The Great Awakening and its Impact on Evangelicalism in the UK and US
The Great Awakening, a series of religious revivals that swept through the British American colonies and the United Kingdom in the 1730s and 1740s, had a profound and lasting impact on Evangelicalism. This article will explore the origins and impact of the Great Awakening, delve into the state of Evangelicalism in the UK and US before the Awakening, and analyse how this religious enthusiasm influenced the growth and development of this branch of Protestant Christianity in both regions.
The Great Awakening: Origins and Impact
Origins of the Awakening
The Great Awakening emerged during a period when the Enlightenment’s emphasis on rationalism was challenging traditional religious beliefs, and established churches were seen as losing their spiritual vitality1. While the movement is often associated with figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, its origins can be traced back to the ministry of Theodore Frelinghuysen of the Dutch Reformed Church in New Jersey2.
Frelinghuysen’s emphasis on personal conversion and piety sparked revivals in his congregation, particularly among young people, who then spread the enthusiasm to older generations2. This laid the groundwork for the larger wave of religious enthusiasm that would become known as the Great Awakening.
Key Figures of the Great Awakening
Two figures stand out as particularly influential in the Great Awakening: Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. Edwards, a Congregationalist minister from Northampton, Massachusetts, delivered intellectually rigorous sermons that combined theological depth with emotional intensity3.
His famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” preached in 1741, vividly portrayed the horrors of hell and the urgency of repentance1. Edwards’ emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the need for a profound emotional conversion experience resonated with many colonists.
George Whitefield, a charismatic preacher from Britain, played a crucial role in spreading the Great Awakening throughout the American colonies1. Whitefield embarked on extensive preaching tours, captivating audiences with his theatrical and expressive style3. His message of spiritual equality, emphasizing that all are sinners in need of God’s grace, resonated with diverse audiences, including common people, slaves, and Native Americans3.
Impact and Subsequent Revivals
The Great Awakening had a multifaceted impact on the religious landscape of the American colonies. It led to the rise of new denominations, such as Methodists and Baptists, which emphasized personal and emotional experience- , attracting those who felt disenfranchised by the formality of established churches1.
This rise of new denominations can be seen as a direct consequence of the Awakening’s focus on individual piety and a direct connection with God, which resonated with those seeking a more personal and less institutionalized religious experience1.
The Awakening also challenged the authority of established churches and contributed to a greater degree of religious pluralism1. The emphasis on individual piety and religious experience fostered a sense of spiritual conviction and encouraged introspection and personal morality5. However, the Awakening also caused divisions within existing denominations between those who embraced the revivals, known as “New Lights,” and those who preferred traditional practices, known as “Old Lights.” 6
While the initial fervor of the Great Awakening subsided in the 1740s, its influence persisted1. It laid the groundwork for subsequent revivals, such as the Second Great Awakening, which began in the late 18th century6. The Second Great Awakening, while generally considered less emotionally charged than the first, led to the founding of numerous colleges, seminaries, and mission societies6. This focus on education can be seen as a legacy of the Great Awakening’s emphasis on personal growth and spiritual development.
The Great Awakening also had a significant impact on education, leading to the establishment of several renowned institutions, including Princeton, Rutgers, Brown, and Dartmouth universities6. This reflects the movement’s emphasis on intellectual engagement and the importance of education in fostering spiritual growth and social progress.
Evangelicalism Before the Great Awakening
Before the Great Awakening, Evangelicalism in the UK and US was less defined and lacked the widespread influence it would later gain. In the English-speaking world, the term “Evangelical” was not commonly used until the 19th century, when it became associated with the revival movements of that era8. The roots of American Evangelicalism can be traced to the confluence of Pietism, Presbyterianism, and Puritanism8.
Puritans in New England promoted experiential religion, emphasizing an inward transformation as evidence of saving faith9. They required converts to provide a conversion narrative as proof of their spiritual experience9. In the 1670s and 1680s, Puritan clergy began promoting religious revivals in response to a perceived decline in religiosity9.
The religious climate in the American colonies was diverse, with various Protestant groups vying for influence10. The Anglican church, while dominant in some regions, faced challenges in meeting the spiritual needs of the growing colonial population10. This created an environment where new religious movements, such as Evangelicalism, could emerge and gain traction.
In the UK, the Evangelical Revival was gaining momentum in the early 18th century, with figures like John and Charles Wesley laying the foundation for Methodism10. This movement emphasized personal piety, a focus on scripture, and a commitment to social reform10. The Great Awakening can be seen as a parallel movement in the American colonies, sharing many of the same characteristics and theological emphases.
The Great Awakening signalled the advent of an encompassing evangelicalism in the American colonies, with the belief that the essence of religious experience was the “new birth” inspired by the preaching of the Word11. This concept of the “new birth” emphasized a radical transformation of the individual’s spiritual life, marking a departure from the more ritualistic and formalistic practices of established churches.
The Great Awakening’s Influence on Evangelicalism
The Great Awakening significantly shaped the development of Evangelicalism in the UK and US. It intensified the focus on conversion experiences, making them more emotional and dramatic4. While gradual conversions still occurred, the Awakening saw a rise in powerful and sudden conversions, often accompanied by intense emotional displays4.
This emphasis on emotional conversion experiences contributed to the democratization of Calvinist theology, making religious doctrines more accessible to a wider population by emphasizing the individual’s personal experience of God’s grace6.
The Awakening also transformed the style of preaching. Evangelical sermons became more focused on delivering an evangelistic message and were often characterized by passionate and emotive delivery4. This shift can be attributed to the influence of preachers like George Whitefield, whose charismatic style captivated audiences4.
Furthermore, the Great Awakening contributed to the growth of Evangelicalism by fostering a sense of religious liberty and challenging the authority of established churches12. This emphasis on individual piety and freedom of conscience resonated with many colonists and helped pave the way for the American Revolution12.
The Great Awakening also had a significant impact on African slaves and free blacks in the American colonies10. The revival movement increased their exposure to Christianity, leading to a significant number of conversions10. This highlights the inclusive nature of the Awakening’s message, which transcended racial and social boundaries.
Comparing the Impact in the UK and US
While the Great Awakening had a profound impact on both the UK and the US, there were some notable differences in how it shaped Evangelicalism in each region.
Impact on Denominations
In the US, the Awakening led to a greater emphasis on emotional religious experiences and contributed to the rise of new denominations, such as Methodists and Baptists13. These new denominations often embraced a more informal and experiential approach to worship, attracting those who felt alienated by the established churches.
In the UK, the Awakening strengthened existing denominations, particularly within the Church of England, and fostered a more intellectual and theological approach to Evangelicalism10. The emphasis was on renewing piety and spiritual fervour within established structures rather than creating new denominations.
Role of Itinerant Preachers
Itinerant preachers played a crucial role in spreading the revivalist message in the American colonies. Figures like George Whitefield travelled extensively, drawing large crowds and challenging the authority of established churches1. This contributed to a greater degree of religious independence and a weakening of denominational boundaries.
In the UK, itinerant preaching was less common, and the revivals were often led by established clergy within existing denominations10. This reflects the more established and hierarchical nature of religious institutions in the UK compared to the American colonies.
Influence on Social and Political Life
In the US, the Great Awakening contributed to the growth of democratic ideals and the movement for independence from British rule14. The emphasis on individual liberty and the right to challenge authority resonated with the growing sense of American identity.
In the UK, the Awakening had a less direct impact on political life, but it did contribute to social reforms and the growth of various philanthropic movements15. This reflects the different social and political contexts of the two regions.
Women in Evangelicalism
The Great Awakening had a limited impact on gender equality and women’s roles in both the UK and the US16. While some women asserted themselves more prominently in church affairs and even preached within evangelical communities, they continued to face opposition from male leaders16. This highlights the persistence of traditional gender roles within Evangelicalism despite the movement’s emphasis on spiritual equality.
Feature | UK | US |
Impact on Denominations | Strengthened existing denominations | Rise of new denominations |
Role of Itinerant Preachers | Less common, led by established clergy | Crucial in spreading revival, challenged authority |
Influence on Social and Political Life | Contributed to social reforms | Fostered democratic ideals, independence movement |
Impact on Women | Limited impact on gender equality | Limited impact on gender equality |
Primary Sources from the Great Awakening
The Great Awakening produced a wealth of primary sources, including sermons, diaries, and personal narratives, that provide valuable insights into the religious fervour of the time. One notable example is Jonathan Edwards’ “A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God,” which documented the revivals he led in Northampton, Massachusetts17. This account provides a firsthand perspective on the emotional intensity and spiritual transformations that characterized the Awakening.
Another important primary source is the collection of sermons preached during the Great Awakening18. These sermons, often characterized by vivid imagery and passionate appeals, offer a glimpse into the theological themes and rhetorical styles that captivated audiences. They provide valuable insights into the beliefs, values, and concerns of those who experienced the Awakening firsthand.
Scholarly Perspectives on the Great Awakening and Evangelicalism
Scholars have extensively studied the Great Awakening and its impact on Evangelicalism, offering various interpretations and analyses. Thomas S. Kidd, in his comprehensive history of the Great Awakening, examines the revivals from their European roots to their impact on the American colonies19. He highlights the social and theological tensions between moderate and radical evangelicals, providing a nuanced understanding of the movement’s complexities.
Joseph Tracy’s “The Great Awakening: A History of the Revival of Religion in the Time of Whitefield and Edwards” provides a detailed account of the Awakening’s impact on various denominations and its contribution to the growth of Evangelicalism20. This work remains a valuable resource for understanding the historical context and theological significance of the Awakening.
Conclusion: A Transatlantic Legacy
The Great Awakening was a pivotal event in the history of Evangelicalism in both the UK and the US. It transformed the religious landscape, intensified the focus on personal conversion and religious experiences, and contributed to the growth of new denominations. While the impact of the Awakening varied between the two regions, it ultimately left a lasting legacy on Evangelicalism, shaping its development and influence for centuries to come.
The themes of the Great Awakening, such as personal conversion, heartfelt faith, and activism, continue to resonate within contemporary Evangelical movements. The emphasis on individual piety, religious experience, and a direct connection with God remains a defining characteristic of Evangelicalism today. The legacy of the Great Awakening can be seen in the continued emphasis on evangelism, social activism, and the importance of personal testimony within Evangelical communities.
The Great Awakening’s impact on education is also evident in the continued growth and influence of Evangelical colleges and seminaries. These institutions play a vital role in shaping the theological and intellectual landscape of Evangelicalism, ensuring that the legacy of the Awakening continues to inform and inspire future generations.
Works cited
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