The Great Awakening represents a restructuring of the religious doctrine, beliefs, and practices during the 17th and 18th centuries in England and in North America by thrusting Calvinistic religious doctrine to the forefront. As a result, several religious revivals sprung forth appeasing the colonists in America desire for a deep and significant personal relationship with God. With unparalleled fervor, Gilbert Tennent preached all over New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania with English evangelist, George Whitfield during the Great Awakening. Though born in Ireland, Tennent and his family migrated from the region in Ulster to America. Tennent’s father, William founded the first American Presbyterian theological seminary on the Pennsylvania frontier known as “The Log College” because of its construction. Formerly educated by his father, he later attended the Log College and eventually became an ordained minister in New Brunswick in 1726.…show more content… Tennent’s theological perspectives, ministries, sermons and education, though influential in the Great Awakening. Acknowledging Tennent’s importance to the Great Awakening Alexander writes, indeed, all must acknowledge, that among the friends and promoters of the revival, Tennent stands pre-eminent. Likewise, E. B, Holifield, in American Theology, cites two of Tennent’s influential revival stances; theology provides the knowing of God for the purpose of salvation and conviction is prior to conversion. Nonetheless, Tennent’s stance on unconverted clergy caused a division between the Presbyterians in the middle
