Who was a leading evangelist of the Second Great Awakening known for promoting individual salvation?

Study for the CLEP US History 1 Test. Immerse in flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Charles Finney was a prominent figure in the Second Great Awakening, an important religious revival movement in the United States during the early 19th century. Finney emphasized the idea of individual salvation and personal conversion, advocating that people could achieve salvation through their own efforts and decisions, rather than relying solely on predestination or traditional church doctrines.

He introduced new methods of evangelism, such as the "anxious seat" for those seeking conversion and a more emotional, enthusiastic style of preaching that encouraged congregants to respond directly and personally to the message. Finney's belief in the power of individual choice in relation to salvation contrasted with earlier theological perspectives that emphasized predestination, thus appealing to a broad audience during a time when many sought more personal and accessible forms of faith. His role as a leading evangelist helped shape the landscape of American religious life and promote the revivalist spirit characteristic of the Second Great Awakening.

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