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The American Enlightenment Begins
The American Enlightenment was a period of intellectual ferment in the thirteen American colonies. Also known as an age reason, in which science, trumps faith in biblical scripture. The Freemasons, based in London, were a group promoting enlightenment ideals, of which Ben Franklin was a member
The enlightenment's influence of the divine's bestowal of social equality is embodied in the declaration of independence. -
The Great Awakening
Favored a vigorous emotional religiosity. Individuals could bring about their own salvation by accepting Christ, great for those formally excluded, the young, women and people at the lower end of the social spectrum -
"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine is Published
The patriotism relayed in "Common Sense" is political in nature, but is indicative of the culture and mindset during the late 1700s. This same passion and perspective carried over into religious views of individual access to salvation and led to the Second Great Awakening. Thomas Paine wrote this piece during his time in Philadelphia. -
American Revolution
Entrenched in the ideology and language of independence were the enlightenment lessons of divine bestowal of abilities to rationalize a greater way of life for humanity. As the revolution incorporated this understanding of independence as a God given right, we see the movement gain traction among the masses whom attend church. -
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, written in 1779, is a statement about both freedom of conscience and the principle of separation of church and state. Further differentiated United States way of governance from the Monarchy ran English Empire. It was signed by the General Assembly in Fredericksburg, VI, years later. -
Second Great Awakening
Sharp increase in religiosity beginning in Kentucky and Tennessee beginning in 1790, which provided an anchor of stability in a time of great social change. Baptists and Methodist groups experienced a surge in membership, hoping to be saved from their innate sinfulness through acceptance of Christ.
