Western New York state in the early nineteenth century is a unique region that gave birth not only to the Second Great Awakening, but also to a variety of Christian cults. It teaches us some valuable lessons for life and faith.
The Awakening
Religious life in America has always had its ups and downs because people are easily swayed by their culture. During the First Great Awakening in the 1730’s and 1740’s, preachers like Jonathan Edwards called the people back to a life that honors God. A generation later needed its own awakening, and a Second Great Awakening took place in the early 1800’s. The hotbed for the second movement was western New York state, an area that preacher Charles Finney called the “Burnt District” because “the area had been so heavily evangelized as to have no “fuel” (unconverted population) left over to “burn” (convert).” (See article.)
The Cults
Looking closer at the history gives us insight into religious movements, both good and bad. Both awakenings had positive impacts on American culture, and many individuals and families came to faith in Christ. But the religious fervor of those early movements also provided the conditions for a handful of American cults that sprang up in the “Burnt District” of western New York state during the time of the Second Great Awakening:
The Lesson
The surprising history of the Burnt District and the Second Great Awakening teaches us that even great movements of God can be manipulated by Satan. In every generation we must stay anchored to the timeless truths of the Bible, always on guard against false teachers.
2 Timothy 4:3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
