What was the Great Awakening at least in part a response to?

A) the growth of rationalism and lack of individual engagement in church services
B) the highly emotional nature of the services of nearly all existing Christian churches
C) the refusal of established churches to levy taxes despite declining funds
D) the focus on the torments of hell in the sermons of establishment preachers
E) the dominance of the New Lights in religious circles for most of colonial history

Rationalism

A philosophical belief that reason is the chief source of knowledge, emphasizing logic and factual analysis.

Great Awakening

A series of religious revivals in the British American colonies during the 18th century, which emphasized personal faith, emotional experience, and the need for revival of religious devotion.

New Lights

A term from the First Great Awakening referring to those who experienced a conversion experience and supported new religious practices, distinguishing them from "Old Lights" who were skeptical of the new revivalist methods.