to a transformation in religious practices by introducing more emotional and personal expressions of faith among colonial Americans. This shift encouraged individuals to seek direct experiences with God rather than relying solely on traditional church authority. The result was a flourishing of various evangelical movements and the formation of new denominations, breaking away from established churches that were seen as too rigid or formal.
• Analyze the social and political implications of the Great Awakening in the context of colonial America.
  • The Great Awakening had significant social and political implications, as it promoted ideas of individualism and questioned traditional hierarchies within both church and society. The rise of evangelical movements encouraged a spirit of egalitarianism that transcended social classes, fostering unity among diverse groups. Politically, these shifts contributed to an environment that valued personal liberty, which would later influence revolutionary sentiments leading up to the American Revolution.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Awakening on American society and its religious landscape.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Awakening were profound, leading to a more pluralistic religious landscape in America. It laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for social justice, such as abolitionism and women’s rights, by emphasizing moral responsibility and active participation in societal change. Moreover, it encouraged religious tolerance and diversity as new denominations emerged, ultimately shaping America's identity as a nation characterized by religious freedom and innovation.

Related terms

Evangelicalism: A Protestant movement that emphasizes the need for personal conversion, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of sharing the Christian faith with others.

George Whitefield: An influential preacher during the Great Awakening known for his charismatic speaking style and ability to draw large crowds, helping to spread revivalist ideas across the colonies.

New Light vs. Old Light: The division within the churches during the Great Awakening between 'New Lights,' who embraced the emotional revivalist movement, and 'Old Lights,' who adhered to traditional forms of worship and doctrine.