From: Michael Fera
Date: 2/7/00
Time: 10:55:00 PM
Remote Name: 152.163.207.211
Michael Fera Mr. William Cutler February 8, 2000 What was the importance of the Great Awakening to freedom in American culture? The Great Awakening had its origins in the state of Massachusetts, in a small rural community. Jonathan Edwards enlightened his people with speeches of eternal faith, and God’s role in the outcomes of their lives. Edward’s sermons gave new life to the waning popularity of the Church during this time. This “awakening” helped lure young people to the church. Along with Edwards, a man named George Whitefield opened his arms to the religious rivals that broke out due to Edward’s speeches. Whitefield touched the hearts of various groups of people, the young and the old, the rich and the poor. Where his sermons were concerned, societal structure was not. The Great Awakening had a tremendous impact on the cultural structure of America. The Awakening gave voice to the speechless. It helped numerous citizens speak their opinions at times when they would have remained silent. The Awakening also provided a greater chance for one to move on to higher education. Many colleges and universities were raised during this time, including the prestigious Princeton University. The Awakening helped raise the bar of American education forever. Due to the dawn of the Great Awakening, Americans received a greater taste of cultural freedom. Europeans immigrated to America for religious freedom, only to realize they were never to be truly free. They were always to have some limitations when it came to religion. However, The Awakening helped these citizens take strides toward a more “free America” in the sense of religion.