Chapter 10; Question 8: Why was the revivalist movement so controversial?
The revivalist movement was a religious movement that swept through the American colonies in
the 18
th
century, it was also called the Great Awakening. The movement was so controversial due
to the emotional/theatrical preaching, the challenge to establish ecclesiastical authority, and the
movement’s effects on social and political institutions. Revivalism was a movement within
modern Christianity, particularly Protestantism and they called on individuals to repent of their
sin, believe the Gospel, and enter a proper relationship with God. This caused controversy with
local ministers who resented the traveling preachers coming to their town uninvited and
undermining their spiritual authority. The revivals also challenged social conventions and
religious authorities, questioned social norms and established ecclesiastical authority while
emphasizing a more subjective and individualized approach to religion. Although there was some
controversy to the movement the Great Awakening is believed to help prepare the colonies for
the American Revolution.
References
Smith, S. J. (2020).
Windows into the history & philosophy of education
. Kendall Hunt
The Library of Congress. (n.d.). Religion and the founding of the American Republic.
https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel02.html
