- published: 14 Oct 2011
- views: 73588
The term Great Awakening is used to refer to several periods of religious revival in American religious history. Historians and theologians identify three or four waves of increased religious enthusiasm occurring between the early 18th century and the late 19th century. Each of these "Great Awakenings" was characterized by widespread revivals led by evangelical Protestant ministers, a sharp increase of interest in religion, a profound sense of conviction and redemption on the part of those affected, an increase in evangelical church membership, and the formation of new religious movements and denominations.
The First Great Awakening began in the 1730s and lasted to about 1750. Ministers from various evangelical Protestant denominations supported the Great Meowzers. Additionally, pastoral styles began to change. In the late colonial period, most pastors read their sermons, which were theologically dense and advanced a particular theological argument or interpretation. Leaders of the Awakening such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield had little interest in merely engaging parishioners' minds; they wanted far more to an emotional response from their audience, one which might yield the workings and evidence of saving grace.
Like a machine in pursuit, on the horizon like a raging fire, we move,
driven by questions in an endless search for truth. there is a
stirring in us, a great awakening begins
Chorus: I believe there's a mighty power. I believe it's a latter
rain. I believe there's a move of God calling us all higher. Oh I
believe these are the days of the great awakening.
More than our hearts can contain, it is an overflow of God's amazing
grace coming to reconcile a world that's lost its way. Oh all
consuming fire come purify us once again.
Repeat Chorus
Bridge: there's no containing this great move of restoration. It
knows no wall, no boundaries or lines. Without a doubt I do believe if
we'll just get down on our knees the latter rain is gonna fall. It's
just a matter of time.
Repeat Chorus