What are New and Old lights?

"New Lights" and "Old Lights" refer to factions within the First Great Awakening, a religious revival movement in the 18th century in America. "New Lights" embraced emotional preaching and personal conversion experiences, often supporting revivalist practices. In contrast, "Old Lights" adhered to traditional, rationalist approaches to religion, emphasizing established doctrines and often opposing the enthusiastic methods of the New Lights. This division highlighted broader tensions between modernity and tradition in American religious life.