Modern Christian Revivals

Book excerpt: Beginning with the Great Awakening in the American colonies and continuing through contemporary Latin America, where revolution and revivalism have been central to sociopolitical change, Modern Christian Revivals demonstrates the enduring relevance of Christian revivalism. Half of the contributors focus on the United States, from Puritan New England through the Old South to Billy Graham and Pat Robertson; the others discuss revivalism in England, Norway, China, and Canada, chronicling influential as well as less frequently studied movements. This volume explores long-held assumptions about revivalism and illustrates its central role in the Christian tradition.