What were the First and Second Great Awakenings?

Definition and Historical Setting

The First and Second Great Awakenings refer to widespread religious revivals, primarily in the American colonies (later the United States), which greatly influenced the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural fabric of the nation. These movements involved powerful preaching that called for repentance, emphasized individual faith, and sparked increased church membership and missionary zeal. Through revival gatherings in churches and outdoor “camp meetings,” many professed renewed or newfound commitment to God and displayed outward transformation in moral conduct.

Biblical Basis for Spiritual Revival

Scriptural passages demonstrate that God periodically rekindles His people’s devotion and calls them to renewed commitment. Joel 2:28 reads, “And afterward I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity…” illustrating a promise of spiritual outpouring. Acts 2 similarly depicts an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that transcends cultural boundaries and draws many to repentance. As with the biblical examples, the Great Awakenings were perceived by participants as divinely ignited events where hearts and minds were stirred by the Holy Spirit.

The First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s)

1. Main Figures and Preaching Style

Central figures of the First Great Awakening included Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley. Jonathan Edwards is perhaps best known for his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” (1741), where he combined fervent biblical exegesis with a personal call to repentance. George Whitefield, an Anglican preacher, traveled extensively throughout the colonies, drawing unexpectedly large crowds and preaching outdoors—a novel approach that ignited spiritual passions among both churched and unchurched listeners.

2. Societal Influences and Religious Context

Prior to the First Great Awakening, many people were influenced by Enlightenment rationalism. In some regions, traditional churches experienced stagnation, rituals had become rote, and personal faith was often overshadowed by customary practice. The revival preachers confronted this complacency, emphasizing heartfelt devotion and an assurance of salvation through the redemptive work of Christ (cf. Romans 5:1–2). Their passionate proclamation that salvation was an act of God’s grace, rather than mere church membership or moral effort, resonated with colonists.

3. Outcomes and Significance

a. Changed Lives: Thousands claimed to experience conversion, described in personal journals and letters of the era, reflecting deep convictions of sin and the need for God’s mercy.

b. Increased Church Membership: Many denominations witnessed growing attendance. Numerous new congregations arose, and believers grew more passionate about discipleship and missions.

c. Unity and Transatlantic Influence: Though initially centered in the American colonies, news of the Awakening reverberated across the Atlantic to Britain and beyond. Whitefield’s preaching tours particularly bridged continents, fostering a shared sense of revival.

The Second Great Awakening (Late 1700s–Mid-1800s)

1. Camp Meetings and Frontiers

The Second Great Awakening spread across multiple fronts, springing up strongly on the American frontier. Outdoor camp meetings became a defining feature, often drawing large gatherings. These meetings provided an accessible way for frontier families to attend preaching services, pray together, and experience the power of collective worship in regions where established churches were scarce.

2. Key Leaders and Emphases

Charles Grandison Finney, among others, employed direct calls to repentance, congregation-centered prayer, and the “anxious bench” (a place for inquirers to receive counsel). Finney championed a strong emphasis on one’s personal decision for Christ (cf. Acts 16:31: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved…”). Preachers grew increasingly focused on evangelism, social reform, and the belief that the gospel should tangibly shape societal values.

3. Social Reforms and Philanthropy

a. Abolition and Temperance: The fervor of religious conviction led Christians to address moral issues like slavery and alcohol abuse. Many believed that if Scripture were heeded, it would inevitably lead to efforts to abolish slavery (cf. Exodus 3:7–10, where God hears the cry of the oppressed) and promote sober living.

b. Missionary Movements and Education: New societies formed to distribute Bibles and literature, such as the American Bible Society. Higher education opportunities expanded through the founding of colleges aiming to train ministers and missionaries.

4. Lasting Effects and Cultural Shifts

The Second Great Awakening reshaped the American religious landscape with a heightened focus on personal faith, practical godliness, and organizing Christian outreach efforts. This wave of spiritual fervor deeply influenced American culture through heightened church membership, social activism, and the formation of new denominations.

Connections to Ongoing Revivals and Scriptural Consistency

Across history, believers have seen that times of spiritual decline often precede a revival of faith. The biblical principle in 2 Chronicles 7:14 underlines this pattern: “if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray... then I will hear from heaven…” The Great Awakenings are frequently viewed as manifestations of this rhythm: God stirring hearts to return to Scripture, reaffirm unwavering belief in the bodily resurrection of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4), and trust in the Spirit’s power to transform society.

Historical Documentation and Anecdotes

1. Firsthand Accounts: Personal diaries and church records from the First Great Awakening reveal that entire towns were stirred, with taverns emptying in favor of nightly prayer gatherings and open-air preaching.

2. Letters and Newspapers: Archival sources, such as colonial newspapers, recounted the unusual crowds gathering to hear Whitefield, sometimes numbering in the thousands. These documents corroborate the magnitude of revival events.

3. Sermons and Publications: Sermons like Jonathan Edwards’s and the prolific writings of John Wesley remain widely preserved in historical and theological libraries.

4. Sociological Observations: Behavioral scientists have studied the communal aspects of revival phenomena, noting the correlation between passionate preaching, earnest prayer, and marked ethical improvements in communities.

Conclusion

The First and Second Great Awakenings were powerful waves of spiritual renewal that transformed personal faith, congregational life, and broader society. Stimulated by biblical preaching centered on Christ’s redemptive work, these revivals exemplified how renewed hearts can influence a nation’s moral and social structures. Historical records, handwritten diaries, and published sermons testify to the profound and lasting spiritual impact, aligning with Scripture’s pattern of God periodically stirring His people toward deeper devotion and witness. By reviewing these awakenings, one observes the enduring principle that genuine revival connects robust faith in Christ with renewed moral consciousness, social reform, and vibrant community worship.