1. Chapter 3: Colonial Ways of Life
The Great Awakening
Chapter 3: Colonial Ways of Life

2. Causes
Mid 18th century: colonists lost touch with traditional Calvinist teachings (Puritan)
Frontier settlers had little access to churches and religious services

3. Beginnings
Late 1730s- Preachers emphasized power of an emotional connection to religion and a personal inspiration from God
Religious fervor spread with large revival meetings under tents

4. “New Light” Preachers Jonathan Edwards:
Credited with starting the Great Awakening
Sermons encouraged parishioners to absolve sins and pay penance by praying for salvation
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” (1741)- God was angry with sinners of the earth and only those who obeyed God would be free from damnation

5. “New Light” Preachers George Whitefield
Traveled through colonies speaking to crowds about “fire and brimstone” eternity all sinners would face if they didn’t confess sins publicly
Undermined “Old Light”- ordinary people could understand the Gospel of the Lord without leadership of church leaders
Sinners “saved” right in front of Congregation

6. Impacts of the Great Awakening
1. First time colonists have common experience over 13 colonies
2. Felt by all regardless of class, origin or occupation
3. Foundation of democratization
4. News sects of Protestantism (Baptists and Methodists)

7. Impacts of the Great Awakening
5. Increase in women’s participation in church
6. Universities established to educate “New Light” preachers: Dartmouth, Rutgers, Princeton