The history of the world records an interesting phenomenon that I would label “major movements of thoughts and ideas.”
It looks like this: “Life becomes rather static until a wave of change or thinking breaks through the status quo.” It seems that every culture and time period has these breakthroughs.
A better term, however, is “movement.” It captures the idea of motion and direction. Some might be familiar with these: Humanism — Petrarch (1304–1374). Focus on human dignity, classical learning. Rationalism — René Descartes, “I think, therefore I am.” Existentialism – Søren Kierkegaard (Christian). Later Friedrich Nietzsche (atheistic): Meaning, freedom, authenticity.
The history of Christianity can also be accurately described as a “movement.” Starting with Jesus Christ, and later the Apostle Paul, the message of the resurrection spread throughout the known world.
Christian movements continued. Protestant Reformation — Martin Luther (1517). Sparked by the 95 Theses, the emphasis was on justification by faith. First Great Awakening — Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, John Wesley (1730s–40s). Preaching revival in England and America. Second Great Awakening — Charles Finney (early 1800s). Revivals, altar calls, social reform.
You may notice that every great movement started with a person — sometimes a great, innovative thinker, sometimes persecuted, sometimes martyred. We may be witnessing the beginning of another “movement of God” in our world today.
With the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, even the skeptic will admit “there’s something stirring faith in America and around the world.” Churches are full, young men and women are more engaged in Christianity, and there is a palpable sense of movement toward God.
Whenever God moved, the results were revived hearts, renewed churches, multiplied missions, and cultural reform — though some movements also brought division or other struggles.
So, where are you? Watching history or being part of it?
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