The Democratization of American Religion Chapter 7.4 U.S. History

From Textbook: “ The Bill of Rights established the separation of churches and the national government in American society”. However, some churches still received assistance from the state, i.e., the Congregationalists (descendants of Puritan church) in New England. Many individuals in late 1700’s-early 1800’s, believed it was past time for total separation of church and state. (Sub-groups begin to form into denominations.)

2 nd Great Awakening – Evangelical movement new wave of religious revivals that began early 1800’s Began in Kentucky and Tennessee Attracted people searching for meaning and community –stressed preaching instead of rituals Revivals highly democratic -anyone could participate –Camp meetings became popular during the Great Awakening Likened too huge democratic fairs-not who you were, but faith Inspired deep feelings of faith

Methodists and Mormons – Many denominations experienced growth Baptists, Methodists, Mormons, Methodists - attracted many converts (late s) –Why Methodists? well organized idea that anyone could achieve salvation became one of the largest denominations in 1800s –Mormon faith began to appear during Great Awakening took up root in New York Joseph Smith, founder God would restore simpler church “freed from shackles of ministers” in North America, not Holy Land

Women and the Awakening Women and children were main participants in Great Awakening –Viewed as a form of community –many were lonely and unhappy Sewing circles, women’s auxiliaries, and regional reform societies formed –helped widows, orphans convert people to Christianity, improve conditions of mothers Example: Female Missionary Society-1814 (NY) Encouraged revivalism Women began to exercise increased power over the selection of ministers –Women shared sense of spiritual equality through religions, even in politics

African Americans and democratic religion Whites and African Americans were worshipping together-1700s –Many African traditions adopted in worship services (i.e., call and response) African traditions: –Participation both preachers and congregations –Belief in possession by spirits Africans adopted Christian ideas/stories –Those condemning their bondage –Hymns, or spirituals

Continued…………… …. White people became uncomfortable (even though against slavery) with biracial churches –Ask African Americans to leave, but they refused Richard Allen led African Americans to organize their own churches – congregations formed the African Methodist Episcopal Church –Allen was 1 st bishop –By churches –7,954 members –Own $125,000 in property