<P> Building on the foundations of older traditions -- Puritanism , pietism and Presbyterianism -- major leaders of the revival such as George Whitefield , John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards articulated a theology on revival and salvation that transcended denominational boundaries and helped create a common evangelical identity . Revivalists added to the doctrinal imperatives of Reformation Protestantism an emphasis on providential outpourings of the Holy Spirit . Extemporaneous preaching gave listeners a sense of deep personal conviction of their need of salvation by Jesus Christ and fostered introspection and commitment to a new standard of personal morality . Revival theology stressed that religious conversion was not only intellectual assent to correct Christian doctrine but had to be a `` new birth '' experienced in the heart . Revivalists also taught that receiving assurance of salvation was a normal expectation in the Christian life . </P>
<P> Building on the foundations of older traditions -- Puritanism , pietism and Presbyterianism -- major leaders of the revival such as George Whitefield , John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards articulated a theology on revival and salvation that transcended denominational boundaries and helped create a common evangelical identity . Revivalists added to the doctrinal imperatives of Reformation Protestantism an emphasis on providential outpourings of the Holy Spirit . Extemporaneous preaching gave listeners a sense of deep personal conviction of their need of salvation by Jesus Christ and fostered introspection and commitment to a new standard of personal morality . Revival theology stressed that religious conversion was not only intellectual assent to correct Christian doctrine but had to be a `` new birth '' experienced in the heart . Revivalists also taught that receiving assurance of salvation was a normal expectation in the Christian life . </P>
an important religious leader during the first great awakening was
an important religious leader during the first great awakening was
Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards