1738-1784: The "Great Awakening"
Christian revival in England and America. This coincides with the Enlightenment, or Age of Reason,
during which many educated people cease to consider themselves Christians.
| 1728 |
William Law writes "A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life." |
| 1738 |
John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, all Anglican priests, have religious experiences in Georgia. |
| 1740 |
Open-air preaching, charismatic phenomena, and involvement of the poor. A nominal connection with Church of England
continues until 1790's. However, most Anglicans (being rationalists or even Deists, and remembering Puritanism)
oppose the Awakening. Most other denominations support it. (Liberal opposition to Great Awakening is called "Old
Light"). |
| 1741 |
George Frederick Handel composes "The Messiah". |
| 1779 |
Charles Simeon, a scrupulous college student, discovers God's free grace in Jesus Christ while preparing to receive
communion. He becomes an Anglican evangelical leader. |
| 1779 |
Olney Hymns published; it includes the original form of "Amazing Grace", by John Newton, a converted
slave trader. |
| 1784 |
Methodist Episcopal Church founded in Baltimore by leaders designated by John Wesley. This is the beginning of
Methodism as a separate denomination. |
