new lights apush definition

2 min read 24-02-2025

The Great Awakening, a religious revival that swept through the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s, significantly impacted the religious landscape. One of its key outcomes was the division within established churches between the "Old Lights" and the "New Lights." Understanding this division is crucial for comprehending the religious and social dynamics of 18th-century America. This article will define and explore the key differences between these two groups.

Defining the "Old Lights" and "New Lights"

The Old Lights represented the established, traditional clergy and congregations within the various denominations. They adhered to the existing doctrines and practices, emphasizing a more formal and intellectual approach to religion. They were often skeptical of the emotionalism and fervent displays of piety characteristic of the Great Awakening.

The New Lights, on the other hand, were the proponents of the Great Awakening. They embraced the revival's emphasis on emotional conversion experiences, personal piety, and a more direct relationship with God. This often led to enthusiastic displays of religious fervor, sometimes viewed as excessive by the Old Lights. This group often included traveling evangelists like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield.

Key Differences Between Old Lights and New Lights

Feature	Old Lights	New Lights
Religious Style	Formal, intellectual, traditional	Emotional, experiential, fervent
Emphasis	Doctrinal orthodoxy, established practices	Personal conversion, emotional piety, revivalism
Preaching Style	Reserved, reasoned sermons	Passionate, emotive sermons, often itinerant
View of the Awakening	Often skeptical, sometimes opposed	Strong supporters and active participants
Church Organization	Maintained established church hierarchies	Often established new, independent churches
Attitude towards authority	Respect for existing church structures	Less emphasis on traditional authority structures

The Theological Divide

Beyond the stylistic differences, theological nuances also separated the two groups. The Old Lights stressed the importance of established doctrines and traditions. The New Lights, however, often focused on individual spiritual experience and a more personal understanding of faith. This difference led to disagreements about salvation, the role of emotion in religious experience, and the authority of religious leaders.

Social and Political Implications

The Great Awakening and the subsequent division between Old and New Lights had significant social and political consequences. The New Lights' emphasis on individual religious experience challenged the authority of established institutions, both religious and secular. This contributed to a broader sense of individualism and contributed to the growing spirit of rebellion that would eventually lead to the American Revolution. The proliferation of independent churches also fostered a more diverse religious landscape, reducing the dominance of established denominations.

The Lasting Legacy

The conflict between the Old Lights and New Lights wasn't just a fleeting event; it left a lasting impact on American religious and political life. The emphasis on individual experience and religious freedom championed by the New Lights significantly shaped the religious pluralism that would characterize the United States. The Great Awakening and its aftermath demonstrate how religious change can have profound social and political implications.

Conclusion: Understanding the New Lights in the Context of the Great Awakening

Understanding the "New Lights" requires placing them within the context of the Great Awakening. They were the energetic proponents of this revival, challenging traditional religious authority and shaping a more emotionally charged and personally focused brand of Christianity. Their influence extended far beyond the religious sphere, contributing significantly to the growth of individualism and the spirit of self-governance that would define the emerging American nation. The legacy of the New Lights continues to resonate in American religious history.