The Great Awakening [APUSH Review]

Summary

In this episode of 'Homeless History,' we delve into the Great Awakening, an 18th-century religious movement that swept through the American colonies. The video explores the religious landscape of the time, highlighting the Congregationalists of New England and the Anglicans of other colonies. It discusses how religious fervor waned over generations, setting the stage for revival. Key figures like Jonathan Edwards, known for his sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' and George Whitefield, an itinerant preacher, are featured. Their powerful preaching styles ignited a spiritual fire, unifying the colonies under a shared religious experience and identity.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Great Awakening was a significant religious movement in the 18th-century American colonies, marking a revival of religious fervor.
• 🏛️ New England colonies were predominantly Congregationalist, while other colonies like New York and Maryland were Anglican, and some had no state-supported church.
• 📉 Over time, the religious intensity of the colonists waned, with ministers feeling their congregations had become complacent and less fearful of divine judgment.
• 🔥 The Great Awakening began in the 1730s and 1740s, primarily in Northampton, Massachusetts, with Jonathan Edwards being a key figure.
• ⭐️ Jonathan Edwards was known for his sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' which was influential in igniting the revival, despite its terrifying message.
• 😇 Edwards also preached on the joy of Christianity, emphasizing happiness and hope in his sermon 'Christian Happiness,' which contrasted with his more famous fiery sermons.
• 🌟 George Whitefield, an itinerant English preacher, played a crucial role in spreading the Great Awakening across the American colonies with his emotive preaching style.
• 😢 Whitefield's preaching led to intense emotional responses from his listeners, including crying, barking, and other fervent displays of religious experience.
• 🇺🇸 The Great Awakening was America's first mass movement, unifying the diverse colonies under a shared religious experience and fostering a sense of common identity.
• 📖 Whitefield's sermon 'The Almost Christian' further illustrates the emotional appeal and the call to a deeper commitment to faith that characterized the Great Awakening.

Q & A

What is the Great Awakening?

The Great Awakening was a significant Christian revival movement that occurred in the 18th-century American colonies, characterized by an increase in religious enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to personal salvation.

How did the religious fervor in the New England colonies change over time?

The religious fervor in the New England colonies began to wane as new generations grew up, leading to a decline in the intensity of religious commitment and a perceived 'softening' of the congregations.

Who was Jonathan Edwards and what is he known for?

Jonathan Edwards was a prominent preacher during the Great Awakening, known for his powerful sermons that resonated with the people and ignited a spiritual revival. His most famous sermon is 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.'

What is the message of Edwards' sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God'?

The sermon 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' emphasizes the terrifying nature of God's wrath towards sinners, using vivid imagery to evoke a sense of urgency and repentance among listeners.

What is the contrast between Edwards' sermons 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' and 'Christian Happiness'?

While 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God' focuses on the fear of divine judgment, 'Christian Happiness' centers on the joy and happiness that can be found in Christian faith, suggesting that believers can find happiness in the assurance of God's favor.

Who was George Whitefield and what was his role in the Great Awakening?

George Whitefield was an English itinerant preacher who played a significant role in the Great Awakening by traveling extensively and delivering emotionally charged sermons that moved listeners to repentance and spiritual renewal.

Why was Whitefield's preaching style effective despite his physical appearance?

Whitefield's preaching style was effective because of his ability to deeply move his audience with his words, despite his physical appearance, which included a 'crazy eye' from a childhood illness.

What was the impact of the Great Awakening on the American colonies?

The Great Awakening had a unifying effect on the American colonies, creating a sense of shared experience and common identity among the diverse population, which was previously fragmented by regional and religious differences.

What is the significance of the Great Awakening as a mass movement in American history?

The Great Awakening is significant as it was one of the first mass movements in American history, demonstrating the potential for large-scale social and religious change and setting a precedent for future movements.

What is the message of George Whitefield's sermon 'The Almost Christian'?

In 'The Almost Christian,' Whitefield emphasizes the importance of complete commitment to God, suggesting that any degree of piety neglected or act of devotion omitted could hinder one's spiritual growth and ultimate enjoyment of God's presence.