Pentecost 1905 - 100 years later

Its Pentecost 2005. 100 years ago, a revival broke out in Mülheim, Germany (near the place I grew up) which led to one of the streams of German pentecostalism. Just reading a historical report, going back to my own roots, because I grew up in this movement. What a difference between "then" and "today" revival expectation! Then, people looked for forgiveness and cleansing, willing to repent and give up their "old life". Today, we look for signs and miracles. Then, harsh words against sin - Old Adam (and Eve) needs to die. Today, Old Adam needs to be healed. Then: brokenness; today, fixing. Then, separation from the world; today, transformation (or the expectation thereof). Then, bowing down; today, rising up. Then, confrontation; today, political correctness. I know these are unreflected thoughts; but the difference is appaling. I know we can never get back to these pre-WW1-times. I do not want to. But I seriously wonder what we mean when we pray for "revival" in postmodern Western Europe. Whether we are willing to pay the price - any price? Interesting: the common factors and the differences between the revivals in Wales and in Mülheim - celtic and germanic backgrounds. There are also common factors: unity: "no matter what denomination"; joy; worship; prayer life and prayer meetings (btw: go to 24-7 prayer and join the worldwide day of prayer). And: revival is not everything. It is not a goal but a step further. History shows: if revival is not followed by planting of new churches and a new, conscious engagement in society, the fire burns out quickly and often leaves behind areas and people who are resistant to the gospel for a long time.

Comments

[A]

Reinhold,
It was interesting to me to read your thoughts about this. My entire family for four generations now (until me, and a few others who have left the tradition) have been Pentecostals. I had a set of great-grandparents who were at the famous Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles. In fact, they converted from Mormonism there during that revival, and thus began the legacy of Pentecostalism in our family. I'm not sure what these days to take or leave from my heritage. For better or worse, depending on your point of view I suppose, I think I've left most of it, but nonetheless much of the "Pentecostal fire" will always be in my "bones," and in my approach to my pursuit of God. To paraphrase a saying here in the US, "You can take the boy out of Pentecost, but you can't take Pentecost out of the boy." Thanks for these musings. Peace

[Dominik Reinmund]

You can find a more detailed background scoop on "Germany's Uneasiness with the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement" here. Dominik.