Great Awakening

Definition

The Great Awakening was a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, significantly impacting the landscape of religion and spirituality. It emphasized personal faith, emotional connection to religion, and a break from established church hierarchies, leading to an increase in denominational diversity. This movement encouraged individuals to seek a direct relationship with God, fostering a sense of spiritual autonomy and questioning traditional authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening took place primarily between the 1730s and 1740s, leading to a rise in enthusiasm for religious expression and revivalism across the colonies.
2. One major effect of the Great Awakening was the establishment of new denominations, such as Methodism and Baptism, which were often more inclusive and accessible than established churches.
3. The movement contributed to a sense of shared American identity among colonists, as people from diverse backgrounds came together for revival meetings and shared religious experiences.
4. The Great Awakening also played a role in questioning traditional authority, not only in religion but also in politics, as it encouraged individual interpretation and personal experience over institutional control.
5. The legacy of the Great Awakening can be seen in contemporary American religious life, as it laid the groundwork for ongoing religious fervor and reform movements throughout history.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening influence the way individuals viewed their relationship with religion?
  • The Great Awakening transformed how individuals approached religion by promoting personal faith over institutional authority. People were encouraged to seek their own emotional connections with God rather than relying solely on church leaders. This shift led to increased spiritual autonomy and empowered individuals to interpret religious experiences personally, making faith more accessible and individualized.
• Analyze the role of key figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield in shaping the Great Awakening's impact on colonial society.
  • Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were pivotal in driving the Great Awakening forward through their dynamic preaching styles and deep theological insights. Edwards' sermons highlighted the necessity of personal conversion, while Whitefield's charismatic approach attracted massive crowds across the colonies. Their combined efforts not only revitalized religious fervor but also inspired new congregations and movements, fundamentally altering the religious landscape of colonial America.
• Evaluate how the Great Awakening set the stage for future social and political movements in America.
  • The Great Awakening's emphasis on individualism and questioning authority laid critical groundwork for future social and political movements in America. As colonists began to challenge established religious norms, this mindset naturally extended to other areas, such as politics and social justice. The ideals of personal liberty and equality fostered during this period contributed significantly to later movements such as abolitionism and women's rights, reflecting a broader trend towards democratization in American society.

Related terms

Jonathan Edwards: A key preacher during the First Great Awakening known for his fiery sermons that emphasized personal conversion and the importance of emotional experience in faith.

George Whitefield: An influential evangelist who traveled throughout the colonies during the Great Awakening, known for his charismatic preaching style and ability to draw large crowds.

Evangelicalism: A movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, personal conversion experiences, and the importance of spreading the gospel.