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THE GREAT AWAKENING Mr. Sandford AP American History Definition “Series of religious revivals that swept over the American Colonies about the middle of the 18th century. It resulted in doctrinal changes and influenced social and political thought. It was not one continuous revival, rather it was several revivals in a variety of locations. For the simple reality is that one cannot be awakened unless you have fallen asleep. The Background The small farms and plantations of the colonies were spread out making organized religion difficult. In addition, the concern for survival was more important. Authoritarian structures of any sort--be they governmental or ecclesiastical--met with great resistance. As a result, by the second and third generations, the vast majority of the population were not members of the church. Up and down the coast, the landscape was littered with the “unchurched”. All that was required was a spark of revival to set the landscape afire with religious enthusiasm. When that spark ignited, those who led the revival were so surprised by what was taking place, that they attributed it entirely to Gods inscrutable grace.” The revival was different in each area of the country. Basic Principles In the 17th century, traditional religious formulations had been under pressure. Human beings had the ability to discover the secrets of the universe and had some control over their own destiny - THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT If human beings could in fact think the thoughts of God he could “find” God. Ones destiny was solely in Gods hands. New England In New England it was started (1734) by the rousing preaching of Jonathan Edwards. Main area: You cant control salvation. But if you try, God will aid your salvation. Jonathan Edwards talked about Pressing into the Kingdom. It was, he said, not a thing impossible. Middle Colonies In 1730, a Scottish evangelist, Gilbert Tennant arrived and challenged the beliefs in Penn. As to concerned with church requirements and n