Question

Religion has always been an important cultural force in the United States (as it is in any culture) and this started early—in the colonial era before there even was a United States. The first major movement came in the mid-18th century: The First Great Awakening. What was this all about, why was it important, and who was involved?

Answer 1

• The First Great Awakening was basically a religious revival which created an impact on English colonies in America during the 1730s and 1740s.It came at a time when the idea of rational secularism was being talked about.Christian leaders were traveling from town to town,teaching pople about different Christian beliefs and promoting Christanity,asking people to follow it.This resulted in a renewed awareness and preaching of this religion.The dedication to follow it increased.t
• The need for revival came from the situation,wherein religion was becoming less personal which was causing lesser people to attend the Church.Religion was becoming more formal and Christians were feeling disillusioned regarding how wealth and rationalism were becoming dominating.
• Jonathan Edwards, a Northampton Anglican minister, was considered one of the chief fathers of the Great Awakening.He preached the message of the that humans were sinners,and that they should ask forgiveness from God.
• Another leader,involved was George Whitefield, a minister from Britain.He also went to many colonies up and down the Atlantic coast,and preached his message.
• Other leaders included,David Brainard, Samuel Davies, Theodore Frelinghuysen, Gilbert Tennent and many others.