Darkness Falls on the Land of Light: Experiencing Religious Awakenings in Eighteenth-Century New England

by Douglas L. Winiarski

This sweeping history of popular religion in eighteenth-century New England examines the experiences of ordinary people living through extraordinary times. Drawing on an unprecedented quantity of letters, diaries, and testimonies, Douglas Winiarski recovers the pervasive and vigorous lay piety of the early eighteenth century. George Whitefield's preaching tour of 1740 called into question the fundamental assumptions of this thriving religious culture. Incited by Whitefield and fascinated by miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit--visions, bodily fits, and sudden conversions--countless New Englanders broke ranks with family, neighbors, and ministers who dismissed their religious experiences as delusive enthusiasm. These new converts, the progenitors of today's evangelical movement, bitterly assaulted the Congregational establishment.

The 1740s and 1750s were the dark night of the New England soul, as men and women groped toward a restructured religious order. Conflict transformed inclusive parishes into exclusive networks of combative spiritual seekers. Then as now, evangelicalism emboldened ordinary people to question traditional authorities. Their challenge shattered whole communities.

Genres: History, Religion, 18th Century, American History, Christianity, Church History

607 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2017

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like giving this the full five stars, in part just in admiration at the scholarship. Winiarski seems to have read absolutely everything, and he has a mountain of primary source evidence. Honestly, if someone asked me for one book to read about the first Great Awakening or religious revival in 18th century New England in general, I would recommend this book (which the person probably wouldn't read, unless they are a historian, because it is 500 pages long. But they should).
I reviewed this on H-net, so I have actually worked really hard on a review for this book and I am not going to write another review or cut and paste the entire H-net review here. It is long. But here's the end of it:
Darkness Falls on the Land of Light is an exhaustive survey of the religious lives of eighteenth-century New Englanders. It is also, perhaps paradoxically, quite a pleasant read. Judging from the notes, Winiarski has been everywhere, and sometimes seems to have included every available letter, journal, prayer bill, and relation of faith written during the revival era. His book provides one story after another, almost all of them fascinating glimpses into the lives of ordinary families. I would expect that anyone interested in eighteenth-century life would enjoy perusing this book, whether they were specialists in the Great Awakenings or not. For book lists on American religion or the awakenings specifically, it is a must.

[Garret Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Religious awakenings are a fascinating topic in my mind. Winiarski provides GREAT analysis of EXTENSIVE research, presenting better than anyone ever has, the common person’s perspective on the Great Awakening. So amazing!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and thorough

An incredible read. Well sourced, fantastically explained, and very readable, this book is thee resource for understanding the most important influences on the American religious experiences as well as a lasting evolution of autonomy and individual challenges to organized religion.

[Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an amazing well written history. I am going to interview the author soon for New Books in American Studies. Best history of the Great Awakening that I have read. Great narrative, characters, details. Really amazing and enjoyable.

[Russell Belding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this book is a good introduction to the Great Awakening, albeit a very lengthy and detailed introduction. Not all history has to be "relatable," but I can't help seeing the echoes of evangelicalism vs mainstream Protestantism that exist yet today.

[Darren Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively academic but easy to read. Somewhat redundant in parts but very comprehensive. I read it to understand my ancestors Mormon origins. Although it never specifically spoke about Mormon origins it gave great insights.

[Hélène Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!!!! An absolute delight to read. Winiarski makes the already colorful world of eighteenth-century colonial America come into vivid focus. What a time!

[Mike Emett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required reading for a graduate seminar, Historians debate the American Revolution