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1908-1909 China Revivals

The 1908-1909 China Revivals were a series of impactful spiritual awakenings that swept through various provinces in China, leaving a lasting legacy on the religious landscape of the nation. This period of revivalism was characterized by fervent prayer, public confession of sin, and a renewed commitment to Christian faith. This article delves into the history of these revivals, exploring their antecedents, key figures, unique practices, and lasting impact.

Religious Landscape of Pre-Revival China

To understand the significance of the 1908-1909 China Revivals, it is essential to examine the religious landscape of China before this period. Historically, Chinese religious life was characterized by a syncretic blend of various traditions, including Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism 1.

Confucianism, with its emphasis on social harmony and ethical conduct, played a dominant role in shaping Chinese society and culture 2. While the government of China is officially atheist, it recognizes five official religious bodies: Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam 3.

However, the concept of “religion” as understood in the West was not fully developed in China before the late nineteenth century 4. Traditional Chinese practices often blurred the lines between religion, philosophy, and social customs. The introduction of Christianity by Western missionaries in the nineteenth century presented a new religious paradigm, challenging existing beliefs and practices 2. This encounter between Christianity and traditional Chinese religiosity created a complex and dynamic religious landscape in which the revivals would unfold.

Antecedents of the Revivals

The seeds of the 1908-1909 China Revivals were sown in the preceding years through a confluence of factors. A significant prayer movement emerged in 1900, with many Chinese Christians dedicating themselves to fervent intercession 5.

This growing emphasis on prayer within the Chinese Christian community can be seen as a response to both internal and external challenges. Internally, there was a desire for deeper spiritual experience and a closer relationship with God 6. Externally, Christians faced increasing pressure and persecution from those who viewed Christianity as a foreign threat 7.

Tragically, the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) resulted in the martyrdom of approximately 32,000 Chinese Christians and 188 foreign missionaries 5. This period of intense persecution had a profound impact on the Chinese church.

While it led to suffering and loss, it also strengthened the faith of many believers and fueled their determination to spread the Gospel. The blood of the martyrs became a seed for future growth, inspiring others to embrace Christianity and contributing to the spiritual fervor that would characterize the revivals.

Jonathan Goforth, a Canadian Presbyterian missionary, played a pivotal role in igniting the revivals 5. Arriving in China in 1888, Goforth was deeply moved by the stories of the 1907 revival in Korea. He was inspired by the accounts of fervent prayer, public confession, and spiritual transformation that he heard from Korean Christians 8. This experience ignited a passion within him to see a similar awakening in China. His passionate preaching and emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s work prepared the ground for the outpouring of spiritual renewal that would soon follow.

Major Leaders and Churches Involved

Jonathan Goforth emerged as the central figure of the 1908-1909 China Revivals. His leadership during revival meetings in Manchuria and other provinces sparked a wave of spiritual awakening across the nation 9. His wife, Rosalind (Bell-Smith) Goforth, also played a significant role, supporting her husband’s ministry and contributing to the revival efforts 10.

Goforth’s meetings were often characterized by a powerful sense of God’s presence, leading to conviction of sin, public confession, and a renewed commitment to Christian faith.

While Goforth’s influence was widespread, the revivals were not solely dependent on his leadership. In Shandong, the preacher Ding Limei catalyzed a revival in Weixian, characterized by a quiet and introspective atmosphere 11. This demonstrates that the revivals were not a monolithic movement but rather a diverse expression of spiritual renewal across different regions and denominations.

The revivals involved various Protestant denominations 10. Presbyterian churches played a prominent role due to Goforth’s affiliation with the Canadian Presbyterian Mission 10.

In Nanking, a significant revival meeting took place, involving over 100 missionaries and 1,300 Chinese Christians from various denominations 5. This event highlights the interdenominational nature of the revivals and their ability to unite Christians from different backgrounds in a common spiritual experience.

Furthermore, the revivals extended beyond established churches and mission stations. In Tsingchowfu, the Gotch-Robinson College became a center for revival activity, with students actively participating in the meetings and contributing to the spread of the spiritual awakening 12. This demonstrates the revivals’ ability to penetrate educational institutions and influence the younger generation.

Prayers and Practices

The 1908-1909 China Revivals were marked by distinctive prayers and practices that contributed to their impact. Prayer played a central role, with extended periods of intercession preceding and accompanying the revival meetings 5.

Goforth encouraged fervent and Spirit-led prayer, often leading to spontaneous and collective expressions of devotion 13. He emphasized the importance of praying until the Holy Spirit takes control, creating an atmosphere of expectancy and openness to God’s leading.

Public confession of sin became a hallmark of the revivals. Individuals, including missionaries and church leaders, openly acknowledged their transgressions, expressing deep remorse and seeking forgiveness 5.

This practice created an atmosphere of humility and transparency, fostering genuine repentance and spiritual renewal. The confessions were often detailed and specific, covering a wide range of sins, including adultery, opium use, stealing, deceit, pride, hatred, jealousy, covetousness, laziness, and hypocrisy 5.

In some instances, the revivals were also characterized by an emphasis on the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” 14. This theological concept, associated with Pentecostalism, highlights the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

The focus on spiritual gifts and experiences, such as prophecy, divine healing, and speaking in tongues, added another dimension to the revivals, contributing to their emotional intensity and transformative power.

Personal Testimonies

Numerous personal testimonies emerged from the 1908-1909 China Revivals, providing vivid accounts of individual experiences and transformations. Many individuals testified to profound encounters with God, experiencing deep conviction of sin and a newfound sense of forgiveness and purpose 6. These testimonies served as powerful catalysts for further spiritual awakening, inspiring others to seek a deeper relationship with God.

One notable testimony came from an elder who confessed to attempting to poison his wife, highlighting the depth of introspection and repentance that characterized the revivals 6. This public confession, which challenged traditional Chinese values of saving face and avoiding shame, demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit to break down social barriers and bring about genuine transformation.

The revivals also had a profound impact on individuals outside the church. One testimony tells of a notorious gambler who, upon hearing the Gospel during the revival, repented of his sins and repaid his debts 15. This story illustrates the revivals’ ability to reach those considered “outsiders” and bring about radical changes in their lives.

Results and Lasting Impact

The 1908-1909 China Revivals had a profound impact on the growth and development of Christianity in China. While precise figures are difficult to ascertain, the revivals led to a significant increase in conversions and church attendance 5.

In Hinghwa City, for example, church attendance increased dramatically under the leadership of Pastor Sung, who witnessed a growth from two hundred to one thousand attendees in just three years 16. The spiritual fervor generated during this period contributed to the expansion of Christian communities across various provinces, laying the groundwork for future growth.

The revivals also fostered a renewed sense of zeal for evangelism and missionary work. Christians were inspired to share their faith with others, leading to the spread of the Gospel to new areas and among different population groups 5. The revival in Shansi, for instance, spread to the neighbouring province of Honan, demonstrating the ripple effect of these spiritual awakenings 17.

Moreover, the revivals had a significant financial impact on the church. Many Christians, inspired by their renewed faith, increased their financial contributions to their local churches 14. This enabled churches to expand their ministries, support evangelistic efforts, and become more self-sufficient.

The 1908-1909 China Revivals also played a crucial role in the development of indigenous Chinese Christianity. They contributed to the growing momentum of indigenous Chinese Christian movements, paving the way for the emergence of independent churches and a distinct Chinese expression of Christianity 14.

By empowering Chinese Christian leaders and fostering a sense of ownership over the faith, the revivals laid the foundation for the future growth and indigenization of Christianity in China.

Context and Relationship to Other Revivals

The 1908-1909 China Revivals occurred within a broader context of religious revivalism both locally and globally. The Welsh Revival of 1858-60 and the Great Pyongyang Revival of 1907 in Korea served as precursors, influencing the spiritual climate in China and inspiring expectations for similar awakenings 10.

These revivals demonstrated the power of prayer, the importance of public confession, and the transformative potential of spiritual awakening.

The China Revivals shared common features with other revival movements, such as an emphasis on personal experience, emotional expressions of faith, and public confession of sin. However, they also possessed unique characteristics shaped by the specific cultural and religious context of China.

The emphasis on public confession, for example, challenged traditional Chinese values and demonstrated the radical nature of Christian conversion.

Furthermore, the China Revivals were connected to global revival movements in various ways. The Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, which sparked the Pentecostal movement, had an indirect influence on the China Revivals through figures like Mok Lai Chi, who brought Pentecostal ideas to Hong Kong and influenced the development of the True Jesus Church in China 19. This connection highlights the interconnectedness of global Christianity and the flow of religious ideas across cultural boundaries.

Timeline of Events

Date

Event

Significance

1900

Emergence of a significant prayer movement in China

Laid the groundwork for spiritual awakening by fostering a culture of prayer and seeking God’s intervention in the lives of individuals and the nation.

1899-1901

Boxer Rebellion

Resulted in the martyrdom of many Chinese Christians and foreign missionaries, which intensified the faith of many and inspired others to embrace Christianity.

1907

Great Pyongyang Revival in Korea

Inspired expectations for revival in China by demonstrating the transformative power of spiritual awakening in a neighboring country.

1908

Manchurian Revival

Marked the beginning of widespread revivalism in China, led by Jonathan Goforth, and characterized by fervent prayer and public confession.

1908-1909

Revivals spread to various provinces, including Shansi, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang

Demonstrated the extensive reach and impact of the revivals, affecting diverse communities and denominations across China.

1909

Revival in Weixian, Shandong

Showcased a quieter and more introspective form of revivalism, led by Ding Limei, highlighting the diversity of expressions within the revival movement.

 

Conclusion

The 1908-1909 China Revivals were a pivotal period in the history of Christianity in China. These awakenings, characterized by fervent prayer, public confession, and a renewed commitment to faith, left a lasting legacy on the religious landscape of the nation.

The revivals not only led to numerical growth in the Christian community but also fostered a deeper spiritual experience, a renewed zeal for evangelism, and a growing sense of ownership over the faith among Chinese Christians.

The revivals’ emphasis on public confession challenged traditional Chinese values and demonstrated the transformative power of the Gospel to break down social barriers. They also contributed to the indigenization of Christianity in China, paving the way for the emergence of independent churches and a distinct Chinese expression of the faith.

By understanding the historical context, key figures, and unique practices of these revivals, we can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of spiritual awakening and its potential to transform individuals and societies.

The 1908-1909 China Revivals serve as a reminder of the importance of prayer, the need for genuine repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about lasting change. They also offer valuable lessons for contemporary Christians seeking to deepen their faith and engage in effective evangelism in a rapidly changing world.

 

 

Works cited

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