The Great Awakening 1730s-1770s

I. Description A. The Great Awakening was: 1. Renewed Christian faith 2. Part of a widespread movement that swept through England, Germany & Scotland 3. Goal was to counter Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, science & nature 4. Beginning of Evangelicalism

I. Description a. a combination of prayer meetings 4. Ministers held revivals a. a combination of prayer meetings b. sermons (preaching) c. witnessing (testimonials) d. music e. usually held outside

Baptist revial

I. Description B. Stressed: 1. piety (devoutness, faithfulness) 2. born again (to start over with a clean slate) 3. “emotionally & spiritually reuniting with God” C. Spread throughout the colonies

II. Famous Awakening Preachers A. Jonathan Edwards 1. emotionally charged sermons 2. used vivid descriptions of HELL 3. “Sinners in the hands of an angry GOD”

Jonathan edwards’ sermons

II. Famous Awakening Preachers B. George Whitfield 1. English preacher 2. Ordained/ trained as an Anglican minister 3. Established Methodists Church 4. Theatrical performance 5. emphasis on salvation 6. Openly criticized other churches

George whitfield

II. Famous Awakening Preachers C. William Tennent 1. Scottish immigrant 2. Presbyterian 3. heart felt, emotional preaching 4. wanted to train others 5. established “Log College”, which became Princeton University

William tennant

Iv. impact of the Great Awakening A. Questioning of traditional Churches (Church of England, Anglican, ) & their organization (hierarchy) B. New factions (splinter groups) form 1. Baptists 2. Methodists 3. Presbyterians

IV. Impact of the great awakening C. Baptists include disenfranchised groups: 1. Women, eventually women will take a dominant role in the abolitionist movement (End Slavery) 2. Poor Farmers

IV. Impact of the great awakening 3. Enslaved & Free African-Americans a. New churches welcomed African- Americans, slave & free b. stressed equality at “Jesus 'Feet” c. African-Americans could take active roles & organize d. Brought in African influences, such as music, dance & religious rituals

African-americans

IV. Impact of the great awakening 4. Inspired the American Revolution a. Empowered people to question religious authority b. Anger over religious suppression by English monarchy after the Glorious Revolution c. Created unity & a national Identity among many colonists

IV. Impact of the great awakening A. Still dominant churches today B. Heavy influences politics C. Social Mores D. Inspired the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Great Awakenings