What evidence in this document suggests that Whitefield might pose a threat to the political and religious establishment and to established social mores.
George Whitefield did not have any difficulty going against the church or political establishment. He continually preached in an unprecedented way that some found offensive. Many people still believed in the old light, and found his ideas to be extremely radical. This is seen when he was confronted by an representative of the Bishop of London. This clergyman charged him with “Enthusiasm and Pride...for speaking against the Generality of the Clergy” (Whitefield par. 1). The established church officials felt that his gospels and sermons are anti-establishment. Since many people listened to his speeches, a threat to the religious establishment was created. Many individuals of lower classes listened to his words and felt empowered. …show more content…
He believed that the cause of the enthusiasm was “bad temperament of the blood and spirits” (Chauncy par. 2). He believed that this was expressed through poor self control and misunderstanding. The enthusiasm evinced by the followers of the New Light went against many of the church's teachings and some of Chauncy’s beliefs.
Which manifestations of enthusiasm does Chauncy find disturbing? Why do you think they upset him. The entire concept of enthusiasm, greatly disturbed Chauncy. Many of its manifestations caused him to criticize the followers of the New Light. In his opinion these people “disregard … the dictates of reason” (Chauncy par. 3). He felt this way because many individuals said they had a closer connection to G-d despite loosening their tongues. This upset him because he spent every day practicing religion in its strictest form, yet these people thought they were on a higher level with G-d.
As a minister, why is Chauncy so disturbed by the revivalist belief in direct contact with
George Whitefield did not have any difficulty going against the church or political establishment. He continually preached in an unprecedented way that some found offensive. Many people still believed in the old light, and found his ideas to be extremely radical. This is seen when he was confronted by an representative of the Bishop of London. This clergyman charged him with “Enthusiasm and Pride...for speaking against the Generality of the Clergy” (Whitefield par. 1). The established church officials felt that his gospels and sermons are anti-establishment. Since many people listened to his speeches, a threat to the religious establishment was created. Many individuals of lower classes listened to his words and felt empowered. …show more content…
He believed that the cause of the enthusiasm was “bad temperament of the blood and spirits” (Chauncy par. 2). He believed that this was expressed through poor self control and misunderstanding. The enthusiasm evinced by the followers of the New Light went against many of the church's teachings and some of Chauncy’s beliefs.
Which manifestations of enthusiasm does Chauncy find disturbing? Why do you think they upset him. The entire concept of enthusiasm, greatly disturbed Chauncy. Many of its manifestations caused him to criticize the followers of the New Light. In his opinion these people “disregard … the dictates of reason” (Chauncy par. 3). He felt this way because many individuals said they had a closer connection to G-d despite loosening their tongues. This upset him because he spent every day practicing religion in its strictest form, yet these people thought they were on a higher level with G-d.
As a minister, why is Chauncy so disturbed by the revivalist belief in direct contact with