Whitefield spoke against established clergy, spreading a message of democratic religion that relied upon commoners to grow and continue. His words were a major part of the First Great Awakening. The First Great Awakening was a religious revival that swept through the American colonies in the 1740s.
What is George Whitefield known for?
George Whitefield, (born December 27 [December 16, Old Style], 1714, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England—died September 30, 1770, Newburyport, Massachusetts [U.S.]), Church of England evangelist who by his popular preaching stimulated the 18th-century Protestant revival throughout Britain and in the British American …
How many trips did George Whitefield make to America?
seven
During his missionary career, Whitefield undertook seven transatlantic voyages from Great Britain to British North America, dying in 1770, halfway through his seventh trip to the colonies. He was known for his propagation, and defense of revivalism, and his disputes with various ecclesiastical and civic authorities.
Who was George Whitefield and what was he collecting money to do?
So, he preached outdoors and became the most popular minister in America, igniting the evangelical revival known as “The Great Awakening.” During his travels, Whitefield collected money for an orphanage in Georgia; the Bethesda Orphan Home just south of Savannah opened in 1740.
Why is George Whitefield so popular?
George Whitefield was the main spiritual force behind the Great Awakening. He was so popular because 80 percent of the population either heard him preach, heard about him or read some of his printed journals and sermons. He had a remarkable voice that many considered sounded like a musical instrument.
Which American colony did Whitefield first visit?
the Georgia Colony
He went to the Georgia Colony in 1738 following John Wesley’s departure, to serve as a colonial chaplain at Savannah. While in Georgia, Whitefield served as minister for an orphanage and traveled extensively throughout both North America and Britain in an effort to raise money for the organization.
How did George Whitefield impact the Great Awakening?
George Whitefield, a minister from Britain, had a significant impact during the Great Awakening. Whitefield toured the colonies up and down the Atlantic coast, preaching his message. Whitefield’s success convinced English colonists to join local churches and reenergized a once-waning Christian faith.
Are Methodists Protestants?
Methodists stand within the Protestant tradition of the worldwide Christian Church. Their core beliefs reflect orthodox Christianity. Methodist teaching is sometimes summed up in four particular ideas known as the four alls. Methodist churches vary in their style of worship during services.
How did Benjamin Franklin feel about George Whitefield?
Franklin felt it unnecessary to identify the Reverend George Whitefield of England except by his last name, for he assumed the famous evangelist would be familiar to all. Whitefield’s reputation rested on his open-air preaching throughout England and the American colonies.
What influenced the Great Awakening?
The major figures of the Great Awakening, such as George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, Gilbert Tennent, Jonathan Dickinson and Samuel Davies, were moderate evangelicals who preached a pietistic form of Calvinism heavily influenced by the Puritan tradition, which held that religion was not only an intellectual exercise …
How old was George Whitefield when he was born?
George Whitefield was born on 16 December 1714 (27 December 1714 on our current calendar) in the city of Gloucester at the Bell Inn, Southgate Street, near the central crossroads. He was the youngest of seven children of Thomas and Elizabeth Whitefield.
Why did George Whitefield return to North America?
The Trustees also objected to Whitefield’s using “a wrong Method” to control the children, who “are often kept praying and crying all the Night”. On returning to North America in 1740, he preached a series of revivals that came to be known as the First Great Awakening.
Where did George Whitefield have his final sermon?
The spiritual revival that he helped to spark—The First Great Awakening—was a defining event in American history. Whitefield’s final sermon of this tour was held at the Boston Commons and drew a crowd of 23,000 people—the single largest assembly in American history to date.
How did George Whitefield differ from John Wesley?
In terms of theology, Whitefield, unlike John Wesley, was a supporter of Calvinism. The two differed on eternal election, final perseverance, and sanctification, but were reconciled as friends and co-workers, each going his own way.
