Question

What was the Great Awakening and how did it influence colonial influence?

Answer 1

Hint: The movement came at a time when the notion of secular rationalism was underlined, and there was a stale rise in enthusiasm for religion.

Complete answer: The outbreak of Protestant revivalism, regarded as the First Great Awakening, took place in the British Atlantic. It was a religious revival that during the 1730s and 1740s, influenced the English colonies in America. Christian leaders frequently travelled from city to city, preaching the gospel, stressing redemption from sins, and encouraging Christianity's intensity. A renewed devotion to religion was the result. Many scholars agree that the Great Awakening had a lasting influence on different denominations of Christianity and on the whole of American culture. A European intellectual movement is known as the Enlightenment, or the Age of Reason was making its way to the American colonies across the Atlantic Ocean in the 1700s. A scientific and logical view of the world was stressed by Enlightenment thinkers, thus downplaying religion. During this time, religion was becoming more formal and less personal in many respects, which contributed to lower church attendance. Through their worship methods, Christians felt complacent, and some were disillusioned with how riches and rationalism dominated the community. A return to religious piety started to be craved by many.
In the American colonies, the Great Awakening notably altered the religious atmosphere. Ordinary people were encouraged, instead of depending on a minister, to create a personal connection with God. While the revolution united the colonies and increased the growth of the church, analysts say that it also created a division between those who embraced it and those who opposed it.

Note: Unquestionably, The Great Awakening had a major influence on Christianity. At a time when it was slowly diminishing, it revitalised religion in America and introduced ideas that would infiltrate into American culture for many years to come.