Historia de la Iglesia Moderna 3.2

Understanding the Social and Political Context of 19th Century Europe

The Impact of the Industrial Revolution and French Revolution

• The 19th century in Europe was marked by significant social and political changes, including the Industrial Revolution, which led to economic growth but also increased social problems.

• The French Revolution (1789-1799) abolished absolute monarchy and established a republic, fundamentally altering governance structures and dismantling the old socio-economic order.

The Shift in Roman Catholicism

• Following these revolutions, Roman Catholicism became more conservative, opposing emerging ideas of freedom and democracy that were gaining traction across Europe.

William Wilberforce: A Key Figure Against Slavery

• William Wilberforce (1759-1833), an influential English politician and abolitionist, played a crucial role in reducing slavery during this period.

• In contrast to modern forms of slavery like human trafficking, Wilberforce's era faced widespread acceptance of traditional slavery as a norm for thousands of years.

Cultural Acceptance of Slavery

• Slavery was deeply ingrained in society; many viewed it as natural. Even pious individuals owned slaves, reflecting cultural normalization over millennia.

Moral Awakening Against Slavery

• Today's recognition of slavery's immorality stems from efforts by figures like Wilberforce who highlighted its evils when it was widely accepted.

Wilberforce’s Mission and Collaborations

• Wilberforce felt divinely called to combat moral decay in England, addressing issues such as prostitution and alcoholism alongside slavery.

• He collaborated with notable abolitionists like Thomas Clarkson and Henry Thornton to uncover the horrors behind the slave trade.

Goals Set by Wilberforce

• He identified two main goals: abolishing the slave trade and reforming societal morals. His political position was leveraged not for personal gain but for fulfilling his divine mission.

Commitment to Abolition

William Wilberforce and the Fight Against Slavery

Early Advocacy and Opposition

• William Wilberforce stood before Parliament in 1787, delivering a powerful speech against human trafficking and slavery, presenting evidence of the injustices faced by enslaved individuals.

• Each year, Wilberforce faced significant opposition when proposing the abolition of the slave trade, highlighting the challenges he encountered from political leaders resistant to change.

• He was likened to Athanasius, symbolizing his solitary struggle against widespread corruption and opposition that he did not anticipate at the beginning of his campaign.

• The economic interests tied to slavery created formidable obstacles; many politicians profited from the slave trade, complicating efforts for abolition.

• Opponents argued that abolishing slavery would harm Britain's economy and claimed that if France did not follow suit, they would not either.

Personal Risks and Spiritual Support

• Wilberforce received death threats due to his activism; despite this danger, he remained committed alongside other abolitionists who also faced perilous situations.

• A notable figure involved in the slave trade later converted to Christianity; this transformation is linked to the hymn "Amazing Grace," which reflects on redemption.

• John Wesley wrote a letter encouraging Wilberforce during his struggles, emphasizing divine support in facing adversaries opposed to abolition.

• Wesley described slavery as an "execrable villainy," urging Wilberforce not to tire in doing good despite overwhelming opposition from men and demons alike.

Legislative Milestones

• The fight against slavery was not limited to Britain alone; it involved international dynamics as slaves were trafficked across nations.

• On February 23, 1807, Britain made significant progress by making the slave trade illegal; however, this was just a preliminary step toward full abolition.

• In Parliament on that day, Wilberforce expressed profound gratitude through tears of joy upon reaching what he considered a pivotal goal in his life’s work against slavery.

Ongoing Struggles Post-Abolition

• Despite legal changes marking progress, over half a million enslaved individuals continued suffering under oppressive conditions immediately after legislation passed.

• The illegal slave trade persisted with new deceptive practices emerging among traders even after its formal prohibition.

Legacy of Perseverance

• Reflecting on God's purpose for individuals often involves enduring struggles without immediate rewards; true impact may only be recognized posthumously.

The Legacy of William Wilberforce

The Abolition of Slavery

• The approval of the abolition law in Great Britain was a certainty, leading to the emancipation of over 800,000 African slaves within months.

• This marked a significant recognition of humanity for these individuals, highlighting the impact of Wilberforce's efforts even if he did not witness all the outcomes.

Wilberforce's Perseverance and Faith

• Despite facing life-threatening challenges, Wilberforce exemplified perseverance and faith in God's providence without expecting immediate results from his labor.

• His journey teaches that obedience to God’s calling is essential, even when one may not see the fruits of their labor during their lifetime.

Importance of Good Doctrine

• Embracing sound doctrine is crucial not only for personal transformation but also for motivating good works and compassion towards others.

• Unlike mere moralism, which can lead to passive complaints about societal issues, true motivation comes from living out the Gospel.

The Role of the Gospel in Action

• Paul’s teachings emphasize being zealous for good works as a reflection of genuine faith; this was evident in Wilberforce's life.

• The same Gospel that inspired Wilberforce should drive contemporary believers toward active compassion and service.

Call to Action Today

• Today's society faces numerous challenges (e.g., abortion, corruption), necessitating a return to practical applications of the Gospel message.

• Encouragement exists for believers to engage actively in good works because they share the same transformative Gospel as Wilberforce.

Reflection on Wilberforce's Writings

• Wilberforce authored a notable book critiquing superficial Christianity prevalent among social classes; it became a bestseller despite its lengthy title.

• He argued that much professed Christianity lacked practical application, emphasizing that true faith must manifest through action.

Conclusion: Learning from History

• Reflecting on historical figures like Wilberforce reminds us that we must remain sensitive and proactive against societal injustices today.

The Life and Legacy of John Newton

The Historical Context of "Amazing Grace"

• The public singing of the hymn "Amazing Grace" marks a significant moment in history, coinciding with moral changes during the abolitionist movement led by William Wilberforce.

• In the United States, "Amazing Grace" is sung publicly at least 10 million times annually, making it one of the most famous hymns in history.

Early Life and Struggles

• John Newton was born on July 24, 1725, in London to a Christian mother who taught him the Bible; she died when he was seven.

• At age 11, he began sailing with his father, a ship captain. His life took a downward turn as he became rebellious and faced numerous challenges.

• Newton's early career included working as a slave trader after losing his first job due to unstable behavior.

Transformation Through Adversity

• After deserting from the Royal Navy in 1744 and being caught, Newton eventually found himself working for a cruel slave trader on an island off West Africa.

• He experienced severe hardship but was providentially rescued by a ship that knew his father.

Spiritual Awakening

• On March 21, 1748, during a perilous storm at sea, Newton had an awakening moment where he began to pray for mercy amidst chaos.

• Despite struggling with faith initially, he found solace in reading the Bible and praying throughout his journey back to England.

A New Direction

• After returning to land and feeling remorse for his past as a slave trader, Newton transitioned into ministry work around 1755.

• Influenced by prominent figures like John Wesley and George Whitefield, he sought deeper understanding of Christianity and became ordained in 1764.

Hymn Writing and Activism

• In collaboration with poet William Cowper, Newton wrote hymns for church services; this partnership flourished until Cowper fell ill.

• "Amazing Grace," composed in late December 1772 while preparing for a sermon based on biblical passages about God's promises (1 Chronicles 17:16–17), was first sung publicly on January 1, 1773.

Advocacy Against Slavery

• Beyond hymn writing, Newton aimed to rectify past wrongdoings by advocating against slavery within the British Empire alongside Wilberforce starting in 1787.

The Impact of God's Grace and Historical Context in North America

Reflections on God's Grace

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of being tender and forgiving, mirroring the grace shown by God.

• A call to action is made for viewers to reflect on their encounters with God's grace and share their thoughts in the comments.

Historical Developments in North America

• Discussion shifts to North America at the end of the 19th century, highlighting significant historical movements and figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield.

• The effects of the First Great Awakening are noted as having diminished over time, leading to a decline in moral climate amidst political changes.

The American Revolution's Influence

• The American Revolution (1775-1783) is described as a tragic event that negatively impacted church development, with reports of churches being burned and key leaders dying in battle.

• Post-revolution, questions arose regarding the relationship between independent churches in America and England, particularly concerning Anglican churches.

Growth of Independent Churches

• Following independence, many churches became independent from colonial influences; Baptist and Methodist churches experienced rapid growth during this period.

Independence Movements in Latin America

• In Latin America, independence movements faced challenges not only from colonizers but also from Catholic Church hierarchies loyal to monarchies.

• After independence, new nations grappled with how much influence the Catholic Church would retain over them.

Political Struggles: Liberals vs. Conservatives

• A struggle emerged between liberals advocating for less church influence and conservatives favoring traditional ties to church authority.

Rise of Rationalism and Fundamentalism

• Literature promoting rationalism began influencing both North and South America, challenging Christian doctrines established earlier.

The Second Great Awakening: A Historical Overview

Context of the Church in America

• The church in America faced a period of decline, characterized by "cold" and "dry" congregations, reminiscent of conditions before the First Great Awakening.

• This environment set the stage for a new spiritual revival, leading to what is known as the Second Great Awakening beginning around 1780.

Impact on Society

• The Second Great Awakening significantly influenced various aspects of American life, affecting people from diverse backgrounds including wealthy and educated individuals.

• Christians aimed to reclaim both the Eastern and Western territories for Christ, facing unique challenges during this time.

Key Figures and Movements

• Timothy Dwight, grandson of Jonathan Edwards and president of Yale University (1795-1817), called students to repentance through solid biblical teaching.

• Peter Cartwright emerged as a dynamic preacher who traveled Methodist circuits in Tennessee and Kentucky, contributing greatly to the awakening.

Revival Meetings

• Cartwright's efforts led to approximately 15,000 conversions within the Methodist Church during this revival period.

• James McGrady was another influential figure who initiated outdoor preaching sessions due to large crowds seeking spiritual renewal.

Camp Meetings Phenomenon

• McGrady's outdoor sermons gave rise to camp meetings where attendees would gather for extended periods, fostering community worship experiences.

• These gatherings attracted many individuals without church homes; participants camped out for days while engaging in fervent prayer and worship.

Transformative Effects of the Revival

• The sheer volume of attendees often necessitated multiple preachers speaking simultaneously due to limited sound amplification capabilities.

• The movement was marked by intense emotional expressions such as singing, crying out for mercy, and physical manifestations like falling under conviction.

Lasting Changes in Society

• This revival transformed communities plagued by vice into centers of genuine Christian living with deep repentance among converts.

The Second Great Awakening and Charles Finney

Overview of the Revival Meetings

• The gatherings attracted thousands, with reports of around 20,000 people attending to hear preaching, indicating a significant movement of God during this period.

• Attendees came with a deep hunger for authentic spiritual experiences, seeking genuine messages from preachers involved in what is known as the Second Great Awakening.

Charles Finney: A Key Figure

• Charles Finney emerged as a pivotal figure in the Second Great Awakening, recognized as the father of modern evangelism. His ministry began in the 1820s.

• Born in 1792 and passing in 1875, Finney transitioned from being a law professor to an influential evangelist after his conversion at age 29 on October 10, 1821.

The Impact of Conversion

• Finney's conversion experience was profound; he emphasized that such moments are unforgettable and should be marked distinctly in one's life.

• He believed that every individual should have a clear recollection of their encounter with God, similar to how he remembers his own conversion date.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

• On the day of his conversion, Finney experienced a powerful baptism of the Holy Spirit which led him to receive his calling into ministry.

• This transformative experience resulted in strong convictions among those he encountered post-conversion, leading many to dedicate their lives to Christ.

Evangelistic Methods and Results

• Ordained by the Presbyterian Church in 1824, Finney preached revival messages across New York and faced challenges like threats from individuals intending harm but ultimately saw conversions even among them.

• His ministry included remarkable testimonies where entire groups were converted through his preaching sessions; one notable instance involved all workers at a cotton factory responding positively to his message.

Lasting Influence on Evangelism

• Under Finney's leadership during revivals across cities like Philadelphia and Boston, over half a million people reportedly converted under his influence.

• Notably high retention rates were observed; more than 80% remained active within churches post-conversion due to effective evangelistic methods employed by Finney.

Unique Approaches During Revivals

• Finney’s revival meetings often lacked strict schedules and could last for hours without attendees wanting to leave due to the palpable presence of the Spirit.

Key Insights on Charles Finney and the Second Great Awakening

Overview of Charles Finney's Life and Impact

• Charles Finney focused on ministering to individuals with significant problems, emphasizing the need for special attention to those in distress.

• He was characterized as a flexible man, open to change, which allowed him to adapt his approach effectively in ministry.

• Finney exhibited deep piety and devotion, dedicating himself to prayer and embodying genuine faith in God.

Radical Message of Practical Holiness

• His message centered around practical holiness rather than condemnation; he lived out the principles he preached.

• Finney defined revival as a return of the church from its deviations and emphasized obedience to God as a new principle guiding believers.

The Layman's Prayer Movement

• The 1857 layman's prayer movement in the U.S. saw businesspeople confessing sins and praying for revival, leading to significant conversions.

• Notable figures emerged during this period, including Moody, Judson Taylor, and David Livingstone, who contributed to global evangelism.

Contextual Challenges: Darwinism and Criticism of Religion

• The publication of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" in 1859 introduced evolutionary theory that sought to diminish God's role as Creator.

• High criticism viewed monotheism as an advanced stage in religious evolution while dismissing biblical accounts as myths or legends.

Socioeconomic Influences on Religious Thought