I read William G Mcloughlin's essay "Pietism and the American Character" and I didn t understand anything
I need a brief summary of the main ideas
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "Pietism and the American Character" to get these possible sources:
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Pietism+and+the+American+Character&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
Don't just copy the material. Express the ideas in your own words. Although this will take more time and effort, you will learn more.
I've tried to post another essay by Athena Yang that might be easier to understand, but it's "forbidden." Google her with "piety and the American character". Basically, it's an idea that has it's origins in early American colonies and contends that each person can have a relationship with God and doesn't need the organized church to mitigate. Each person can decide for him/herself when moral questions arise and doesn't need an organized church to tell him or her what to think.
To provide a brief summary of William G. McLoughlin's essay "Pietism and the American Character," it is important to first mention that this essay explores the influence of Pietism on the development of American religious and social ideals.
Pietism is a religious movement that emerged in the seventeenth century in Europe, particularly in Germany. It emphasized individual piety, personal religious experience, and a deep sense of faith. Pietism focused on the idea that individuals should have a personal and emotional connection with God, rather than merely adhering to formal religious practices.
In his essay, McLoughlin argues that Pietism played a significant role in shaping the American character and society. He highlights several key ideas, such as the importance of religious revivalism, the emphasis on individuality, the pursuit of moral excellence, and the dedication to democratic ideals.
One of the main ideas discussed in the essay is the influence of religious revivalism, which was a major component of Pietism. McLoughlin explains how revivalistic movements, such as the Great Awakening in the 18th century, led to increased religious fervor and brought about significant social and cultural changes in America. These revivals emphasized the individual's personal relationship with God and fostered a sense of moral duty and responsibility.
Another idea explored in the essay is the impact of Pietism on American individualism. McLoughlin argues that Pietism encouraged individuals to seek direct religious experiences, helping to shape a society where personal spirituality and religious beliefs held great significance. This individualistic outlook resulted in a democratic culture that valued personal liberty, self-reliance, and the pursuit of individual dreams.
Furthermore, the essay discusses how Pietism influenced the American commitment to moral excellence. McLoughlin explains that Pietistic values, emphasizing personal righteousness and ethical behavior, contributed to the development of a moralistic society where religious faith played a vital role in shaping social norms and guiding individuals' actions.
Overall, McLoughlin's essay explores the impact of Pietism on the formation of the American character, highlighting the influence of religious revivalism, individualism, moral excellence, and democratic ideals. It underscores the significance of understanding the historical roots of these ideas in order to comprehend the foundations of American society and culture.