Reviving the Soul: Lessons From the Great Awakening

As the academe favored a more material world, ordinary folks turned to their faith.

Political cartoon showing Rev. George Whitefield standing on a three-legged stool, and preaching in the open air. Library of Congress. Public Domain

Imagine if a televangelist like Joel Osteen or Billy Graham made the front page of every newspaper in America. Not because of a scandal, but simply out of enthusiasm for their spiritual message.

This is what happened in 1739, when English minister George Whitefield toured America.