>> we had the second awakening. where the first. could you give background of george whitfield, then frankly and confluence of religious freedom and political freedom coming from that time? >> the question was about the first awakening in the 1740s,

and there's a really strong argument that was like the first big religious revival, that had a very important impact on the american revolution. there were various scholars whoy that was when americans were taught how to rebel against powerful institutions. in that case the church of england. there was this amazing moment i think proves that point where benedict arnold is asked by george washington compasses window still on good terms, to go up to canada and lead the charge, not to invade canada but to get canada to support us. there's also a back story, which is one of the things that washington did so important is he got the continental army to stop making fun of catholics. washington said we're trying to get the support of france and

canada and they are catholic. we should stop burning effigies of the pope now. he sent benedict arnold off on a mission to try to woo the catholics in québec. benedict arnold decides to stop off at the grave of george whitfield, the minister who led the great revival of the 1740s. they exhumed the poor guy, opened his casket and cut off a piece of his clothing as a keepsake to take with them on the trip to canada because he was a revolutionary and effect. he was a fighter for freedom. we tend to learn of them as a religious figure but he has really revolutionary impact. so he in effect at lead, a kind of proves that point back, that there's often been this case where in american history religious revivals have actually led to more political freedom.

that may seem odd in the modern context but throughout american history religious states have led to more religious than. >> maybe that's what were going to have now. steve, thank you so much. your terrific. thank you all for coming. [applause] copies of "sacred liberty" are available at the checkout desk. steve will be appear up your cy to sign. our staff would appreciate it if you would fold up your chairs and link them against something solid. >> booktv continues now on c-span2, television for serious readers. [inaudible conversations] >> hello and welcome