Moved by the Holy Ghost

Religious Revival Circa 1800

It's almost hard to believe that 200 years after the Second Great Awakening, contemporary forms of worship greatly parallel what was once a radical change in the style of worship. Falling, running, jumping, convulsing, barking, speaking in tongues, etc. Common signs of the Holy Spirit in the Second Great Awakening aren't all that different from those today. 

Not to say that this form of worship is mainstream, but it isn't uncommon either. It's a sharp contrast from a Catholic Mass and still much different from most mainstream Protestant denominations. Worshipers are still using some of these practices, though. The very physical and active forms of worship are still being practiced today.

This video segment is from a Pentecostal worship service. I find it interesting to see how the worshipers become moved by the Holy Ghost and begin dancing, throwing their hands in the air, shaking, crying, etc. This style of worship is highly emotional and it shows. 

The fact that these worship styles still exist show the profound effects of the Great Awakening. The revival movements and new denominations founded during the period still exist and have changed the American religious landscape.