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Questions 7–8 refer to the following passage: “When the churches are thus awake...

Oct 9, 2023

Questions 7–8 refer to the following passage: “When the churches are thus awakened and reformed, the reformation and salvation of sinners will follow, going through the same stages of conviction, repentance, and reformation. Their hearts will be broken down and changed. Very often the most abandoned profligates are among the subjects. Harlots, and drunkards, infidels, and all sorts of abandoned characters, are awakened and converted. The worst parts of human society are softened, and reclaimed, and made to appear as lovely specimens of the beauty of holiness.” —Charles G. Finney, “What a Revival of Religion Is” (excerpt), 1835 7. The message of the passage above, by Charles G. Finney, illustrate (A)the persistence of the Puritan idea that salvation is restricted to a predetermined “elect.” (B)the belief that church attendance and contributing to church coffers were sufficient means for achieving salvation. (C)the belief that salvation was open to all members of society, even the most sinful, if they repented. (D)the idea that God had turned his back on the United States because of the nation’s moral transgressions. 8. Which of the following developments could best be seen as an effect of the religious movement that Charles G. Finney spearheaded? (A) The growth of socialist utopian communities (B)The drive to expand to the West (C) The proliferation of reform movements (D)The elimination of American Indian communities from the American South

Key Concept

KC-4.1.II: In the early 19th century, various religious groups launched efforts to reform society and individuals. This was part of the Second Great Awakening, a Protestant religious revival during which preachers like Charles G. Finney emphasized the possibility of salvation for all.

Explanation

The passage by Charles G. Finney emphasizes the idea that even the most sinful individuals could achieve salvation through repentance and reformation. This is in contrast to the Puritan idea of a predetermined "elect" (A), the belief that church attendance and donations were enough for salvation (B), or the idea that God had abandoned the U.S. due to its moral failings (D). 8.

Key Concept

KC-4.1.III: The Second Great Awakening inspired a variety of reform movements aimed at improving society, including temperance, abolitionism, and women's rights.

Explanation

Charles G. Finney was a leader in the Second Great Awakening, a religious movement that inspired many to work towards societal reform. This is best represented by option C, the proliferation of reform movements. The other options, such as the growth of socialist utopian communities (A), the drive to expand to the West (B), or the elimination of American Indian communities from the American South (D), are not directly linked to the religious movement that Finney spearheaded.

What was the Second Great Awakening?, Who was Charles G. Finney?, What societal reforms were inspired by the Second Great Awakening?