ffected. Congregationalism was losing its integrity and becoming more like the world. Religion was institutional rather than personal and Calvinism which was the dominant theology; was losing its monopoly as the dominant theological thought of the century.
             The controversy that arose over Arminianism thought on salvation and predestination was an event that brought division amongst the theological leaders of the Puritan colonies. In the seventeenth century the Puritans had argued that Arminianism distorted the gospel and would lead to a superficial standard of Christianity. However, this theology of salvation that God loved all men equally began to reemerge in the eighteenth century and became cause for concern among the believers of Calvinism. Strict adhering to Calvinism was no longer accepted. Arminianism was accepted by Harvard graduates who were willing to change their traditional theological beliefs. Jonathan Edwards' contribution to the Great Awakening began as he made an attempt from his pulpit to counteract the influences of Arminianiasm on the Puritan colonies that were Calvinistic in beliefs and practice.
             Another aspect that led to the decline of the church was the division within the clergy and a shortage of leaders within the church. The authority of ministers was questioned and more and more complaints were made against leaders. Church government was experiencing changes. Originally the local churches possessed the freedom and independence to make decisions in church meeting. The ministers were regarded highly and their authority and style of leadership was never questioned. However, with the dawning of a new era ministers were forced to emphasize their role as leaders.
             This was interpreted by some as authoritarian. Members of the congregation who were not converted viewed the pastors' authority in a different light. Therefore, instead of shared vision of pastor and people there arose differ...