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.
#1030710 in Books Mark G Hanna 2015-11-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.40 x 6.60l; #File Name: 1469617943464 pagesPirate Nests and the Rise of the British Empire 1570 1740
Review
0 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Edwin C.Awesome read and extremely informative!4 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Author gave a nice 30 minute talk and quite interesting despite all the ...By Glenn P.Purchased the book at author signing event. Author gave a nice 30 minute talk and quite interesting despite all the "ahs" between his sentences ( is he really a college professor who has to give lectures daily?). Slugged my way through the first 100 pages of the book and then gave up. Interesting premise that pirate is basically defined by who is stealing from whom and that pirate nests 1570-1740 were crucial to the economic development of coastal seafaring towns. Aside the importance of silver coins as specie to maintain a healthy economic system was of particular interest to this portfolio manager/author. That said; the book is overwhelmed by minutia; in some cases footnotes take over more space in a page versus the actual narrative. Author feels compelled to share everything he has uncovered in his three years of research; a classic mistake of a first time author. An interesting topic and historical insights that deserves better writing.
