The Second Great Revival Was a Revival Movement

Intro and Quote

Many individuals moved to the New World with the incentive of religious freedom. Over the years, regardless of the denomination, religious tolerance has been a fairly well-fulfilled objective. Most people in the American colonies could practice the religion they wanted to pursue. Toleration even extended to those who were enslaved. Slaves brought non-Christian beliefs with them and those beliefs were generally tolerated by the colonists. Despite this limited freedom, large numbers of slaves chose to convert from African beliefs to western beliefs.

Their conversion was not immediate and it was not advertised; the process was slow and somewhat quiet. As a result, there is little conversation today about the conversion of slaves to Christianity, the purposes of the conversion, and their impact on the nation are a quiet thread in the fabric of our country’s complex history.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to to the people of Corinth includes one of his most resilient messages. It was written to followers at a new church who faced many conflicts as they tried to survive in a new, spiritual world.

Followers in Corinth were, in some notable ways, similar to those who were living in the American colonies. They faced physical threats from outsiders, dissention and in-fighting internally, and a sense of loneliness.

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They wanted something better, they wanted a land of promise, but the path was not as easy as they had hoped. Similarly, slaves in the colonies also faced physical threats, a fractured environment, and a sense of loneliness. Paul wrote his words of encouragement to deliver spiritual resilience and motivation. His letter to the Corinthians delivers instructions, much like the military leader to scared and unsettled troops, to stay strong and “hold the lines.” Each section of the quote above gives a specific, heartening instruction.

Be on Your Guard. Paul asked these early Christians to stay alert and watch their surroundings carefully. A possibility of division within the church could arise. Threats and sin often arise from within an environment rather than outside of it, so cautiousness must be taken. Stand Firm in the Faith. Paul encouraged followers to stay firm in their beliefs. Spiritual faith is not easy; it is beset by challenges, doubts, and misgivings. He advised the Corinthians that Christianity requires a commitment to certain beliefs and an unbending trust in God. Paul made it clear that faith is firmly held, it is not simply observed on a part-time basis. Be Courageous. Paul understood the frailty of men and women; he knew they would have doubts.

He knew they would face obstacles and he knew that they would have to sacrifice in order to commit to the Lord. Paul knew the young Christians had no physical weapons to battle doubt, obstacles, and sacrifices, but he knew they had a great spiritual tool: courage. He knew true courage was everlasting and that it could not be conquered. Finally, Paul wanted the followers to, Be Strong. Strength allowed the Corinthians to believe and to trust. It allowed them to maintain their determination and faith. It allowed them to see in spiritual darkness, to love in times of anger, and to believe in times of doubt. Strength allowed them to defeat weakness. Strength allowed even the weakest to maintain determination. These were assets that would aid the Corinthians; they were also assets that could aid American colonists, slaves, and abolitionists as well.

Paul reminded the young followers at the church in Corinth that their commitment to God and to love would not be easy, but the challenges they faced were surmountable. The Christians–both in Corinth and the American colonies–could defeat any hardship because God, in his grace, had already given them tools to do it. Paul’s message was a reminder to use the gifts God gave them.

The quote reveals that with continuous faith and love, both survival and salvation can occur. It is a message that served the Corinthians well, and it is a message that offered hope for future generations. The message, like the teachings of Jesus, said that God’s love and eternal salvation are offered to anyone and everyone; in fact, God even gives followers the tools he or she can use to survive and flourish. Paul’s message is one of promised hope, but not everyone accepted it. Some in the American colonies embraced it with enthusiasm and vigor, while others twisted its meaning and converted the words for their own selfish reasons. The two spiritual approaches towards Paul’s message are highlighted when examining the institution of slavery in America.

Elements of Religion from Africa

Africa’s history of religion varies in its practices and beliefs. Many communities believed in a greater deity, other gods, and their ancestors. They believed their ancestors revolved around every event in their lives. Other outside influences brought them Islam and Christianity; of the two, Islam had a stronger influence upon communities. Islamic practices aligned better with the African cultures; in particular, the family structures shared similarities. Islamic cultures as well as African cultures supported polygamy. African society formed around the family unit. The more wives, children, and dependents a man had the wealthier he appeared. Christianity on the other hand, allowed the opposite: monogamy. Islam was accepted a lot more into some communities than others; the movement helped to shape the structure of Africa as it is seen today. Nevertheless, the religious practices were a collection of many different beliefs and practices. Many of the enslaved t had tradition of heterogeneous religious practice.

Many individuals forcibly taken to the Americas brought Islamic practices and traditional practices. A handful of individuals continued their pre-slavery faith, but many converted. Some individuals wanted to become Christians and some saw the incentives of conversion. Greater rights were given to Christians than to those who followed other religions. Many enslaved Africans realized conversion gave them the opportunity of relating with their owners. Their conversion was not necessarily an act of surrender; on the contrary, adopting new religious practices was culturally natural. In some cases, it was strategically intentional. Some slaves shrewdly saw conversion as a way to learn about their enemy, to identify their master’s vulnerable spots which they would use later to their advantage in starting a rebellion for their freedom. Whether a slave converted because, they earnestly believed the teachings of Christianity, they were comfortable adding new beliefs alongside their traditional beliefs, or they wanted to prepare for forced liberation, they understood survival and they maintained some form of hope–worldly or spiritually–for the future.

Religion in America

The First Amendment to the U.S Constitution says that individuals have the right to practice their own religion or no religion at all. The country’s founders, who were of different religious backgrounds, decided that the best way to protect everyone’s liberties was to keep the government separate from religious institutions. The First Amendment certifies the separation between church and state while the establishment clause obstructs the government from advocating religion. This provides the reasoning behind the United States having no official religion.

The United States is home to many religions including, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a variety of different Christian denominations. In America’s early years, the north was home to many Anglicans, Baptists, and Quakers. The Mid-Atlantic was occupied by Jews and Catholics. Several religious groups lived in the south; however, the main groups living in this area followed sects of the Christian faith.

The south promoted the expansion of religions. This happened during the First Great Awakening as well as the Second Great Awakening; two movements that attempted to renew Christians’ devotion to their religion. The Second Great Awakening was a revivalist movement that sought reform and change. It emphasized the religious philosophy of salvation through good deeds. Christians could actually contribute to their future afterlife. The new possibilities for salvation appealed to many who were not ordinarily seen as important members of society: women, the enslaved, and even Native Americans. The new ideas were also attractive because of their nature: they displayed a nice God. Sermons were gentler and they were no longer filled with the foreboding of a frightening and temperamental God. The Second Great Awakening also spurred the ideas of radical abolitionism which advocated for the emancipation of enslaved individuals.

Conversion by Africans

In some cases, conversion was not limited to religion, it included freedom. During the 1600s, Spain promised freedom to slaves who converted to Christianity. A slave could theoretically convert their body and soul with a single religious event. The opportunity provided a great incentive for slaves to escape and run away to the nearest Spanish territory, Florida. Economic realities overshadowed the Christian concerns of many English colonists and they soon passed a law to discourage slaves from seeking freedom through conversion. In 1667, the colonial government Virginia passed a law stating the conversion of individuals would not change the status of the individual. Slaves who escaped and converted were still considered property; in fact, slaves who simply converted were reminded they were still property. Other colonies followed with similar restrictive laws. Plantation owners chose financial gain over Christianity.

Despite the laws that legally distinguished conversion from freedom, some slaves still chose to convert. The delivery on spiritual promises from a Christian God, the concept of equality found in Christian teachings, the cultural adaptability of Africans, the strategic plans of rebellious slaves, and perhaps even the resignation of a slave who grudgingly accepted a terrible fate, all contributed to a growing number of conversions among those who were enslaved. Regardless of their motivations, the words of Paul to, be on your guard, stand firm in faith, be courageous, and be strong undoubtedly provided the same beacon of inspiration that it provided to the Corinthians centuries earlier.

The Unfortunate Justifications for Slavery

Slavery, a system of forced labor that deprived workers of their freedom, was used extensively from early colonial days. It initially allowed plantation owners, primarily in the southern colonies, to supply the heavily demanded cash crop of tobacco. Over time, the financial temptation of bonded labor to plant, tend, and harvest a broad array of crops proved too great. Colonists ultimately pursued an economic model that enslaved millions of people in order to attain personal profit. Even George Washington and George Mason, models of courage and wisdom, fell prey to the tragic economic appeal of forced servitude. Understandably, moral guilt, financial dependence, and in some cases, depravity, led to empty justifications of the institution.

Some, who defended slavery, explained their position by stating it was historically, legally, economically, or religiously justified. Historically, they referenced the prevalence of the institution among the Greeks and Romans. Legally, they pointed towards self-serving laws and an establishment that enforced those pro-slavery laws. Economically, they argued that slavery was essential to achieve self-sufficiency. They claimed slavery led to profits, employment of others, and financial security in an uncertain New World. Finally, defenders of slavery argued that slavery was permitted by God. They referred critics to the Bible and to Abraham. They would point to the book of Genesis (21:9-10) and point out that Abraham, a Biblical hero of faith, was a slave owner himself and that God favored him.

It is interesting to note the historical basis of Paul’s Corinthians and to juxtapose that basis against the justifications for slavery. The early Christians in Corinth were weak and they fell prey to human frailties. Sins, vices, and excuses prevailed despite claims of Christianity. The Corinthians’ behavior was inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus, and Paul wanted to make them aware that their spiritual lives were in jeopardy. Paul saw their behavior and heard their excuses; as a result, he issued letters to save the Corinthians from their actions and justifications.

Paul’s words were meant for the Corinthians, but they could have easily been delivered to American colonists. Paul cautioned them to look around and watch for threats to their moral and spiritual beliefs. He asked them to stand firm in their faith all of the time; not simply when it is economically expedient. He advocated for courage (he en-couraged). They would face obstacles, but they had to have courage to reject temptations and embrace sacrifice. Finally, he wanted them to be strong and commit to goodness even in times of darkness. The New Testament had clear and concise rebuttals to the colonists justifications for slavery; unfortunately, those words were ignored. One could argue, the African converts heard the lessons of Paul much more clearly than the slave masters did.

Individuals and Their Voices

John Woolman The Quaker abolitionist was born in 1720 and he died in 1772. His life is a reminder that the debate over the future of slavery existed long before the colonies declared their independence. John Woolman actually died before the Revolutionary War began. He spent most of his adult life preaching sermons against the scourge of slavery.

His abolitionist beliefs began on a visit to the south as a young man. He was appalled by the condition of fellow humans and he concluded that slaves were much more than, “a dark gloominess hanging over the land.”