1. The Great Awakening Key Terms: revivals Great Awakening
Chapter 5, Section 4
Key Terms:
revivals Great Awakening

2. A Revival of Faith
1730’s ministers tried to renew enthusiasm for religion through emotional and inspiring sermons
Began holding revivals - public church gatherings where masses of people came to hear a sermon, usually in open fields
Great Awakening ’ ’s - unorganized and widespread movement of evangelical Christian sermons and church meetings.

3. Jonathan Edwards Important leader of Great Awakening
Dramatic sermons emphasized that sinners must ask forgiveness for their sins.

4. George Whitefield Inspired many to join new evangelical movement
British minister came to America in 1738
Began a series of revivals in Georgia and Virginia
Toured seven times through the South and New England
Revivals drew crowds of thousands
Inspired many to join new evangelical movement

5. Words of the Great Awakening
Salvation could only be gained through the acceptance of God’s grace and confession
Jonathan Edward’s 1741 sermon, “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God”
All people were born sinners, no matter what social status
Whitefield - explained that everyone has an equal chance to be saved

6. New Beliefs
“Old Lights” - Charles Chauncy- did not think the Great Awakening could awaken one’s spirituality and was an inappropriate way to gain salvation
“New Lights” -Gilbert Tennet -published The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry - attacked the traditional “Old Lights”
Presbyterian Church split into two groups
Middle and Southern colonies tremendous growth

7. Faith on the Frontier
Great Awakening swept west - itinerant preachers took message to small communities
Few established churches - important to settlers
Conflict continued in the west

8. Great Awakening and Society
Attracted many classes and races
Poor and women frequently participated
African Americans-acceptance and spiritual equality appealing
Politics - ministers communicated with one another and started to trade
Large outdoor meetings place to discuss politics and social issues

9. Outcome of Great Awakening
Questioning church practices encouraged colonists to demand greater political equality.

10. Focus Questions What was the message of the Great Awakening?
How did the colonists respond to the Great Awakening?
How did the Great Awakening help bring colonists together?

11. Student Presentations