Evangelical Revolt

Evangelical Revolt

Rhys Isaac discusses how after the Great Awakening colonists struggled for

allegiance between two very different social worlds. Isaac argues that Baptist growth

throughout Virginia was a countercultural movement that was caused by dissatisfaction

with contemporary society, resulting in a revolt against the traditional system. Rhys Isaac

carefully examined the Baptists to find out how they were able to achieve a new social

group. I agree with Issac that the Baptists' growth was a result of a variety of factors

including “the gentry, their values and how they were maintained, and their determination

to plant churches.”(p.165) Isaac’s argument is a logical explanation to the differences and

the social groups created in Virginia. The ability to stay loyal to the Baptist religion was

very difficult considering that it was going against traditional ways. I was very surprised

to hear the story of Brother Waller being lashed for preaching his Baptist beliefs.

This text being the first I had heard