The First Great Awakening 1730 AIM: How did the Great Awakening influence the development of American society?
I. Great Awakening
A. Origins Religious movement began in Europe in 1730’s. Emotional and revivalist style of religion Began in Middle Colonies, up to N.E. and then South: encompassed all of N.America
Evangelical Focused on “rebirth” through religious conversion.
B. Jonathon Edwards - 1734 Local Congregationalist pastor, Northhampton MA God’s grace v. eternal damnation Individuals must expres remorse and penance.
“Hell was paved with the skulls of unbaptized children.” Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God God will forgive those who show remorse
C. George Whitefield - 1739 From England, traveled through colonies hosting revivals Led dramatic performances Message similar to Edwards but better delivery (32:52 PBS God in America)
II. Impact of Great Awakening A. Religious Impact Preaching styles change, undermine older clergy. Increased # of Churches: Methodists, Baptists "Old Lights“ :New England: MA, RI, NY, PA "New Lights", people who followed the Great Awakenings, were in the southern colonies: VA, NC, SC, GA 4. Ministers lose “unquestioning authority”
B. Political Impact Paved the way for many ideas of the American Revolution! Power, religious and political, resides in the hands of the people. DEMOCRATIZATION OF AMERICA
C. Educational Impact New colleges founded to train New Light preachers. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Rutgers, Dartmouth
Footnote: Demise of Jonathon Edwards