Religion in the Early 1800s

This map shows 6 of the most popular religions in the U.S.
including Baptist, Methodist and Mormon.

             The Second Great Awakening was a revival movement for Christianity during the early 19th century. Beginning around 1800 the Second Great Awakening attracted hundreds of converts to new Protestant faiths before its decline around 1870 gaining momentum around 1820. The Second Great Awakening revived Christian religions such as Baptist, Methodist, Unitarian, and Mormon. The most popular Christian religions before the Second Great Awakening were Presbyterian and Congregationalist.


Baptists

• The Baptist religion was founded in 1608
• Baptists believe that only believers should be baptized
• Baptists believe that people should be baptized by immersion NOT by pouring or sprinkling water 
• Baptists do not have an established church
• Baptists believe there is no human founder, no human authority, and no human creed

In the Baptist religion believers are baptized by
immersion similar to these people.

Congregationalists

• The Congregationalist religion was founded in the 16th century
• Congregationalists accept the Bible as a rule in matters of faith and practice
• Congregationalists base church organization on biblical foundation
• Congregationalists are autonomous people
• Congregationalists foundation principles are faith, freedom, and fellowship

Methodist

• The Methodist religion was founded in the 18th century
• The Methodist religion is the result of the teachings of John Wesley
• Methodists believe that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, the creator of all things, possess infinite love and goodness, has always existed and always will, is three persons in one (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit)
• Methodists use logic and reason in all matters of faith
• Methodists believe that prevenient grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace are blessings of the Holy Spirit at different times

Mormons

• The Mormon religion was founded in 1830
• Mormons are also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World and the Son of God
• Mormons abstain from alcoholic drinks, tobacco, coffee, tea, and other addictive substances
• The Mormon religion allows polygamy (the practice of having more than one spouse at a time)

Presbyterians

• The Presbyterian religion was founded in the 16th century
• The Presbyterian Doctrine includes the authority of Scripture, justification by grace through faith, the Priesthood of all believers, and the Sovereignty of God
• Presbyterians believe that the Holy Spirit lives inside them, giving them their energy to continue Christ's mission
• Presbyterians believe that they are "chosen by God's grace"
• Presbyterians believe in the Bible and use "it as the unique and authoritative guide for how to live and what to believe"

Unitarians

• The Unitarian religion was founded in the 16th century
• Unitarians believe that God exists in one person
• The Unitarian religion encourages its followers to "search for truth in their own way, at their own pace"
• Unitarians are diverse in how they practice their religion
• The Unitarian religion does not have a creed or "doctrinal requirements"

A Unitarian gathering.