Moral instruction

Definition

Moral instruction refers to the process of teaching individuals about ethical principles and values, emphasizing the distinction between right and wrong. This concept became particularly significant during the Great Awakening, where literature and sermons aimed at instilling a sense of morality and spiritual awareness among the audience, promoting personal piety and social responsibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral instruction during the Great Awakening was often delivered through passionate sermons that urged listeners to repent and seek personal salvation.
2. Literature from this period frequently included didactic elements, using stories or parables to convey moral lessons and engage the reader's conscience.
3. The emphasis on moral instruction contributed to the rise of a more individualized approach to religion, encouraging personal interpretations of faith rather than strictly following established doctrines.
4. Key figures in the Great Awakening, such as Jonathan Edwards, used vivid imagery and emotional appeals in their writings to provoke introspection and moral reflection among their audiences.
5. Moral instruction not only shaped religious beliefs but also influenced social reforms in areas such as education, abolitionism, and women's rights, as a call for ethical living extended beyond personal faith.

Review Questions

• How did moral instruction manifest in the literature of the Great Awakening, and what were its intended effects on the audience?
  • Moral instruction during the Great Awakening was evident in literature that combined emotional appeals with ethical teachings. Writers aimed to provoke a deep emotional response from their audiences, encouraging them to reflect on their lives and pursue personal salvation. The intended effect was to inspire individuals to adopt a more pious lifestyle, aligning their actions with Christian values while also fostering a sense of community responsibility.
• Discuss how moral instruction influenced social movements emerging from the Great Awakening period.
  • Moral instruction played a crucial role in shaping various social movements that arose from the Great Awakening. The emphasis on ethical living inspired individuals to advocate for social reforms such as abolitionism and women's rights. As people internalized the moral messages conveyed through sermons and literature, they began to see issues like slavery and gender inequality as morally wrong, motivating them to take action toward change based on their newfound convictions.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of moral instruction from the Great Awakening on contemporary American society and literature.
  • The long-term impact of moral instruction from the Great Awakening can be seen in contemporary American society through the continued emphasis on personal responsibility and social justice. This legacy influences modern literature that often tackles ethical dilemmas and explores complex moral issues. Additionally, the individualistic approach to spirituality initiated during this period has led to diverse expressions of faith in America today, where personal beliefs frequently intersect with broader societal values and movements.

Related terms

Great Awakening: A religious revival movement in the 18th century that emphasized individual piety and a personal relationship with God, significantly influencing American religious practices and literature.

Puritanism: A religious reform movement that emerged in the late 16th century, which sought to purify the Church of England and emphasized strict moral conduct and community discipline.

Sermon: A religious discourse or lecture delivered by a clergy member, often aimed at providing moral guidance and reinforcing ethical teachings.