Long-Term Results of Enlightenment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Long-Term Results of Enlightenment - Essay Example The Enlightenment thinkers, also known as philosophers, worked to cultivate new proposals about economics, government, and religion. Furthermore, they suggested new ideas for the enhancement of human beings and for the reformation of the society. The main themes of these philosophers were to improve humanity so that the church would no longer control education. These philosophers also wanted to separate the church from political activities. Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Roueseau, David Hume, and Denis Diderot were amongst the most famous philosophers of that time. These rising groups spread their beliefs to the public while philosophers though of new ideas. (Baker 28-34) Most of the matters that resulted in the Great Awakening showed that the Americans misunderstood Christianity and its values. Hence, the South and the North shared a common evangelical vision. Other religious personalities such as Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians developed and grew. Although denomination lines remained intact, all of the religions had a common evangelical viewpoint. Not only did it affect religions but it resulted in a great emphasis on education too. George Whitefield founded schools that comprised of Presbyterian ministers. A superior feeling of responsibility for the Indians and the Slaves materialized from this revival. Whitefield was one of the few preachers of that time who preached to blacks. Hence, most blacks and whites had a common evangelical sight. (Samson 94-96) People began to consider religion differently. The Puritan theology emphasized what God had done for humanity. Afterwards, people started thinking what a person can do in answer to the gifts God had bestowed on him. Salvation is a man's responsibility, not God's responsibility. The Enlightenment had conceptual reasons but people did not want to confess before God Almighty as people of the Great Awakening did. Those who appreciated the Enlightenment honored human beings and their abilities. They also argued that they worshipped God more than others did. Therefore, such people cared more about what they can do for themselves. Developments in the UK, such as the scientific methods, the Glorious Revolution, and the growth of the parliamentary government transferred to the colonies too. This Enlightenment started in Europe and came to America sometime near the early 18th century. The reason for its arrival into America was the reaction of what had happened due to the Great Awakening. The primary difference between these two affairs was a greater emphasis on faith in the Awakening. The Enlightenment was more about the assessment of human reasoning and less about the belief behind this concept. Hence, this scientific age was more about moral values. Galileo Galilei played a vital role in the Enlightenment. He made significant observations to argue the Copernican theory that the earth rotates on its axis beneath the motionless sun. The Church opposed this theory and stated that the Bible clearly says that the sun moves through the sky. Hence, the Church denounced Galileo's observations and teachings. Afterwards, monarchs forced Galileo to hide his new observations about the sun and prevented him from spreading his teachings anymore. Therefore, a fight started between science and