What the Heck is Religious Fervor?
Comprehending A Great Awakening
If one were to Google the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings of the 1700s, and 1800s, it would be discovered that nearly every listing describes these eras as times of "Religious Fervor." While our cursory impressions of this phrase, along with the definitions below might shed some light on what they imply and what we might infer, I believe that this highly-overused, shorthand descriptor fails drastically to capture the electricity experienced during those eras. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's review what the dictionaries have to say.
Religious (Religion)
- Cambridge Dictionary: the belief in and worship of a god or gods, or any such system of belief and worship
- Merriam- Websters Dictionary: the service and worship of God or the supernatural, commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
- Collins Dictionary - synonyms: belief, faith, doctrine, theology
Fervor
- Cambridge Dictionary: Strong and sincere beliefs
- Merriam- Websters Dictionary: intensity of feeling or expression
- Collins Dictionary, synonyms: ardour, passion, enthusiasm, excitement
Defining the Undefinable
"Religious Fervor" implies committed and passionate devotion to God and, in this case, Christian practice and service. These are not incorrect assessments, however, they are incomplete and in some ways, potentially misleading. The word "Religion," for example, is not always seen in a positive light, neither do passion and enthusiasm always indicate positivity. Therefore, the idea of being fervently religious carries quite a bit of baggage along with it. Conveying the experiences of those impacted by these Awakenings is like describing what it means to be in love. As Paul McCartney said about love in his famous 1970s tune, Silly Love Songs, "I only know it when I'm in it..." Some experiences defy identification and description, especially one like "Religious Fervor" which in the minds of some is synonymous with zealotry and fanaticism over and above dramatic transformation and positive spiritual influence. In addition and as an aside, historic visuals like the one placed under the title of this article, sometimes add to this confusion.
Love and Electricity
If we go back to the concepts of comparing "Religious Fervor," in its best sense and definition, to electricity and to love, we will begin to get a better sense of what these historic awakenings encapsulated. With electricity, it is easy to surmise that it is working based upon its effect. We turn on a switch and electrical power makes the light come on. Yet at the same time, it might be difficult to describe what is happening internally, beyond merely a scientific explanation. Stick your finger into a light socket and then compare your experience to the definition of electricity. They may not negate each other, but will likely be divergent in their emphasis. See what I mean? Defining love is no different. Take the time to call to mind both the sacrifices that love inspires, and the indescribable rewards it can produce. Then compare that to Merriam- Websters Dictionary definition of "strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties."
Excerpts from History
What then is the term "Religious Fervor" trying to describe, or perhaps in some cases, failing to describe? We might get a better idea of how these well-documented and historic outpourings affected those it touched by hearing from some who experienced them. The following are just a few of those experiences. They are taken from the Journal of Christian Newcomer, an itinerant minister during the 2nd Great Awakening:
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October 20, 1802
Brother Geeting spoke with tender compassion. The people began to cry aloud.... Oh, what a sight! The scene could not be beheld without emotion. The congregation began to cry and moan and the excitement became general. Presently, one fell here, and another there. A woman hung on the breast of her beloved companion, and a daughter in the arms of her distressed mother — all crying for mercy. Never before have I witnessed the power of God in so great a degree among so many people. We commenced singing and praying and glory be to God, many distressed souls found peace and pardon of their sins in the blood of the Lamb. The meeting was protracted until late at night....
October 21, 1802
The congregation was more numerous than the day before. Brother Geeting spoke first with great power from 1 Corinthians 1:23-24. I followed him. The power of God was again signally displayed. The love of Jesus shed abroad and united all hearts in the bonds of brotherly love. At the administration of the Sacrament, it was clear that all distinction between sects had been lost in Christian love and fellowship. Lutherans, Presbyterians, Mennonite’s, Baptists, and Methodists — all drew near the Lord’s table and united in commemoration of the dying love of the Redeemer. Many were not able to avoid shouting and praising God for his unbounded mercy and goodness. With difficulty, we parted from the people, but we were compelled to leave them in order to fill our appointment...
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Back to the Beginning
These folks were not merely signing cards of commitment, or engaging in group think. They were touching the 3rd rail of Christianity, the one with the electric power potent enough to transform them as individuals and as groups of believers. These particular experiences are highly reminiscent of the first "Religiously Fervent," those in the Book of Acts.
"God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'” (Acts 2:36-37)
More than merely emotionalism, or determination towards devotion, these seasons were termed "Great Awakenings" for a reason. Follow along with another example from Newcomer's Journal culled from many others:
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November 13, 1803
Sunday — Today we had indeed a little Pentecost. From 300 to 400 persons had collected — more than the barn in which we had assembled for worship could contain. I preached to them from Titus 3 with great liberty and effect for the salvation of souls. The congregation was remarkably attentive to the word. Though it rained, those that had no shelter in the barn kept their stand in the rain without the least disturbance. It is indeed surprising and at least to me, somewhat mysterious to behold, the manner in which the power of God works here among the people.... Sometimes the excitement would be so great that I had to stop speaking for several minutes until the noise abated. Some few were praising God and shouting for joy. Brother Christian Berger addressed the congregation. When I had concluded my discourse in the German, I then preached in the English language from 1 Peter 1:3 and the effect was again the same. At night I preached at Mr. Swartz’s. Here also several persons of both sexes fell to the floor and others were crying for mercy. This lasted until after midnight.
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Far More Than An Historical Footnote
Perhaps the generic and incomprehensible term, "Religious Fervor," has been so widely adopted in connection to these outpourings because these reports are so difficult for most, especially secular historians, to comprehend. These reports certainly do not reflect what society understands concerning, and what most Christians experience on, Sunday mornings. That's because the views and experiences which prompt the use of phrases like "Religious Fervor" our based upon our experiences outside of these kinds of awakenings. Yet despite our ignorance of them, accounts like those given here are far more extensive than these examples might imply. In addition, they don't reflect one individual event or geographic location, but were pervasive and experienced across the country and over multiple decades. Yet for brevity's sake, and for academic and historical compartmentalization, these experiences have been dumped into the category of "Religious Fervor," a term whose usage continues to grow likely because of lack of understanding and curiosity, or perhaps just laziness.
In Newcomer's case, he experienced and held within him enough "fervor" that it prompted him to ride more than 150,000 miles on horseback for over 40 years in an effort to share and perpetuate the change undertaken in his heart. And, he was not alone. It is sure that the great wars and conflicts over the last couple of hundred years have affected our country both culturally and spiritually, however, people like Newcomer and his contemporaries, Francis Asbury, Freeborn Garrettson, and many, many others were more than merely forgotten footnotes among the "Religiously Fervent." Through their tangible and unapologetic relationship with God, these and many more like them, helped shape their culture and bring relief and personal freedom to multiple generations.
That's what I call Religious Fervor!
