1. Challenge to Authority: The main theme of the Great Awakening was the idea of a personal and direct relationship with God. According to the Great Awakening preachers, individuals could interpret the bible and connect with the Divine without relying solely on the authority of churches or religious institutions. This challenged the established religious hierarchies.
2. Spreading Literacy and Education: The movement emphasized the importance of reading the bible and being able to interpret its teachings. Consequently, there was a significant rise in literacy rates during the Great Awakening. People, especially among the middle and lower classes, began to read and think critically about religious texts, which encouraged them to question other forms of authority and the social hierarchy.
3. Emphasis on Equality: Many Great Awakening preachers stressed the spiritual equality of all individuals. They argued that before God, all men are equal, regardless of their social or economic status. This emphasis on equality fueled a desire for political equality and increased participation in the democratic process.
4. New Vision of Society: The Great Awakening encouraged people to see society as a community of individuals coming together for common religious and moral purposes, rather than based on rigid class structures. This new vision promoted a sense of communal responsibility and laid the groundwork for the ideals of democracy and liberty.
5. Religious Enthusiasm and Activism: The enthusiasm generated during revivals led to a heightened sense of personal agency and a desire for tangible change. The spirit of activism associated with the Great Awakening inspired individuals to question the political and social structures and push for reforms that aligned with their religious ideals.
6. Dissent and Independence: The Great Awakening saw the rise of itinerant preachers who traveled and delivered sermons challenging traditional religious practices. These preachers fostered a mindset of dissent against conventional institutions and encouraged a sense of independence and a willingness to challenge authority.
In summary, the Great Awakening promoted concepts like individual interpretation, literacy, equality, and the possibility of reform. These ideas spread throughout the colonies and contributed to a climate of increasing democratic thought and action, ultimately influencing the movement toward a more democratic political system.