CHARLES G. FINNEY

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

• Born in 1792
• Major leader in the Second Great Awakening
• Known as the "Father of Modern Revivalism"
• Supported women and African Americans in their search for freedom
• President of Oberlin College, which was the first college to regularly admit female and blacks

EDUCATION

• President of Oberlin College
• Smart but never went to college, gave up becoming a lawyer to preach
• Studied to become a licensed minister in the Presbyterian Church

GOALS AND AMBITIONS

• Spreading the word of God throughout the nation by using his personal techniques
• Supported and participated in the abolitionist movement
• Encouraged women's rights and education

SIGNIFICANCE

• Helped spread Christianity
• Encouraged women and blacks to engage in church
• Urged women and blacks to fight for freedom and to receive an education