For those of us who grew up in Southern Baptist or other evangelical circles, “revival” is a well-known phenomenon, especially for those older than I am. Some remember “big tent revivals.” Others remember special guest weekend preachers at their churches, which is when the children of the church may wonder why the adults are getting all excited about having to listen to more sermons than usual. Still others of us remember altar calls at Christian concerts, where we’re asked to come down to the stage if the Holy Spirit (aided by slow music and serotonin) has moved us. All of these have one goal: getting people to profess faith in Christ.
I myself am a product of such things. It was at an Al Denson concert at the age of 12 when I made that personal decision. There are many people who can point to a similar experience as the start of their Christian walk.
But despite all of that, the age of revivals and crusades also ended up producing a version of Christianity so shallow and devoid of content that it is now imploding and living in contrast to the life and teachings of the very man it claims as the way of salvation.
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