(A) How did the great second great awakening revolutionize the American religious tradition?

The second great wakening revolutionized the American religious tradition through religious or spiritual gatherings known as revivals. Revivalism as it is stated in the text had been around since the late 18^th century, but did not grow in popularity with the American public until the early 19^th century, because its ideas and belief were non- traditional. Christian churches and sects were split on the revivalism and its non-Calvinistic views that emphasized “ individual responsibility for seeking salvation, and insisted that people could improve themselves and society”. Charles Finney was a great proponent in this religious revitalization that swept America in popularity during this period because through his religious sermons and intense revivals he was able to spread the message of salvation and self-improvement. Revivals were very intense and demanded complete repentance from individuals, who were expected to study the bible during the day and listen to religious sermons in the evening, as a way to allow individuals to examine their souls and repent for their sins.