CH110: Revolutions and Revivals

The evolution of Christian thought and practice from the mid-17th through the 20th centuries focuses on the tension between intellectual shifts and spiritual renewals. Detailed timelines and charts track the rise of Enlightenment rationalism and Deism, which challenged traditional orthodoxy by prioritizing human reason and the Scientific Revolution. In response to these changes, the texts highlight the emergence of Pietism, Methodism, and the Great Awakening, movements that emphasized personal devotion, emotional conversion, and global missions. The documents also profile influential theologians, scientists, and social reformers across Britain, Germany, and America who shaped the modern religious landscape. Furthermore, they examine the historical interactions between church and state, specifically regarding religious liberty and the impact of political revolutions on faith. Ultimately, the collection illustrates how the church adapted to an increasingly secularized world through both internal reform and outward expansion.