“CHARLES G. FINNEY: HOW THEOLOGY AFFECTS UNDERSTANDING OF REVIVAL,” by Iain H. Murray, Chapter 2 in PENTECOST – TODAY?: THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR UNDERSTANDING REVIVAL, by Iain H. Murray

A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance

by Steve West

[The full chapter can be read here.]

 

Summary

There is no individual who has had more influence on contemporary views of revival than Charles Finney. Whereas Jonathan Edwards and previous generations believed that only God could send a revival through supernatural power from on high, Finney believed that revival could be generated by human effort and methodologies. Finney was known as a brilliant speaker, and his writings on revival have sold more copies than any other works on the topic. Speaking for many, Billy Graham claimed that Charles Finney was one of the greatest revivalists of history, leading countless thousands to Christ.

Many noted that one of Finney’s strengths was his ability to present strongly reasoned arguments from the pulpit. During his preaching, large numbers of those who were convinced by his messages were educated individuals. Finney’s success came at a time when people were interested in revivals, and Finney was gaining a reputation as a revivalist preacher. He argued that since Christians have the Holy Spirit and can pray, the church can work-up a revival if they really want one. Furthermore, Finney maintained that the church could have seen the conversion of virtually every sinner in the land if this had been their desire and they had simply gone about their duty. . . .

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