What Is The Difference Between The Great Awakening And Enlightenment Rationalism

The Great Awakening, which lasted from 1739 to 1745, left a permanent impact on American Protestantism. It was a revitalizing movement, and prompted many religious conversations that deeply impacted various communities. The two main ideas in America were Enlightenment Rationalism and Continental Pietism. Before the Great Awakening, the majority of people were Calvinist, however this quickly changed. When the Great Awakening began, new sects began to form - such as the Latter Day Saints. Not only was there religious upheaval, but there was also a change in societal developments. For example, land availability became limited, there was diverse immigration, and the population began to drastically increase. Many followed the ideas of the Great

The Great Awakening broke down the social cohesion, making America a much more individualistic country. This revival period killed the collectivist ideals, and upheld the individual instead. In church congregations for example, the individuals began to make decisions for God out of personal choice, instead of out of choice regarding the larger society. This was a drastic change from before, where the church was involved in practically every part of life. For example, the town doctor would also be considered the church minister. This transition away from the church also brought a new dynamic to relationships, since people began to make choices for themselves instead of for their spouse. This shift from a "communal" society to an "individual" society first began when small minorities (in different churches) tried to bring down the orthodox majorities. When they did not succeed, they would leave the church and attempt to bring down orthodox thought, elsewhere. Once these minorities gained allies, they were strong enough to degrade the traditional ideas of social order and deference (human submission), as well as try to un-popularize established church governments. The revivalists also supported the rights of minorities, and they came out with novel ideas about society and how it should be run. People in this movement started to question the power of

Bellah looks at the bigger picture of an excessive individualistic culture. He fears that America's future is unstable, since it is full of narcissistic individuals only working to better themselves instead of the greater good. He believes that there may not be a successful future for America if people continue to move towards individualism, and not towards a continuation of private and unique religious practices as a community (Bellah