Global revivals: a comparison of Jonathan Edwards theology of revivals and that of Ogbu Kalu and their contribution to revivals in the contemporary African Church

Abstract

The study of World Christianity has taken varying approaches within diverse periods. The undeniable fact is that there is probably not a single approach to the study of World Christianity that can be singled out as the sole universal one for all times. We live in a dynamic society, and many factors influence Christianity as a discipline. While it is necessary to appreciate the various models of studying world Christianity that has been in place in the past, it is equally important to note the irresistible need to employ new and relevant approaches to this study. One of these approaches is that of looking at global revivals (Burns, 1960).
 In seeking to emphasize the significance of global revivals in the study of World Christianity, Burns observes that:
 In the history of religion, no phenomenon is more apparent than the recurrence of revivals. At certain intervals there sweeps over certain districts a strong urge of repentance. Most dead people in different spiritual realities become intensely awakened to them. They are arrested in the middle of their worldly passions. Large numbers of persons who have been dead or indifferent to spiritual realities then become intensely awakened to them. They are arrested in the midst of their worldly occupations; they are suddenly seized by a terror of wrongdoing, and fear of an impending doom haunts their minds. Flinging all else, they earnestly seek a way of escape and cry out for salvation (Burns, 1960).