Who was Charles Finney?

Charles Finney was a prominent minister associated with the Second Great Awakening, a significant religious revival movement in the early to mid-19th century in America. He is best known for his impactful and emotionally charged sermons that emphasized personal conversion, social reform, and the possibility of achieving moral perfection. Finney's approach to preaching included innovative techniques, such as the "anxious bench," where individuals could come and seek salvation in a more public and supportive environment.

His influence extended beyond the church; he also advocated for social issues such as abolition and women's rights, recognizing the inherent link between religious revivalism and social justice movements. Finney's contributions significantly shaped the religious landscape of America during this period, making him a key figure in both the Second Great Awakening and the broader context of American reform movements.