Darkness Falls on the Land of Light Experiencing Religious Awakenings in Eighteenth-Century New England

This sweeping history of popular religion in eighteenth-century New England examines the experiences of ordinary people living through extraordinary times. Drawing on an unprecedented quantity of letters, diaries, and testimonies, Douglas Winiarski recovers the pervasive and vigorous lay piety of the early eighteenth century. George Whitefield’s preaching tour of 1740 called into question the fundamental assumptions of this thriving religious culture. Incited by Whitefield and fascinated by miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit — visions, bodily fits, and sudden conversions — countless New Englanders broke ranks with family, neighbors, and ministers who dismissed their religious experiences as delusive enthusiasm. These new converts, the progenitors of today’s evangelical movement, bitterly assaulted the Congregational establishment.

The 1740s and 1750s were the dark night of the New England soul, as men and women groped toward a restructured religious order. Conflict transformed inclusive parishes into exclusive networks of combative spiritual seekers. Then as now, evangelicalism emboldened ordinary people to question traditional authorities. Their challenge shattered whole communities.

About the author

Douglas L. Winiarski is professor of religious studies and American studies at the University of Richmond.

Summary

This sweeping history of popular religion in eighteenth-century New England examines the experiences of ordinary people living through extraordinary times. Drawing on an unprecedented quantity of letters, diaries, and testimonies, Douglas Winiarski recovers the pervasive and vigorous lay piety of the early eighteenth century.

Product details

• Authors: Douglas L Winiarski, Douglas L. Winiarski
• Publisher: University Of North Carolina
• Content: Book
• Product form: Paperback / Softback
• Publication date: 28.02.2019
• Subject: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Humanities, art, music > History > Regional and national histories
• EAN: 9781469652276
• ISBN: 978-1-4696-5227-6
• Pages: 632
• Series: Published for the Omohundro In; Published for the Omohundro In; Published by the Omohundro Ins; Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press
• Subjects: Amerikanische Geschichte, USA Nordosten, Neuengland Staaten, RELIGION / Christian Church / History, Religion - Church History, USA: Kolonisierung und Besiedlung (ca. 1600 bis 1775), HISTORY / United States / Colonial Period (1600-1775), HISTORY / United States / State & Local / New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)