Term
Leaders in the Great Awakening
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) THE MASTERMIND |
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Definition
* the primary theologian and philosopher of the Revival
* theological influences: Reformed by Calvin, refined by Puritan spirituality
* philosophical influence: John Locke's empirical (experimental) approach
The importance of experience
HIS POSITION/THEOLOGY: true religion primarily rooted in the affections (not reason); Writes Treatise Concerning Religious Affections (1746) |
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Term
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) THE MASTERMIND
His platform |
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Definition
“Pastorate” and “pen”
a. The pulpit/pastorate: Northampton, MA (1729-1750)
Pulpic style:
Reserved and Subdued
Rhetorical arguments
Intellectual appeal to emotions
Revival (1734) 300 conversions
Writes Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God.
Most famous sermon (Enfield, CT 1741)
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”
b. the pen: Philosophy: the Freedom of Will |
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Term
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) THE MASTERMIND
HIS LEGACY |
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Definition
Reframes reformed theology of Calvin of Enlightened ears
Advances American philosophy
Provides an apologetic for spiritual revival and Evangelic movement |
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Term
| John Wesley (1703-1791): The Mechanic |
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Definition
Primary ORGANIZER of the Great Awakening
1. His background and influences:
Educated at Oxford
Ordained Anglican priest
Returns to Oxford to lead “Holy Club” (1729)
Holy Club
Spiritual Disciples:
Prayer
Study of Scripture (Greek New Testament)
Fasting
Examine spiritual condition
Dubbed Methodists (rigorous Method of spiritual growth)
2. His conversion & spiritual growth
a. Mission to America and the Moravians 1735 (mission to indians in georgia fails
THEN 2 SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES
b. His Aldersgate experience (May 24, 1738): Hearing Luther’s commentary on Romans: “I felt my heart was strangely warmed.”
c.His Fetters Lane experience (Jan.1, 1739): At love feast |
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Term
John Wesley (1703-1791): The Mechanic
His points/theology |
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Definition
a. Christian faith is of mind and heart
b. Theological tenets: Arminianism (free will) versus Calvinist (predestination)
Wesleyan Quadrilateral:
Christian faith is:
Revealed in Scripture
Illuminated by Tradition
Vivified by Experience
Confirmed by Reason |
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Term
John Wesley (1703-1791): The Mechanic
MAIN PLATFORMS |
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Definition
Saddles and ‘societies’
a. The SADDLE:
Rejected in pulpits
Open air preaching of conversion
Itinerate preaching
b. ‘Societies’ (small groups):
Individuals…grouped into classes…grouped into societies…grouped into a general Conference.
Led by: Exhorters, Lay preachers, Stewards
Rules for societies (1738)
Meet once a week
Be punctual
Begin with singing or prayer
All shall speak freely of state of our souls (sins and temptations since last meeting)
Prayer for each person
Questions for admission…(excerpts) |
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Term
John Wesley (1703-1791): The Mechanic
HIS LEGACY |
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Definition
Conversionist emphasis (armentian/free will emphasis)
New Hymnody
Small groups model |
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Term
| George Whitefield (1714-1770): The Mouthpiece |
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Definition
*Primary preacher of the Great Awakening
*Primary evangelist (preacher) of the Great Awakening
“Father of Modern Evangelism”
1. His background/ conversion:
Younger member of Oxford ‘Holy Club’
Influenced by the Wesleys
Conversion was 3 years
2. His anointing & ordination:
a. Fetters Lane experience (Jan 1, 1739) Experiences power of God.
b. Ordination (Jan 14, 1739) Ordained to Anglican Priesthood. |
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Term
George Whitefield (1714-1770): The Mouthpiece
His platforms |
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Definition
Platform and PR
a. The platform: ‘Divine Dramatist’; Itinerate preaching-England, Wales, Scotland, America
c. Public relations: Print Media:
-Narratives (reports)
-Periodicals
-Personal journals
-Correspondence
-Marketing strategies
-Collegial ecumenical approach
-Transatlantic connections
-Publishing enterprise
First, his CONTROVERSIAL methods
Appeal to emotions
Use of gestures
Voice inflection
Dramatic imagery |
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Term
George Whitefield (1714-1770): The Mouthpiece
His theology |
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Definition
His theology: (also controversial)
Conversionist (like Wesley)
Personal experience
Enthusiasm-today means fanatic
Became Calvinist (like Edwards)
Anglican priest |
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Term
George Whitefield (1714-1770): The Mouthpiece
ROLE IN THE GREAT AWAKENING |
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Definition
Spiritual phenomenon or self promotion?
Spiritual charisma or personal charisma?
Manifestation of spirit or manipulation of spectators?
“Lightning Rod of the Great Awakening” |
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Term
George Whitefield (1714-1770): The Mouthpiece
HIS LEGACY |
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Definition
Human super glue of Revival: holds everything together.
England-John Wesley, Charles Wesley…and Geogre whitefield
Wales-Howell Harris…and George Whitefield
Scotland-William McCulloch, James Robe…and guess who?
America-Jonathan Edwards
New, innovative, preaching style
Appeal to affections emotions
Use of media (to promote revival)
Father of modern evangelism:
Charles Finney
DL Moody
Billy Sunday
Billy Graham |
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