Final answer:
The \"New Side\" of the Presbyterian church split post-Great Awakening was led by evangelical advocates like James Davenport. This schism was emblematic of the broader conflicts within the church, highlighted by the decline in Puritan piety (declension) and the controversial Half-Way Covenant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Presbyterian Church Split
The Great Awakening caused a significant division in the Presbyterian church into two factions: the “New Side” and the “Old Side.” Leaders of the New Side followed the evangelical message and supported the new revival movements, in contrast to the Old Side that resisted these changes. One notable New Light minister who led the New Side after the split was James Davenport. His actions, such as urging followers to burn books and clothes, exemplified the passionate approach of the New Lights towards renouncing the sinful trappings of the world.
This conflict within the church was part of a larger pattern of religious fervor and shift, which included challenges such as the decline in piety and purity among the Puritan community, known as “declension.” In response to this, measures like the Half-Way Covenant were introduced to remedy the falling church membership. However, these measures also created further discord among those seeking a more traditional and orthodox Puritan practice, some of whom eventually joined the Baptists.