Much of the modernization of America that took place between the American
Revolution and the Civil War can be attributed to Charles Finney’s evangelism.
Scholars have come up with several definitions of “modernization;” in
this essay, modernization refers to several changes in culture.
Socially, modernized cultures have shifted loyalties from their family
groups to larger (sometimes national or even international) groups.
Volunteer groups often develop, each striving to fulfill a certain task
for the greater good of the community. The
whole culture becomes more homogeneous, usually in response to improved means of
communication and widespread literacy. Oftentimes
in modernized cultures, society becomes more interdependent on itself; with that
comes the differentiation of labor in the workplace.
Modern societies are more advanced economically as well, as they place
emphasis on mass production through specialization and wise use of resources.[i]
Finally, modern societies are grounded in faith in the ability of human
beings to control their destiny and develop their world.[ii]
Indeed, Charles Finney did help shape America into a more modern culture.
It is evident that Finney desired a national unity and purpose, for a
unified Christian nation, in his view, was necessary to bring the onset of the
millennium. Accordingly, in his
revivals, he tried to focus on religious agreements among the people and
stressed Christian unity above local church loyalty. His frequent travels allowed him to gain a cosmopolitan view
of Christianity that he spread across the country. He wisely avoided controversial subjects like what mode of
baptism was necessary, as he knew topics like that would cause arguments quickly
in the churches. Perhaps more important than the words he preached were his
actions that accompanied them. Finney
allowed his first church, a Congregationalist church, to share its facilities
with the local Baptists. This was
an unusual example to the world of Christian unity.[iii]
Finney’s evangelism encouraged the development of all types of new
institutions. Volunteer groups
developed for different purposes after revivals.
Some groups encouraged Bible study and spiritual growth, while others
promoted missions. Finney’s revivals also encouraged education.
Seminaries and specialized colleges sprang up more and more.
New institutions like these required teachers and brought forth many jobs
contributing to the differentiation of labor.[iv]
The concept of benevolence preached by Finney spurred the growth of
capitalism in America. When one
applies the concept of aiming to promote the well being of the world to
business, one has to think about how he or she can make available products and
services that will bring the greatest good to the most people.
Consequently, Finney rejected the bickering system, which often involved
one person getting cheated for the benefit of another.
Instead, Finney advocated a uniform pricing system where merchants
charged just a little bit above cost. Finney
did support the bulk production and sale of goods, as this lowered the final
price for the consumer. While he
was aware that this hurt small artisans, Finney felt this capitalistic concept
was necessary because it followed the rule of benevolence.[v]
Through his Arminian theology Finney helped spread the idea that
Americans could indeed choose their destiny.
Humans could choose immediately to receive salvation instead of having to
wait for a moment of grace in the midst of God’s “mysterious sovereignty”
like many Calvinists preached. He
also said sanctification through perfection could be reached on earth, as
opposed to the former notion that sanctification was not achieved until after
death. Finney’s theology put humans in control of their destiny.
Finney spoke out against the common notion that early death and illness
was due to God’s Providence and instead encouraged healthy eating and living
habits. Ideas like these that
Finney preached slowly found a haven in the modern American mindset, fostering a
belief in self-determination among Americans.
[vi]