| Abstract: | Although it is not possible to discover the exact variables that resulted in Charles Grandison Finney and his revival movement setting the nation ablaze with social and religious reform in the 19th century, Finney introduced certain innovations in method and theory that clearly reacted with the social environment, producing the most marked success in revival and reform in the history of America. A study outlining the specific innovations that contributed to Finney's success as a revivalist must be accompanied by a study in the theological factors that supported these revival techniques. Finney's theological emphases on the voluntary nature of conversion along with the duty to reform inwardly and socially were the keys to the success of Finney as a revivalist. In researching the social and historical background of Finney's revivals, the source's bias must be ever-present in the mind of the inquirer. Sociologists tend to explain revival phenomena differently than theologians; liberal theologians interpret differently than fundamentalists; Finney's contemporaries have different perspectives than 20th century historians. The "truth" often lies somewhere in between. For this reason sources' viewpoints from critical historians, sociologists and theologians are important was well as the works of Finney and his contemporaries. A very limited discussion of the social context of the revivals is included as a partial explanation for Finney's success. Books such as Whitney Cross' The Burned-Over District aided not only to explain social movements but also to comment on the social consciousness of Finney's time. The primary source - and inspiration - for this study was the works of Charles Finney himself. Historians and biographers have noted that Finney's introspective psychological perception have made his works reveal almost as much about himself as his ideas. The study of Finney's systematic theology does not receive primary attention in the final paper itself. However, it provided the basis for investigations and questioning the factors, in addition to this system of beliefs, that led to the success of America's greatest revivalist. |
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