David Robertson, in his article about the so called “Quiet Revival”, includes as a marker of true revival, moral and social reformation. This is one reason for his insistence that what we are currently seeing is not a revival.
Now it is worth noting three things. Firsy, that David also argues that this particular phenomenon is only a few years old. So, surely it is too early to tell.
Secondly, there isn’t yet any substantial analysis or discussion concerning potential social and moral change. This also means that we are not yet clear on what the term means. I suspect it will be affected and judged on the specific moral and social values we prioritise. This will differ between Christians with some emphasising social conditions, workers’ rights and care for the poor , others focusing on attitudes to racism or the environment and many sexual ethics and gender issues.
Thirdly, if Robertson is talking about transformation in wider society then he needs to remember that we are starting from a different base point. When we talk about moral and social transformation, we tend to think of the Evangelical Awakening of the 18th Century. However, that awakening happened in the context of an already much more Christianized culture.
Now, as I said, there hasn’t yet been any analysis or discussion of social/moral impact. However, if there were to be, then I hope it would cover all of the factors I describe above. In that light, it is worth reflecting that on some of those issues, just as in the 18th century, Christians have had a substantial influence for good in wider society. Areas included are:
- Concern for those experiencing poverty and debt (CAP, foodbanks, pantries etc).
- Fostering, adoption and support for disadvantaged families (Home for Good, Safer Families, TLG).
- Care for asylum seekers (Sanctuary Foundation, Welcome Churches).
There are numerous examples of Christians having an influence and impact on wider society around them whether local or national
My own experience has been that when a local church gets its focus on the Gospel right and where there is growth then this leads to local impact on those very issues..
Faithroots 