The Catechism of Revivalism and Its Lasting Effects + Central Park + Why It's Good to be a Protestant
Article originally posted in 2004.
Note: Found this little Britoism from 22 years ago. A lot has changed, but I still feel the same.
It is generally agreed among scholars that Charles Finney brought the definitive catechism of revivalism into American culture. Its effects are lasting and still endure in evangelicalism. Not only was there a denial of the monergistic work of the Spirit, but also an emphasis upon the sinner to ask, cry, repent, receive, walk down the aisle, raise his hand, pray a prayer, and follow all the meticulous and intricate steps to finally arrive at a place where one can feel secure in salvation. Of course, after this series of sentimental experiences often comes the guilt years, which tend to arise during the teenage years for those who grow up in a typical evangelical home.
The Confusion of Gospel and Method
It may seem odd to think that such a series of decisions would be equivalent to the gospel. The reality is that this list of necessary occurrences for experiencing true salvation is foreign to the biblical text. It belittles the message of the cross and further enhances confusion in the already troubled evangelical mind.
There is no denial that revivals have brought about genuine conversions, but I do deny that they have been beneficial to the body as a whole. A multitude of souls is even too expensive a price in light of faithfulness to the truth.
Revivals can have their place, even an important one, much like emergency measures that can save a life in a moment of crisis. But they are not the ordinary means God has appointed to sustain and grow the life of His Church. They may awaken, but they do not ordinarily nourish. The regular health of the Christian life comes not through spiritual emergencies, but through the steady, appointed means of grace.
It is health we need. We have plenty of remedies, just not the right ones. As Steve Schlissel once put it, “There is too much evangelism today, just not the right kind.”
From Self-Reliance to Gospel Rest
For the gospel of grace to be preached effectively, we need to destroy the concept of self-reliance and resurrect the concept of dependence. It is God alone who brings about revivals, that is, a revival of the heart. Souls must be resurrected from their spiritual death. The author of resurrection is like the wind, and you cannot summon the wind to meet you on a cold evening at a tent revival.
The shocking consequences of this mentality have led some to atheism or to a modern form of Pelagianism. If we seek to be conformed to the standards of modern evangelicalism, we lose our biblical identity. But if we seek to apply gospel truth to our everyday lives, then we destroy our fleshly instincts. This is precisely what we are called to do: to lose our lives in order that we may walk according to the Spirit. The Christian may find rest in the gospel even now.
The calamity that has befallen the church is a direct result of a foundational misunderstanding of the good news: you can never get over it. You need it every day and every hour. If you want assurance of your faith, then trust in the gospel again and again. Taste the goodness of the vine at the table of our Lord. Abandon the hypocrisy of weekly re-commitments and embrace Christ once and for all
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Nuntium
My energy is fairly limited as I prepare to head out to JFK back to Pensacola. We made it early to the airport after a fruitful 36 hours in New York City. A couple of quick pictures from my long walk in Central Park with a dear friend.
Notations
