What did the Great Awakening encourage regarding religion?

The Great Awakening was a significant religious revival movement in the American colonies during the 18th century, which emphasized a more personal and emotional connection to faith. It encouraged individuals to experience religion on a personal level rather than through the formal structures and doctrines of established churches. This movement highlighted emotional preaching, where ministers would express fervor and passion in their sermons, making religion more accessible and relatable to the common person. The focus was on personal conversion and a direct relationship with God, rather than mere participation in formal rituals or adherence to strict traditions. This emphasis on individual experience over institutional authority was a hallmark of the Great Awakening, leading to significant changes in religious practices and the rise of diverse expressions of Christianity in America.