Ever heard of a spiritual earthquake? That's essentially what the Great Awakening was in the 18th century. It wasn't a single event, but a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies, dramatically reshaping religious life and ultimately contributing to the revolutionary spirit.
So, *what was the Great Awakening*? Think of it as a reaction against the perceived formality and intellectualism of established churches. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield used passionate sermons, emphasizing personal experience and emotional connection with God. They moved away from dry doctrine and focused on the need for repentance and a 'new birth' experience.
These fiery sermons attracted massive crowds, blurring denominational lines and fostering a sense of shared experience across different colonies. This unprecedented unity, driven by a common spiritual fervor, helped to sow the seeds of independence and a belief in the power of individual conscience – principles that would later fuel the American Revolution. The Great Awakening left an indelible mark, impacting American religious landscape and social structure.
