Free will

Definition

Free will is the ability of individuals to make choices and decisions independent of external constraints or predetermined destiny. In the context of the Great Awakening and religious revival, free will became a central theme, emphasizing personal choice in matters of faith and salvation. This belief fueled the idea that individuals could actively seek a relationship with God, leading to increased participation in religious practices and a shift towards more personal expressions of faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Great Awakening, preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield emphasized the importance of individual choice in accepting Christ, promoting the notion of free will in spiritual matters.
2. The concept of free will challenged traditional religious views that emphasized predestination, encouraging people to believe they could shape their own spiritual destinies.
3. Free will allowed for a more democratic approach to religion, as individuals felt empowered to choose their beliefs and participate in religious revivals outside of established church hierarchies.
4. This emphasis on free will contributed to the growth of new denominations and sects during the Great Awakening, reflecting a diversification of religious thought in America.
5. The revivalist movement's focus on personal faith experiences often included emotional expressions such as shouting and public testimony, showcasing the freedom individuals felt to express their beliefs.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of free will reshape individual beliefs during the Great Awakening?
  • The concept of free will reshaped individual beliefs during the Great Awakening by empowering people to actively choose their faith rather than relying solely on established doctrines. This shift encouraged personal experiences with God, leading to widespread participation in revivals and new expressions of spirituality. The emphasis on personal choice also fostered a more intimate relationship between believers and their faith.
• In what ways did free will create tension between traditional religious views and the revivalist movements of the Great Awakening?
  • Free will created tension between traditional religious views, which often emphasized predestination, and revivalist movements by challenging the notion that salvation was predetermined by God. Revivalists argued that individuals had the power to choose salvation for themselves, which undermined established church authority and doctrines. This conflict led to a broader debate about the nature of faith and individual agency within religious contexts.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of free will as promoted during the Great Awakening on American religious landscape.
  • The long-term impacts of free will as promoted during the Great Awakening significantly transformed the American religious landscape by fostering a culture of individualism and diverse beliefs. This emphasis on personal choice contributed to the rise of various denominations and sects, as people sought communities that reflected their spiritual preferences. Additionally, it laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for religious freedom and tolerance, shaping America's identity as a pluralistic society where diverse expressions of faith could flourish.

Related terms

Predestination: The theological doctrine that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned, often contrasting with the idea of free will.

Revivalism: A movement within Christianity that emphasizes personal conversion experiences and emotional expressions of faith, often linked to the Great Awakening.

Individualism: A social theory or philosophy that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual, promoting self-reliance and personal independence.