What Was The Difference Between Jonathan Edward And George Whitefield

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The Great Awakening The Great Awakening sew a seed of independence in American’s minds because it promoted the religious tolerance, led to the abolishment of the belief of single, authoritarian religious rules, and evoked a sense of self-governance. During this significant period, many charismatic preachers such as Jonathan Edward and George Whitefield emerged, being enthusiastic about delivering their messages with their distinct preaching styles. The increased religious tolerance in the colonies during the Great Awakening resulted in the diversity of the denominations. Before the Great Awakening, the Puritans and the Anglicans dominated the colonies. However, these large, Catholic Churches began to break off into many distinct denominations …show more content…

Consequently, missionaries and preachers found their golden chances to deliver their thoughts. Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were two of these preachers who had extraordinary influence on people at that time. Jonathan itinerated around the colonies, conquering colonial people’s minds with his passionate speech. His most famous sermon of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” converted and inspired many people come to Christ. His remarkable use of awful subjects and the emphasis of God’s anger made him unique and influential. Such furious sermons brought the society in the Connecticut Valley to overwhelming conversion and interior reflection during the 1730s. His appealing nature and personality lead the religious revival spread throughout the colonies. Like Jonathan, George Whitefield was admired for his extraordinary talent and popularity of preaching as well. However, his sermons had a totally different style than those of Jonathan. He spoke to people with a sorrow tone, shouting the word of God, trembling with passion and arising audients’ sympathy. Slaves, Native Americans, and even religious skeptic Benjamin Franklin were attracted by his speech. Preachers like these two outstanding people played an important role to convert people during the Great Awakening period, extending the range of influence of the Great Awakening by itinerating for sermons and delivering their