Second Great Awakening

Summary

The Second Great Awakening, spanning from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, was a period of religious revival in America that significantly impacted evangelicalism. It was characterized by a diverse and varied theological landscape, reflecting the revolutionary spirit and individualism of the era. Key denominations like Methodists and Baptists expanded westward, embracing revivalism and contributing to social reforms such as abolition and education. Notable figures, including Charles Finney and William Miller, played influential roles, with the latter's incorrect prophecy of Christ's return leading to the 'Great Disappointment' and the emergence of the Adventist movement.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ The Second Great Awakening was a period of religious revival in the United States that occurred roughly from the 1780s to the 1820s, following the American Revolution.
• 🌟 It was characterized by a more diverse and varied approach to theology and evangelism compared to the First Great Awakening, reflecting the revolutionary spirit of the time.
• 🏞️ The period saw a significant rise in different denominational groups, particularly the Methodists and Baptists, who expanded westward and played a major role in the revival.
• 🗣️ There was a strong emphasis on individualism and the belief that individuals could influence their own spiritual prosperity, aligning with the broader American ethos of the time.
• 🌱 The revivals often took the form of large camp meetings, which were not led by established clergy but rather by itinerant preachers, fostering a more democratic and populist religious movement.
• 📚 The Second Great Awakening had a profound impact on American culture, leading to the establishment of institutions like Sunday schools, tract societies, and the American Bible Society.
• 🔥 A key figure of the period was Charles Finney, known for his innovative and sometimes controversial methods to stimulate revivals, including the 'anxious bench'.
• 📅 The movement also saw the rise of apocalyptic beliefs and the prediction of the Second Coming, most notably through the teachings of William Miller, which led to the 'Great Disappointment' of 1844.
• 🌐 The aftermath of the Great Disappointment led to the formation of new religious groups, including the Adventists, who emphasized the importance of an expectant posture towards Christ's return without setting specific dates.
• 🔄 The Second Great Awakening's influence is still evident in modern American evangelicalism, shaping trends in religious practice, social reform, and the ongoing emphasis on individual spiritual experience.

Q & A

What is the Second Great Awakening and what period does it cover?

The Second Great Awakening is a period of significant religious revival in American history that occurred roughly from 1780 to 1825. It was characterized by a rise in different denominational groups and a shift in the theological landscape of the American church.

How did the American Revolution influence the Second Great Awakening?

The American Revolution, while not directly about theology or the church, had an indirect effect on culture and the church. It led to a revolutionary spirit that influenced the church, causing a need for revival and a belief that the church needed to be active in the gospel work.

What was the role of Methodists and Baptists during the Second Great Awakening?

The Methodists and Baptists played pivotal roles during the Second Great Awakening. They were instrumental in spreading revivalist preaching, particularly in the newly settled areas of the Midwest, deep South, and westward expansion regions.

What was the significance of the camp meetings in Kentucky during the Second Great Awakening?

The camp meetings in Kentucky were significant as they represented a counter-cultural, anti-institutional form of revival. These gatherings, which could attract tens of thousands of people, were not led by the established clergy but were a grassroots movement that contributed to the spread of revivalism.

How did the Second Great Awakening contribute to the development of certain social causes?

The Second Great Awakening contributed to the development of social causes such as the abolition of slavery, the establishment of Sunday schools for education, and the formation of tract and Bible societies. These causes were often championed by revivalist preachers who saw them as part of a broader push for social reform.

What was the 'burned-over district' and why was it significant?

The 'burned-over district' was an area in New York and New Jersey that experienced an intense concentration of revivalist preaching. It was significant because it became a hub for religious fervor and was named as such due to the 'burning' effect of continuous revival meetings, which eventually led to a sense of spiritual numbness among the populace.

Who was Charles Finney and what was his impact on the Second Great Awakening?

Charles Finney was a prominent religious leader during the Second Great Awakening. He is known for systematizing and popularizing revivalist techniques, such as the 'anxious bench,' which were designed to encourage individuals to make a commitment to Christianity. His methods were both influential and controversial.

What was the 'Great Disappointment' and how did it relate to the Second Great Awakening?

The 'Great Disappointment' was the widespread disillusionment that occurred on October 22, 1844, when the预言 of the Second Coming of Christ by the Millerites, a group influenced by the Second Great Awakening, did not materialize. This event led to a split in the movement, with some forming new religious groups like the Adventists.

How did the Second Great Awakening shape the future of American evangelicalism?

The Second Great Awakening shaped the future of American evangelicalism by fostering a culture of revivalism, emphasizing individual conversion experiences, and promoting social reform movements. It also led to the rise of new denominations and the spread of evangelicalism into new territories, influencing the religious landscape of America for decades to come.

What were some of the excesses and abuses associated with the Second Great Awakening?

Some of the excesses and abuses associated with the Second Great Awakening included the overemphasis on emotionalism and sensationalism in religious experiences, the rise of break-off groups with heretical or apocalyptic beliefs, and the manipulation of revivalist techniques for the sake of conversions, as exemplified by the practices of Charles Finney.