HIS106Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 38: George Whitefield
Document Summary
Beyond stirring up religious emotions, the great awakening fostered individualism and an egalitarian spirit compatible with political rebellion upheaval in the american colonies. Not one dominant form of christianity throughout 12 colonies. Regardless of diversity, the awakening of the 1730s and 40s brought an evangelical revival. Some historians suggest the awakening empowered ordinary ppl to question authority and church dogma and speak out for their own liberation leading to war of independence. Others are not convinced by these connections, the revival was invented by the revivalists themselves, or invented later in the 1700s - growth was due more to immigration and population growth. Regardless clearly evangelicalism influence colonists fiercely promoted christianity rooted in individualism. Religion is a glue in colonial society and teaches us social values and political trends in the atlantic world. Churches were places of social gathering and government proclamation are read at churches new law, elections, etc, happening at churches.
