The History of Revivals
In Christianity, a revival is an increased amount of interest in spiritual matters, over a specific time frame. A revival is generally characterized by a greater closeness to God in the church, and may be accompanied by mass conversions and an atmosphere of cultural morality. The most famous revivals are the three Great Awakenings in America, though there have been others, as well.
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First Great Awakening
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The First Great Awakening in America was spearheaded by George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards, in the 1730s and 1740s. This was a period of increased evangelicalism, and a shift from intellectual and deeply theological sermons to a more emotional style. The Awakening was ecumenical, spreading among Anglicans, Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists.
Le Réveil
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The movement known as Le Réveil began in Geneva, Switzerland and Montauban, France in the first half of the 19th century. It expanded through Germany and the Netherlands, and had a considerable political influence. Leaders of the movement included Robert Haldane, Merle D'Aubigne, César Malan and Willem Bilderdijk.
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Second Great Awakening
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Toward the middle of the 19th century the Second Great Awakening spread throughout New England and the Appalachian regions of America. Notable preachers from the period include Charles Finney, Barton Stone, Lyman Beecher and Peter Cartwright.
Third Great Awakening
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The Third Great Awakening took place toward the latter part of the 1800s, led in part by Dwight L. Moody and influenced by the hymns of Ira Sankey. It was characterized by the Social Gospel, which included efforts to prohibit the consumption of alcohol, as well as emphasis on Christ's return.
Welsh Revival
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This revival in Wales, between 1904 and 1905, though short-lived, produced over 100,000 converts, largely as a result of the efforts of minister Evan Roberts. Though past revivals largely were spread by preaching, this was characterized by music and spiritual experience.
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References
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