Church History – Revivals Across the World

The presentation is divided into three (3) sections:

• Divisions & Reformations – The divisions in the Catholic Church caused by doctrinal controversies and the reformations.
  • The Anglican Church
  • Puritan Reformation (a movement to reform the Anglican Church)
  • Protestant Reformation
  • Counter-Reformation (the Catholic Church’s response to the Reformation movement)
• Reformation Controversies
  • Eucharist Controversy
  • Lutheran-Calvinist Controversy
  • Antinomian Controversy
• 8 Revivals (Selected)
  • The Moravian Revival (1727)
  • The 1^st Great Awakening (1727-50)
  • The 2^nd Great Awakening (1790-1840)
  • Layman’s Prayer Revival (1857-61)
  • The Welsh Revival (1904-05)
  • Azusa Street Revival (1906-09)
  • Benin City Revival (1950s – 1960s)

Although the History of Christianity is tied to the Catholic Church and most (if not all) denominations have their roots in the Catholic Church, the view of the Reformers still holds true today. In fundamental ways, the Roman Catholic Church needs reformation.

The Catholic Church doesn’t teach the gospel clearly and still elevates the law to level that undermines and contradicts the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

The Anglican Church is also known as the Church of England.

Origins

The Anglican Church traces its roots to the English Reformation. King Henry VIII desired to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon from the Catholic Church. When his request was denied, he declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England in 1534.

Protestant & Catholic Influences

Throughout its history, the Anglican Church has experienced tension between Protestant (King Edward VI 1547-53) and Catholic (Queen Mary 1553-58) influences.

Under Mary, the Church reverted to Catholic practices.

Elizabethan Settlement

Under Elizabeth I, Protestant elements were reintroduced, but Catholic-like rituals and structures were retained.

The reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) was crucial in establishing the Anglican Church. Elizabeth sought to find a middle ground between Catholic and Protestant practices.

Expansion & Colonization

The Anglican Church played a vital role in England’s colonial expansion. It was the established church in English colonies.

Anglican missionaries spread the faith to various parts of the world (North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia).

Origins

Puritanism originated as a reform movement within the Anglican Church. The movement sought to “purify” the church from what was considered remnants of Roman Catholic practices.

Beliefs & Practices

Puritans emphasized strict adherence to the Bible and focused on personal piety and moral purity. Thus, they rejected rituals and ceremonies desiring simpler forms of worship. They emphasized predestination.

Persecution & Migration

Conflicts with the Anglican establishment and the Crown soon resulted in persecution of the Puritans.

Some Puritans decided to emigrate to the American colonies (e.g., Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay) for religious freedom.

They insisted on religious conformity within the colonies.

Influence & Impact

Puritan beliefs significantly impacted the development of early American society. They established Christian communities with theocratic government (religious leaders held significant power).

Their influence can be seen in the legal systems.

This is a broad summary. The Protestant Reformation was complex and multifaceted with many branches, leaders, and regional variations.

Ninety-Five Theses

The Reformation movement is traced back to October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in Wittenburg.

His theses criticized the practices of the Catholic Church (especially the sale of indulgences).

Spread & Conflicts

Protestant Ideas spread rapidly throughout Europe and was supported by rulers, nobles, and intellectuals who saw an opportunity to challenge the authority of the Catholic Church.

Thus, the Reformation led to conflicts and wars (Peasants’ War in Germany).

Doctrinal Disputes

With the invention of printing press, Luther’s ideas spread far and wide leading to intense doctrinal disputes. Other reformers (Calvin in Switzerland and Zwingli in Zurich) contributed to Protestant theology, emphasizing:

• The authority of Scripture
• Justification by faith alone
• The priesthood of all believers

Influence & Impact

The Reformation had a profound impact on European society and culture. It challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, contributed to the development of vernacular, and influenced education.

• Luther’s study of Scripture paved the way for a fresh understanding of how the Bible ought to be interpreted. He advocated private interpretation of Scripture.
  • Luther believed that while no one had the right to distort Scripture, the Scripture must be open for private interpretation. With the privilege of private interpretation comes the responsibility of accurate interpretation.

• 1545 – 1563 AD – Council of Trent. The Catholic Church initiated its own reforms in response to the Reformation. It aimed to address the criticism raised by the Reformation movement.
  • “Furthermore, in order to restrain petulant spirits, it (Trent) decrees, that no one, relying on his own skill, shall – in all matters of faith, and of morals pertaining to the edification of Christian doctrine – wresting the sacred Scripture to his own senses, presume to interpret the said sacred Scripture contrary to that sense which Holy mother Church – whose it is to judge of the true sense and interpretation of the holy Scriptures – hath held and doth hold…”
  • Jesuits – A religious order established by the council to promote Catholicism and combat Protestantism.
• The driving force (the heart) of the Reformation was the authority of the Bible over the Church (the crisis of authority in the Church).

Eucharist Controversy

The Eucharistic Controversy refers to the dispute regarding the nature of the Eucharist (the Holy Communion). As a consequence of the controversy between the leaders of the movement (Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin), the Protestant Reformation developed into two competing camps with different confessions:

• The Lutherans
• The Reformed

Martin Luther believed that denying the existence of Christ in the Eucharist was to deny the incarnation of Christ.

Although the Reformers jointly disagreed in the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation (the belief that though retaining its appearance, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ), they couldn’t agree on the subject.

• M. Luther – Proposed consubstantiation (the doctrine that Christ’s body and blood coexisted with the bread and wine).
• U. Zwingli – Emphasized that the elements were mere symbolic representations of Christ of Christ’s body and blood, and their substance didn’t change.
• J. Calvin – Held the same view as Zwingli.

Lutheran-Calvinist Controversy

The controversy between the Lutherans and Calvinism was around theological differences and interpretations of key doctrines.

Lutheranism

Lutherans hold the following views:

• Consubstantiation – A doctrine which teaches that the body and blood of Christ are truly present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine.
• Election by grace – Lutherans teach a form of predestination called “election by grace through faith,” emphasizing that God’s choice is based on His grace and the individual’s response of faith.
• Universal and unlimited atonement – Lutherans generally hold to the belief in universal or unlimited atonement, teaching that Christ’s sacrifice was for all people and that salvation is offered to all.
• Hierarchical structure like that of the Catholic Church – Lutherans tend to retain more hierarchical structures, with bishops or regional church authorities.

Calvinism

Along with the belief that the Eucharist elements are symbolic, Calvinists hold the following views (5 Points of Calvinism—TULIP):

• T — Total Depravity – This doctrine asserts that as a result of the Fall, humanity is spiritually dead and completely unable to save itself or contribute to its own salvation. It emphasizes the radical corruption of human nature and the need for divine intervention for salvation.
• U — Unconditional Election – God’s choice to save is based on His sovereign will alone and not merit. It teaches that before the foundation of the world, God predestined certain individuals to receive salvation, apart from any human effort or choice.
• L — Limited Atonement – Christ’s sacrifice was for the atonement for the elect alone. It asserts that Christ’s atonement is effective and definite for those whom God has chosen, ensuring their redemption.
• I — Irresistible Grace – When extended, God’s grace cannot be rejected. It asserts that those whom God has chosen for salvation will respond to His grace and be drawn to faith in Christ.
• P — Perseverance of Saints – Those who are truly saved (the elect) will persevere till the end. It asserts that God, through His preserving grace, will enable believers to continue in faith and ensure their final salvation.

These five points form the core of Calvinistic theology and represent key aspects of the broader Reformed tradition.

However, it’s important to note that these points have been the subject of theological debate and interpretation within Christianity, and not all Christians hold to the doctrines of Calvinism.

Antinomian Controversy

Anne Hutchinson (1591-1643) was a prominent figure in American colonial history known for her religious beliefs and challenges to the established Puritan order. She was a Puritan dissenter who promoted the idea of direct personal revelation from God, which put her at odds with the religious authorities of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Hutchinson’s outspokenness and growing influence led to her banishment from the colony in 1638.

Hutchinson believed that there was no place for laws since the 10 commandments had become obsolete. She held beliefs which were controversial:

• Covenant of Grace – Salvation is by grace alone, not works or adherence to religious laws.
• Antinomianism – (Greek anti, “against”; nomos, “law”). The belief that individuals, saved by grace, are free from moral law and couldn’t be judged by their actions.
• Predestination & Assurance – God has already determined those who would be saved, and they could know through direct revelation.
• Role of Women – Asserting that women could have religious leadership and interpretation.

Christian revivals can be described as a ripple effect; in one way or form, the previous revival is connected to the next.

“May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.”

—MORAVIANS

This became the rallying cry of Moravian Missions.

Time & Place

Count N. Zinzendorf provided refuge to persecuted Moravian Christians.

The Moravian revival (awakening) took place in the 18^th century among the Moravian Protestant community, primarily centered in the town of Herrnhut, Germany.

Spread & Conflicts

The revival emphasized personal faith, spiritual renewal, and Christian unity. It began with a group of Moravian refugees who experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, leading to an emphasis on fervent prayer, community, and missions.

Impact

Many in the community were converted with transformative spiritual encounters.

Moravian missionaries established a pattern of self-sacrifice and evangelistic zeal, spreading the Christian message to various parts of the world. J. Wesley’s salvation was influenced by the Moravians.

Historical Significance

The Moravian revival is considered significant in Church History because it highlighted the importance of personal piety, ignited a passion for missions, and fostered a spirit of unity among Christians across denominational boundaries.

The Moravians are recognized for their sacrificial commitment to evangelism.

This is a broad summary. The Protestant Reformation was complex and multifaceted with many branches, leaders, and regional variations.

Background

As a response to the growing secularization and religious complacency, the 1^st Great Awakening occurred.

It was influenced by the decline of traditional religious institutions and the desire for a more personal and emotional religious experience.

Preaching & Conversion

It was characterized by passionate preaching aimed at awakening people to their need for salvation. Whitefield and Edwards were key figures in the awakening. The sermons led to emotional conversions, experience of profound guilt, and redemption through faith in Christ.

Revival & Unity

The revival sparked the organization of large-scale meetings which brought numerous people together (fostering unity and breaking denominational divisions). Outdoor meetings, characterized by emotional worship, fervent preaching, and testimonies became the hallmark of the 1^st Great Awakening.

Societal Impact

The revival bridged divisions between social classes, genders, and races as people from diverse background came together in worship.

The revival challenged established religious authorities and led to the establishment of new denominations (Methodist and Baptists).

The 2^nd Great Awakening is also referred to as the General Awakening. It took place largely in the western part of the United States (western New York, Kentucky, Appalachia); places that didn’t have a strong established church religion like in places such as Massachusetts.

There were two prominent preachers of the 2^nd Great Awakening: Finney and Beecher. Unfortunately, they didn’t see eye-to-eye because of different beliefs.

• Charles Grandison Finney – Approved of women preachers, something unpopular during his time.
• Lyman Beecher – (father of Harriet Beecher Stowe writer of Uncle Tom’s Cabin) Disapproved of women preachers. He wanted people to be more emotional about religion.

Popular features (unique and new theology) of the 2^nd Great Awakening:

• There were huge ecstatic camp meetings held by itinerant preachers (circuit riders—a preacher who rides around because he doesn’t have an established congregation)
• Millenarism – Trying to create heaven on earth; trying to bring about the rapture and the return and reign of Christ.
• Emotional response by individuals during the meetings (people who were “so overcome” the religious spirit). This was something that drew people’s attention.

Overview

The 2^nd Awakening was a significant religious and social movement in the US. It was characterized by widespread religious revival. It was marked by renewed emphasis on personal salvation and belief in the power of individual conversion.

Denominational Growth

The Awakening led to rapid growth of various Protestant denominations (Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians).

Other movements and sects emerged from the awakening: Mormons and Adventists.

Impact – Social Reforms

There was a profound impact on American society as many revivalist believed individuals had a moral duty to improve society. Consequently, efforts were made to address issues such as the prohibition of alcohol, women’s rights, prison reforms, and abolition of slavery.

Influence – Education & Culture

Numerous educational institutions were established in this period and missionary societies were formed.

The 2^nd Awakening had a lasting impact and contributed to the growth of evangelical Protestantism.

The Layman’s Prayer Revival is also known as the Prayer Revival of 1857. It demonstrated the power of prayer.

Origins

The revival was initiated by a businessman named Jeremiah Lanphier. He started a weekly prayer meeting in the upper room of the Dutch Reformed Church. From low attendance, the meetings grew and gained momentum till it spread to cities of the US.

Spread & Conflicts

One of the distinctive features of the revival is that it emphasized on laypeople taking leadership roles in the prayer meetings. This became a challenge to the traditional hierarchy of clergy-led religious activities. Believers were empowered to actively take part the revival.

Growth & Impact

The revival rapidly spread across major cities in the United States (Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago). Thousands attended the meetings and the movement crossed boundaries of denomination; Christians united.

Societal Impact

The Prayer Revival had a lasting influence and a profound impact on society. It led to social reforms (efforts to combat slavery) as people sought to live out their faith. It paved the way for other movements: Holiness Movement and the Azusa Street Revival.

Overview

The Welsh Revival was a religious revival that took place in Wales. It was marked by a significant increase in religious fervour and a widespread spiritual awakening among the Welsh population.

Revival Emphasis

The revival was largely influenced by the ministry of Evan Roberts. Roberts emphasized the need for personal repentance, prayer, and a deepening of one’s relationship with God. His preaching style attracted thousands of people to the revival meetings.

Growth & Impact

The revival had a far-reaching impact. It led to a significant increase in church attendance. The movement also sparked a wave of social and moral reforms, including a decrease in crime rates, a decline in alcohol consumption, and a renewed emphasis on family values and community welfare.

Influence of the Revival

Through the reports of the revival, the spiritual awakening spread throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and even to other parts of the world. It inspired similar revivals in other countries and had a lasting impact on the global Christian community, shaping the course of 20^th century Christianity.

Overview

The Azusa Street Revival was a significant Pentecostal revival that took place in Los Angeles, California. It is considered a pivotal event in the history of the Pentecostal movement and the spread of charismatic Christianity worldwide.

Revival Emphasis

The baptism of believers in the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues was emphasized. Meetings were characterized by enthusiastic worship, spontaneous manifestations of spiritual gifts, and racial unity and equality among participants.

Growth & Impact

The Revival attracted a diverse group of people, including both blacks and whites and individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Its influence extended beyond the local community, drawing visitors and participants from across the United States and even from other countries.

Influence of the Revival

The revival birthed numerous Pentecostal denominations and influenced the development of modern-day charismatic Christianity, with its effects felt globally. The revival also emphasized belief in spiritual gifts such as healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues.

Overview

Born in 1938, Idahosa became a prominent Nigerian preacher and evangelist, known for his dynamic preaching style and his emphasis on miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit. He founded the Church of God Mission International.

Origins

During the 1970s and 1980s, Benin City was facing various challenges, including poverty, crime, and spiritual darkness. Idahosa believed that the city needed a spiritual revival to bring about transformation and change. Thus, he embarked on a mission to turn the city to God.

Growth & Impact

The impact of Idahosa’s revival efforts was profound. Many people in Benin City turned to Christianity and experienced personal transformation. The city began to see positive changes as the Gospel message spread and individuals were empowered to live godly lives.

Influence of the Revival

Idahosa’s ministry extended beyond spirituality. He established various initiatives to address the needs of the community, including schools, hospitals, and vocational training centers. These institutions contributed to the overall development of Benin City.

The Brownsville Revival is also known as the Pensacola Outpouring.

Overview

The Brownsville Revival was a charismatic Christian revival that occurred at the Brownsville Assembly of God church in Pensacola, Florida. It gained widespread attention and attracted thousands of people from around the world.

Characteristics

The revival was characterized by passionate worship, fervent prayer, and emotional preaching aimed at repentance and personal transformation. The focus was on experiencing a deep encounter with God and seeking spiritual renewal and revival in the church.

Growth & Impact

The revival was led by J. Kilpatrick and S. Hill. Hill’s dynamic preaching, especially on the topics of sin, salvation, and the need for personal holiness, played a significant role in the revival’s impact. Many attendees reported experiencing profound spiritual encounters, including dramatic healings, deliverance from addictions, and renewed faith.

Influence of the Revival

The revival had a lasting impact on the participants and the broader Christian community. It inspired similar revivals and renewal movements in other churches and regions, both in the United States and internationally.