Charles Grandison Finney (1792–1875) was a prominent American Presbyterian minister and leader in the Second Great Awakening, a religious revival movement during the early 19th century. He is often referred to as one of the most important figures in American evangelical history, especially known for his role in shaping the modern revivalist movement.
Famous Quotes:
Some of Finney’s well-known quotes reflect his passion for revival, personal transformation, and his understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism:
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“Revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.”
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“The church is a place where the gospel is proclaimed, and the ministry of the word is to bring men to Christ.”
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“Nothing is more plainly taught in the New Testament than that all men are under moral government and that they have a moral agency.”
These quotes give a sense of his focus on the individual’s responsibility in responding to God and the central role of the church and preaching in spiritual renewal.
Revivals and Influence:
Finney was a pioneering figure in what became known as the revivalist movement. His revivals were characterized by:
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Emotional intensity: Finney’s meetings were highly emotional and focused on personal repentance and conversion. He believed that revival could be planned and cultivated through human effort, which contrasted with the idea of spontaneous divine intervention often associated with earlier revivals.
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Innovative techniques: He introduced practices like the “anxious bench” (a precursor to the altar call), where those who were under conviction of sin could come forward and publicly make their commitment to Christ. He also used new methods of persuasion like intense preaching, personal counseling, and music.
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Focus on personal responsibility: Finney stressed that individuals could choose to accept or reject God’s grace, which was a shift from the prevailing Calvinistic idea of predestination.
Finney led many successful revivals in towns and cities across the Northeast U.S., most notably in Rochester, New York, and New York City. His approach to revivals, emphasizing human choice and moral agency, attracted both support and criticism, particularly from those who believed in the more traditional, Calvinistic doctrines of the time.
