1730s-1740s: The Great Awakening - Reviving American Christianity - Research Paper

Introduction

The great awakening was experienced in the 1730s and 1740s and significantly impacted the English colonies in America. The revival began at a time when the passion for religion had declined. There was a need for new opinions. There was many advocating for the idea of secular rationalism. It was a period where religious leaders traveled widely from city to city preaching the gospel. They also promoted Christianity enthusiasm and salvation from sins (Bushman 135). The movement hence received a lot of support as there was a renewed religion dedication by the people. As a result, the great awakening influenced the different religious denominations as well as the American culture.

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Historical Background

In the early 1700s, there was a European philosophical movement known as the enlightenment or the age of reason. The campaign was moving into the American colonies across the Atlantic Ocean. The generation of reason thinkers downplayed religion and advocated for a logical and scientific view of the world (Butler 317). During this period, religion had become less personal and more formal. It led to a few people going to church. Many Christians were disappointed with how rationalism and riches were leading culture. They felt complacent with the worship methods used at the time. It led to many Christians willing to return to religious piety.

The growing secularism and also the traditional puritan sermons that were dreary led to more people not attending church sermons. Also, people believed that God had already chosen those that he wanted to save irrespective of their moral behavior. It was contrary to the doctrine that saving was through upright conduct and good deeds. The enlightenment went as far as convincing the people that through reasoning, they could end human imperfection on earth. Benjamin franklin was one of those who believed that it was the time he considered the concept of achieving moral perfection.

The preachers then got alarmed by the rate at which people believed in the false reason of human perfection that was being spread by the enlightenment. They were also upset by the increasing materialism and secularism of colonial Americans. The people began indulging in sinful activities that made them hopeful and happy. They slowly forgot about God. The religious leaders then agreed that action had to be taken. During this period, 13 colonies were religiously divided. The Congregational churches now owned new England. The middle colonies belonged to Quakers, Baptists, Lutherans, congregational followers, the Dutch Reformed, and Presbyterians. Southern provinces consisted of Anglican church members, but there were also some Presbyterians, Baptists, and Quakers. The revival of Christianity began in the late 1720s after the setting for a renewal of faith. Preachers started the restoration by altering their message to reemphasize the Calvinism concept.

Topic Analysis

There were many religious leaders involved in the awakening of spiritual practices. The first religious leader was Jonathan Edwards, a Northampton Anglican minister. He is considered as one of the chief fathers who revolutionized the great awakening. His message was centered on the idea that all persons were sinners and that people needed to ask for forgiveness as God was an angry judge. He also emphasized justification by faith only. Edward is well known for the infamous emotional sermon he gave in the year 1741. He called sinners in the eyes of an angry God. His message spread across all colonies. Jonathan also had a lot of passion and energy when delivering the word of God to the people. Unlike other preachers who traveled across the territories, Edward preferred preaching in his home parish. Through his preaching, Edward was able to convert so many people which he documented in a book he called narratives of surprising conversions.

Another individual considered as a chief father of the great awakening is George Whitefield. He was from Britain and toured colonies around the Atlantic coast preaching. In a single year, he preached more than 350 times and covered over 5000 miles in America. He used a theatrical charismatic and expressive style in his preaching (Edwards 212). During his sermons, he could shout the word of God and tremble. It attracted so many people who came to listen to his preaching. Whitefield preached to all the people, including Native Americans and slaves. Benjamin Franklin, a religious cynic, was captivated by Whitefield preaching and the two became friends. Whitefield succeeded in convincing English colonists to join the church and reenergized the once dying Christian faith.

There were also several religious leaders involved in the spiritual awakening of the 1740s. Some of the well-known preachers include Samuel Davies, David Brainard, Gilbert Tennent, Theodore Frelinghuysen, and others. Theses religious leaders were from different backgrounds, but their messages were the same. They preached to the people to return to Christianity as it was relevant to their way of life.

Historical Significance

The great awakening of the 1740s had a lot of impact on the lives of the people. It was significant as it brought to the forefront of various ideas, philosophies, and doctrines of the Christian faith. The awakening had some repercussions on the political and cultural sphere. On of the significance of the revival is that it led to religious uniformity. It is believed that the zeal that came with the movement played a significant role in the drive for independence. The awakening is considered as the leading factor that motivated the people to fight for their freedom. Before the revolution, there was a split in the denomination, and some Americans adhered t no denomination. However, the awakening brought unity among the people turned to the Christianity faith.

Another significance is that it led to the sharing of goals. The awakening allowed ordinary people to make a personal connection with God. It changed the religious climate present in the American colonies. Another significance is that it led to the growth of new denominations. Before the awakening, many Protestants feared the catholic faith (O'Brien 826). However, after the great renewal, there was significant growth of the protestant denominations such as the Baptists and Methodists. The movement brought unity among the colonies that helped the church to grow. Before then, there was a division between those who supported religion and those who were against it.

Another significance of the awakening is that it led to the development of several educational institutions. Some of the known institutions include the brown, Princeton, Dartmouth and Rutgers universities. The great awakening also strengthened religious believe in America in a period when it was declining. It also introduced ideas that would remain in American culture over a long period. Some of the concepts presented to the people include those of all people are born sinners. It enabled people to accept themselves and seek salvation. Those who sinned without salvation would end up in hell. All people could be saved so long as they confessed their sins to God and ask for forgiveness. It also enabled people to have a personal connection with God. Religion is own and casual and should not be standardized or made formal.

Conclusion

The 1700s was an age of reason in the American colonies. Religion was challenged by the enlightenment, who believed that reasoning would make people perfect. However, the great awakening of the 1740s made people realize that Christianity should be part of their lives. Several religious leaders, such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, who preached to the people, made them understand that salvation was crucial for them. The awakening was significant as it led to the establishment of learning institutions and also united the people.

Works Cited

Bushman, Richard L., ed. The Great Awakening: Documents on the revival of religion, 1740-1745. UNC Press Books, 1970.

Butler, Jon. "Enthusiasm Described and decried: the Great Awakening as interpretative fiction." The Journal of American History 69.2 (1982): 305-325.

Edwards, Jonathan, and Clarence C. Goen. The Great Awakening. Vol. 4. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1972.

O'Brien, Susan. "A transatlantic community of saints: the Great Awakening and the first evangelical network, 1735-1755." The American Historical Review 91.4 (1986): 811-832.