Charles Grandison Finney (1792–1875) was a prominent American preacher and revivalist during the Second Great Awakening. Known for his passionate and theatrical preaching style, Finney emphasized personal conversion, free will, and moral reform. He rejected traditional Calvinist doctrine, promoting instead the idea that individuals could choose salvation. Finney’s revivals, especially in upstate New York, sparked widespread religious enthusiasm. He also championed social causes like abolitionism and women’s rights. As a professor and later president of Oberlin College, he helped shape evangelical thought and activism, leaving a lasting impact on American religion and reform movements in the 19th century.