Final answer:
The 1980s experienced a religious revival in the United States, characterized by the rise of evangelical Christianity and influential televangelists. The Restoration Movement also sought to unify Christian denominations in accordance with early church practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1980s Religious Revival, The 1980s saw a significant religious revival in the United States, often compared to the Second Great Awakening of the 18th and early 19th centuries. This period was marked by a rise in evangelical Christianity and the emergence of charismatic religious leaders who became national celebrities.
These leaders, known as 'televangelists' such as Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, capitalized on the expanding reach of television to attract millions of viewers. Their broadcasts spanned several Christian cable networks, significantly influencing the religious landscape of the time.
This evangelical revival also paralleled a period of social change where displays of wealth were considered indicative of adherence to values like hard work and prudence. However, instances of conspicuous consumption by some televangelists led to investigations into the misuse of donations.
Furthermore, the evangelical movements promoted aspects of Christianity that included the importance of proselytizing, adult baptism, and a faith that was experiential and emotional rather than purely doctrinal.
The Restoration Movement, which sought to return to the fundamentals of early Christianity, also gained momentum during this time. Influential in both the South and the frontier territories, it contributed to the shaping of the Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ denominations that we see today.