Charles Finney

Charles Grandison Finney was an American revivalist preacher, Christian leader, and theologian during the early 19th century. He was a major figure in the Second Great Awakening, a religious revival that swept across the United States and had a profound impact on American religion and culture.

Finney was born in Warren, Connecticut in 1792 and grew up in a deeply religious household. However, he did not have a conversion experience until he was in his twenties, after which he felt called to enter the ministry. He began preaching in western New York and soon gained a reputation as a powerful and persuasive speaker. Finney's revivalist preaching was characterized by his emotional and passionate style, and he became known for his innovative approach to revivalism. He was one of the first preachers to use "altar calls," in which he would invite people to come forward and publicly commit their lives to Jesus. He was also one of the first preachers to use "anxious seats," which were designated seats at the front of the church where people could come forward and receive prayer.

Finney's revivalist preaching had a profound impact on American religion and culture, and he became one of the most influential preachers of his time. He preached in cities across the United States, and his revivalist meetings often attracted large crowds of people. He was a leading advocate of the temperance movement and was a vocal opponent of slavery.