Darkness Falls on the Land of Light
Experiencing Religious Awakenings in Eighteenth-Century New England
By Douglas L. Winiarski | Publisher: Omohundro Institute and UNC Press
About the book
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.
Editions of Darkness Falls on the Land of Light
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469628264
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469652276
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469628288
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890883704
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469628271
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890883698
Read an Excerpt
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Darkness Falls on the Land of Light about?
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.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Darkness Falls on the Land of Light?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Darkness Falls on the Land of Light?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469628264
How long is Darkness Falls on the Land of Light and how many pages does it have?
Darkness Falls on the Land of Light has 632 page(s)
Is Darkness Falls on the Land of Light part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Darkness Falls on the Land of Light?
Douglas L. Winiarski
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Darkness Falls on the Land of Light is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469628264) and paperback(ISBN 9781469652276) and ebook(ISBN 9781469628288) and ebook(ISBN 9798890883704) and ebook(ISBN 9781469628271) and pdf(ISBN 9798890883698)
Where can I buy Darkness Falls on the Land of Light online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Darkness Falls on the Land of Light from below
Where can I buy Darkness Falls on the Land of Light?