1. The Great Awakening
Chapter 5, Section 4

2. A Revival of Faith
1700s many church leaders feel religious commitment is declining
1730s individual ministers tried to renew religious enthusiasm
Hold emotional and inspiring sermons

3. A Revival of Faith
Hold revivals: public church gatherings where masses of people came to hear a ministers sermons
Usually held in open fields

4. A Revival of Faith
The “Great Awakening” was an unorganized, but widespread movement of evangelical Christian sermons and church meetings
Changed political and social life in the colonies

5. Leaders of the Great Awakening
Jonathan Edwards
Born in Connecticut attended Yale
Was president of college for several years
Pastor of Congreagtional Church in Massachusetts
Said sinners must ask forgiveness of their sins or face eternal punishment

6. Leaders of the Great Awakening
George Whitefield
Came to America and began series of revivals in Georgia and Virginia
Made several tours of the colonies
Drew crowds of thousands

7. Words of the Great Awakening
Salvation could only be gained through acceptance of God’s grace and forgiveness of sins
Often took a threatening tone
Preached all people were born sinners
Everyone has equal chance to be saved

8. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

9. “Old Lights” New England traditionalists
Did not believe enthusiasm of Great Awakening could awaken spirituality
“an imaginary, not a real inspiration”
Felt sermons were inappropriate way to gain salvation
Charles Chauncy of Boston’s first church

10. “New Lights” Followers of the Great Awakening
Gilbert Tennent: leader of the movement
Attacked the Old Lights in his writing The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry
Inspired growth in church membership

11. Faith on the Frontier Great Awakening swept west to the frontier
Itinerant preacher: traveled the country to deliver sermons
Established first churches on the frontier
Some frontier missionaries oppose the Great Awakening

12. Effects on Society Attracted people of different classes and races
Women seek spiritual renewal at time of childbirth
African Americans find message of acceptance and equality appealing
Ministers from different colonies communicate
Large outdoor meetings can be places to discuss political issues
Question religion = question politics