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According to Dr. Hannah, what connection is there between the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and pietism (revivalism) and the various eras of American religious history?
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2 Replies
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Calvinism was a big factor in the connection between Reformation nd Enlightenment in various eras of American religious history.
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He teaches that the Great Reformation should be attributed to the teaching and preaching of John Calvin, who was dominant in the colonial period. He goes on to elucidate that there are two post-Reformation roots important in understanding religion in American history – one being the Enlightenment, a movement that came from continental Europe about mid eighteenth century. This movement questioned any necessity of external revelation, depositing the necessary insight required to have a well-run society on that of God implanted in man, his rational and cognitive processes. The other influence – Revivalism or Pietism- a movement that placed great emphasis upon the importance of the subjective religious experience. Wesley is a name associated with this movement. These all came into focus leading to the formation of religion in America.