THE ENLIGHTENMENT AND THE GREAT AWAKENING

Enlightenment and the Great Awakening

Enlightenment and the Great Awakening

Introduction

There was major transformation seen in British North America, during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The changes were because of the wealthy and important seaports of North American cities, whilst the Southern part of America had decided to end the contribution in colonial America economy. In addition to these changes, the population of America was increasing exponentially with increasing number of immigrants. The reason of that expansion was the growth and development especially in colonial areas of North America (plantations) (Bailyn, 1992)

During this period of economic and social prosperity, North America experienced two major revivals, which had a series of effects on the life of North American people with regards to government, religion and human nature. These two revivals are known as the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening. The focus of Enlightenment was on challenging the Divine Rights and the roles related to religion. Whereas, the Great Awakening aimed at promoting religious tolerance and unity among the colonies of America (Keith, Reill & Hanns, 2001)

Effects of Enlightenment in British North America

The Enlightenment movement initiated in Europe, and from there the wave the spirit of Enlightenment entered in the North America region, which took more than a century. It was a religious revival that swept British America and Protestant Europe. In Europe regions, the Enlightenment revival was responsible for animating and inspiring resuscitated concerns in science, education and literature. The advocator of Enlightenment movement emphasized the power and the strength of human beings for promoting progress and prosperity. Some priests and clergy also promoted liberal theology, and aimed to establish the brand of Rational Christianity. Rational Christianity' belief was that God gives salvation to an individual, and is not limited for just a chosen group or nation ...