Who was George Whitefield? What impact did he have on America's development?

George
Whitefield was one of the most famous religious preachers of his era. A Calvinist (Calvinism
applies to the traditions within Christian theology that evolved out of the ideas of Jean
Calvin), he was famous for his highly charismaticand his ability to channel the emotions of his
listeners to tremendous effect. This approach to preaching was revolutionary in his
time.

Whitefield had a tremendous impact both in England and in the colonies.
Traditionally, Protestant religion had been focused on the various churches and parishes, with
individual preachers tied to a particular community. Whitefield, on the other hand, traveled
first across England and later across the colonies, creating mass attention wherever he went.
Furthermore, traditionally inclined ministers had a tendency to be boring in their style, but
Whitefield's charismatic appeal to the emotions created a tremendous response among his
listeners. However, while this approach rejuvenated the religious enthusiasm of many who had
listened to him speak, it also created no small resentment among the more traditionally inclined
clergymen.

Whitefield (along with other Preachers, most famously Jonathan
Edwards) helped launch the Great Awakening. This was one of the defining moments in American
intellectual and cultural history, which reshaped religious life throughout the colonies, by
introducing new levels of emotional intensity. Preachers of the Great Awakening relied on
charisma and oratory to create intense and powerful emotional reactions with deep, long-term
influence. Entire churches would grow out of this approach, with its focus on charisma and
emotional appeal.

This approach proved very controversial (and even divisive)
in its time. However, its long-term implications have remained immensely powerful, well beyond
the immediate lifetimes of the people who launched it. The Great Awakening represents one of the
defining moments which shaped American culture and identity during the Colonial Era. Whitefield,
as one of its leaders, played a key role within that process.

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