The Fourth Great Awakening has occurred recently and had an immense impact on American society; its grounds are crises of the 20th century and rising Native American religious consolidation.
Great Awakenings is a series of episodes in the United States history that led to the abrupt rise of religious feelings among the population. Awakenings are different from revivals that are organized by protestants, as they concern the matters of cultural rebirths (McLoughlin xiii). The three Awakenings preceding the 20th century have served as the constitutes of Early American identity formation. The Fourth Awakening is a controversial issue for scholars; it was marked by increasing believers after World War II and Vietnam War, as well as the recent Native Indian confederation.
The new wave of Awakening in the US occurred in the post-war period. People started to criticize Liberalism and participate in the organization like Youth for Christ after World War II (McLoughlin 187). Beat generation of poets were interested in Oriental religions and philosophies, introducing the new cultural element to American society (McLoughlin 202). Vietnam War, as a disastrous episode in the history of the US, produced numerous protests that were connected to religious prominence (McLoughlin 202). The events led to the synthesis of the traditional beliefs with imported cultures, being fixed in the minds of the generation that lived at the end of the 20th century.
Recently, the Indian Americans started practicing their native religion publicly. The Indian Americans regained the freedom of worship and now can exercise Peyote ceremonies (Barry-Bratcher). The Native American Church united various tribes and nations, obtaining numerous adherents (Barry-Bratcher). The cultural identity of the American Indians is in the process of restoration while their religion consolidated them, awakened the spirit of traditions of the yore.
The modern century culture of the United States is formed by the occurred Forth Awakening; meanwhile, the American Indians are currently entering the early stage of the similar movement.
Works Cited
Barry-Bratcher, Siobhán. “The Native American Church: Ancient Tradition and Modern Controversy.”Medium, Medium, 2019, Web.
McLoughlin, W. G. Revivals, Awakenings, and Reform (Chicago History of American Religion). Edited by M E Marty, Paperback edition, The University of Chicago Press, 1980.