Finney

Charles Grandison Finney 

Nolan Mullican

   Summary

  Charles Grandison Finney's early life was spent in rural western New York state. Though having access to school he had little access to religious services or books. Finney went on to study law at the college of Adams where he was saved on a Autumn day in 1821. Finney is widely acclaimed as the most famous revivalist of the Second Great Awakening.

Finney's Ministry 

  Finney did more than lead revivals; he marketed, promoted, and packaged them. Unlike minister of his time, he did not wait for the spirit to deliver at the right moment. He instead told people to take an initiative and act instead of passively wait. Finney introduced many practices including the controversial, "Anxious Bench." The Anxious Bench was a special seat were converters could decide if Christ was calling them.

  Finney was a controversial  minister in the Presbyterian Church. He believed sin was a choice and voluntary which contradicted the Presbyterian Creed. Finney wanted to save every individual's soul, spreading his ministry to women. He wanted to give women a more active role in social reform. Finney encouraged women to engage in prayer meetings and allowed women into church assemblies which were once only allowed men.

Oberlin College

During Finney's time as president of Oberlin College, it became the first to admit both women and African Americans. It became a vital rest point for those who were venturing on the Underground Railroad seeking freedom. He openly harbored the once slaves and preached to lots of them about staying strong and supporting themselves.

Finney's Opposition

  Finney's controversial methods of ministry and his acceptance of virtually all beings was widely criticized. Ministers referred to his renegade method of allowing women to openly speak at prayer meetings as "promiscuous assemblies." Finney's main opponent however was Lyman Beecher. Beecher figured out that Finney planned on bringing his ministry to Connecticut (Beecher's home state) and threatened Finney saying that he would fight him on his entire journey.

Finney's Legacy 

  Though causing much division and a virtual schism in the Presbyterian church, Finney's work to unify all people under Christ is what he is remembered for. He is the father of modern day revivalism and enacted many methods that are still commonly used today. Finney was much ahead of his time and preached equality. He did not care if he upset anyone, his only goal was to unify people under the word of God.