The 1908 Shansi Revival: A History

The 1908 Shansi Revival was a significant spiritual awakening that swept through the Shansi Province of China (modern-day Shanxi) in the fall of 1908. This revival, experienced across numerous mission stations throughout the province¹ had a profound impact on the religious landscape of the region and left a lasting legacy on the Chinese church.

This report examines the history of this revival, exploring its antecedents, key figures, unique practices, and lasting impact.

Religion in China Prior to the Revival

Before delving into the specifics of the 1908 Shansi Revival, it’s crucial to understand the religious context of China at the time. China’s religious landscape was diverse and dynamic, with a long history of interaction and syncretism between various belief systems. This context played a crucial role in shaping the unique characteristics of the 1908 Shansi Revival and its subsequent impact on Chinese society².

Worship of Heaven

The dominant “orthodox” faith in China for centuries was a form of panentheism cantered on the worship of “Heaven” as an omnipotent force. This belief system, with roots stretching back to ancient times, viewed “Heaven” as a pervasive and impersonal power that governed the universe and human destiny³.

While “Heaven” was recognized as a supreme entity, it was not typically depicted in anthropomorphic terms or through idols. Instead, worship involved the construction of shrines, such as the renowned Altar of Heaven in Beijing, and the offering of prayers and sacrifices. Natural events, including weather patterns and calamities, were interpreted as manifestations of Heaven’s will and power³.

Animism

Alongside the worship of Heaven, animistic beliefs and practices were deeply embedded in Chinese culture. Animism, characterized by the attribution of spiritual essence to natural phenomena and objects, permeated various aspects of daily life. People venerated spirits associated with mountains, rivers, trees, and ancestors, seeking their blessings and protection⁴. This animistic worldview often involved rituals and offerings aimed at appeasing spirits and maintaining harmony with the natural world.

Shamanism

Shamanism, with its roots in ancient Neolithic cultures like the Hongshan culture, also held a significant place in Chinese religious life. Shamans, acting as intermediaries between the human and spiritual realms, played a vital role in mediating with spirits, conducting healing ceremonies, and guiding souls in the afterlife⁵. Through trance states and ritual practices, shamans sought to communicate with spirits, address spiritual imbalances, and ensure the well-being of individuals and communities. This shamanic heritage continues to resonate in some contemporary forms of Chinese religion, demonstrating the enduring influence of these ancient traditions⁵.

Christianity

Christianity, while present in China since the early medieval period, faced numerous challenges in establishing a firm foothold. The Church of the East made its appearance during the Tang dynasty in the 7th century, but its influence waned over time. Catholicism experienced a resurgence during the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty, but it was not until the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century that it began to gain a more substantial following⁶. Protestant missions, commencing in the early 19th century, gradually attracted converts, leading to the formation of independent Chinese churches⁶.

Despite these efforts, Christianity often encountered resistance from the Chinese authorities, who sought to maintain control over religious practices and viewed foreign religions with suspicion⁶. This historical context of religious diversity, syncretism, and state control is essential for understanding the environment in which the 1908 Shansi Revival emerged.

Antecedents of the Revival

The 1908 Shansi Revival did not occur spontaneously. It was preceded by a series of events and movements that laid the groundwork for this spiritual awakening. One significant factor was the rise of a prayer movement in China around 1900¹.

This movement, fueled by a growing desire for spiritual renewal and a deeper experience of God, involved many Chinese Christians who tragically lost their lives during the Boxer Rebellion¹. The Boxer Rebellion, a violent uprising against foreign influence and Christianity, resulted in the deaths of 32,000 Chinese Christians and 188 foreign missionaries and their children¹.

Despite this tragedy, the seeds of revival were sown. In the years following the Boxer Rebellion, there was a notable increase in the number of Chinese people responding to the Gospel¹. This growing receptivity to Christianity, perhaps fuelled by a sense of disillusionment with traditional beliefs and a yearning for spiritual solace in the aftermath of the rebellion’s violence, set the stage for the revival that would soon unfold in Shansi.

Another crucial antecedent was the Manchurian Revival of 1908⁷. This revival, which occurred in churches and mission stations in Manchuria, gained nationwide and international attention⁷. It was sparked by the Great Pyongyang Revival of 1907 in Korea, which emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit and the experience of spiritual empowerment⁷.

The Manchurian Revival, led by Jonathan Goforth, a Canadian Presbyterian missionary, became a catalyst for similar revivals in other parts of China, including Shansi⁷.

Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth: Pioneers of Revival

Jonathan Goforth played a pivotal role in the 1908 Shansi Revival and the broader revival movement in China¹. Arriving in China in 1888, he and his wife, Rosalind (Bell-Smith) Goforth, dedicated their lives to missionary work⁷.

Jonathan, a Canadian Presbyterian missionary, became a prominent figure in early 20th-century China, known for his passionate preaching and his emphasis on the experience of the Holy Spirit⁷. Rosalind, a gifted writer and speaker, actively participated in the revival movement, sharing her experiences and insights through books and public addresses⁸.

Jonathan Goforth’s experience in the Manchurian Revival prepared him for the spiritual outpouring that would occur in Shansi¹. His meetings, characterized by fervent preaching and an emphasis on prayer and confession, ignited a powerful move of the Holy Spirit among the attendees¹. He held meetings in five specific locations in the Shansi Province: Pingyao, Sihchow, Taning, Kuwo, and Hungtung¹.

These meetings typically lasted between two to four hours, although on some days, people would remain in the chapel for ten hours or more¹. The tangible presence of God was palpable in these gatherings, and time seemed to stand still as participants were immersed in prayer and worship¹. The day would commence with prayer in different rooms with small groups or in a chapel¹.

While Jonathan Goforth initiated the revival in Shansi, it’s important to note that the movement continued and even intensified after his departure¹. This suggests that the revival was not solely dependent on his presence but was fuelled by a genuine hunger for God among the Chinese Christians themselves¹.

Prayers and Practices

The 1908 Shansi Revival was marked by specific prayers and practices that contributed to its success. Prayer played a central role, with meetings often commencing with an hour of prayer¹. Goforth encouraged spontaneous and heartfelt prayers, urging people to lay aside rote prayers and instead express the genuine desires of their hearts⁷.

Confession of sin was another prominent feature of the revival¹. The Holy Spirit’s conviction power was so intense that people felt compelled to publicly confess their sins, leading to repentance and reconciliation¹. This emphasis on confession created an atmosphere of humility and brokenness before God, paving the way for spiritual renewal¹.

Following confession, there was a focus on restitution and reconciliation¹. People were encouraged to make amends for past wrongs and seek forgiveness, fostering a spirit of unity and restoration within the Christian community¹.

In addition to individual prayers and confessions, there was also an opportunity for special congregational prayer during the revival⁸. These prayers were focused on specific needs and concerns, such as seeking blessings on the mission stations in rural areas and praying for the conversion of family members and those who had strayed from the faith⁸.

Personal Testimonies and Divine Encounters

The 1908 Shansi Revival was accompanied by numerous personal testimonies of conversions and spiritual encounters. While specific accounts from the Shansi Revival are limited in the provided research material, similar revivals led by Goforth in other regions offer insights into the types of experiences that likely occurred.

In these revivals, people testified to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, describing deep conviction of sin, profound repentance, and a newfound joy and peace⁸. There were also accounts of physical manifestations, such as people being prostrated on the ground under the weight of God’s presence, overwhelmed by the awareness of their sin and God’s holiness⁹.

One missionary, reflecting on the intensity of these encounters, wrote, “Such a week I have never known in my life. Day after day we have seen men and women prostrated because of sin, crying out for mercy.” ⁸

These testimonies highlight the profound impact of the revival on individuals’ lives, demonstrating the power of God to bring about radical change and spiritual awakening. They provide a glimpse into the emotional and spiritual depth of the revival experience, capturing the sense of awe, conviction, and transformation that characterized these gatherings.

Immediate and Lasting Results

The 1908 Shansi Revival had both immediate and lasting results. One immediate outcome was a surge in religious conversions¹. While precise numbers are not provided in the research material, the revival undoubtedly led to a significant increase in the number of Christians in Shansi¹.

The revival also had a profound impact on the existing Christian community. There was a renewed zeal for souls, with Christians actively sharing their faith and seeking to bring others to Christ⁸. The revival fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation among different churches and denominations, as they worked together to spread the Gospel⁸.

This newfound unity extended beyond the walls of the church, impacting schools and other social institutions. As the revival spread to schools, the Holy Spirit took center stage, leading to confessions, repentance, and reconciliations among students and teachers¹.

The revival’s impact extended beyond Shansi. When believers from Kaifeng heard about the revival taking place in Shansi, they sent a delegation of 14 people who travelled for two days to participate¹. Upon their return to Kaifeng, they shared their experiences, sparking a similar revival in their own city¹. This demonstrates the contagious nature of the revival and its ability to spread to other regions, carried by the fervor and testimonies of those who had experienced its power.

One of the most significant lasting results of the 1908 Shansi Revival was the emergence of prominent Chinese denominations¹. The revival empowered Chinese Christian leaders to take ownership of the growing Christian movement, leading to the development of indigenous churches that were more attuned to the cultural context of China¹.

This shift towards indigenous leadership marked a crucial step in the indigenization of Christianity in China, allowing the faith to take root and flourish in a way that was both authentically Christian and distinctly Chinese.

The national awakening that followed this revival, and others like it, doubled the Protestant population in China to a quarter of a million¹. This dramatic increase in Christian adherents highlights the profound impact of the revival movement on Chinese society, demonstrating its ability to transform individuals, communities, and the religious landscape of the nation.

Context and Relationship to Other Revivals

The 1908 Shansi Revival was part of a larger wave of religious revivals that swept through China in the early 20th century⁷. These revivals, often characterized by an emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and confession, played a crucial role in the growth of Christianity in China⁷.

The Shansi Revival was particularly influenced by the Manchurian Revival, which served as a catalyst for similar movements in other provinces⁷. Goforth’s experience in Manchuria prepared him for the spiritual outpouring that would occur in Shansi⁷.

These revivals in China were also connected to global religious movements. The emphasis on the Holy Spirit resonated with the Pentecostal revivals that were taking place in the West¹⁰. Pentecostal missionaries, arriving in China with their own experiences of spiritual renewal and empowerment, contributed to the growing emphasis on the Holy Spirit within Chinese Christianity¹⁰.

This suggests a cross-cultural exchange of religious ideas and practices, with revivals in different parts of the world influencing and reinforcing each other¹⁰.

The emphasis on prayer and confession in the Shansi Revival also reflects a broader trend within Protestant Christianity at the time. The revival movement in the West, with its focus on personal piety and spiritual experience, had a significant impact on missionary efforts in China. Missionaries brought with them these revivalistic ideals, which resonated with the spiritual yearnings of many Chinese people.

Furthermore, the Shansi Revival can be seen as a response to the specific challenges facing China at the time. The country was undergoing a period of social and political upheaval, with growing internal unrest and external pressures from Western powers. The revival offered a message of hope and transformation, providing a source of spiritual strength and resilience in the face of these challenges.

Timeline of Events

Date	Event	Citation
1900	Rise of a significant prayer movement in China	1
1900-1901	Boxer Rebellion leads to the martyrdom of many Chinese Christians and foreign missionaries	1
1906-1907	Increased response to the Gospel among the Chinese	1
1907	Great Pyongyang Revival in Korea	7
1908	Manchurian Revival	7
September 1908	Jonathan Goforth arrives in Shansi to hold revival meetings	1
September-November 1908	1908 Shansi Revival takes place across various mission stations	1
November 1908	Revival continues and intensifies after Goforth’s departure	1
Post-1908	Emergence of prominent Chinese denominations	1

Analysis of Results and Beneficial Takeaways

The 1908 Shansi Revival had a profound impact on the religious landscape of China. It led to a significant increase in the number of Christians, revitalized the existing Christian community, and empowered Chinese Christian leaders to take ownership of the growing Christian movement¹. The revival’s emphasis on prayer, confession, and reconciliation fostered spiritual renewal and unity within the church¹.

Several beneficial takeaways can be gleaned from this revival:

• The Power of Prayer: The revival highlighted the importance of persistent and fervent prayer in bringing about spiritual awakening¹.
• The Importance of Confession: The emphasis on confession of sin created an atmosphere of humility and brokenness, paving the way for repentance and reconciliation¹.
• The Need for Restitution: The focus on restitution and reconciliation demonstrated the importance of making amends for past wrongs and seeking forgiveness¹.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The revival underscored the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing about conviction, repentance, and spiritual renewal⁸.
• The Value of Indigenous Leadership: The emergence of prominent Chinese denominations highlighted the importance of empowering local leaders to take ownership of the Christian movement¹.

The 1908 Shansi Revival serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of religious revivals and the importance of seeking spiritual renewal. Its legacy continues to inspire and challenge Christians today.

Conclusion

The 1908 Shansi Revival stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the transformative potential of spiritual awakenings. Emerging from a complex religious landscape and fueled by a deep desire for God among the Chinese people, this revival left an indelible mark on the history of Christianity in China.

Its emphasis on prayer, confession, and reconciliation, coupled with the dynamic leadership of individuals like Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth, ignited a spiritual fire that spread throughout the region and beyond.

The revival’s impact extended beyond the immediate increase in conversions and the revitalization of the Christian community. It also played a crucial role in the indigenization of Christianity in China, empowering Chinese leaders to shape the future of the church in their own cultural context.

The emergence of prominent Chinese denominations can be seen as a direct result of this empowerment, paving the way for a more contextualized and culturally relevant expression of the Christian faith.

The 1908 Shansi Revival also holds valuable lessons for contemporary Christians and revival movements. Its emphasis on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, the importance of prayer and confession, and the need for restitution and reconciliation remain relevant today.

The revival’s legacy challenges Christians to seek a deeper experience of God, to cultivate humility and brokenness before God, and to pursue unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ.

In the broader context of Chinese religious history, the 1908 Shansi Revival represents a significant turning point. It marked a period of growth and expansion for Christianity in China, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to transcend cultural barriers and transform lives.

The revival’s emphasis on indigenous leadership laid the foundation for a more contextualized and culturally relevant expression of the Christian faith, paving the way for the dynamic and diverse Chinese church that exists today.

Works cited

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2. Typologies of Secularism in China: Religion, Superstition, and Secularization | Comparative Studies in Society and History | Cambridge Core, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/comparative-studies-in-society-and-history/article/typologies-of-secularism-in-china-religion-superstition-and-secularization/1EE8435D351A45354D524BAD9F9574CA
3. Chinese Religious History – FamilySearch, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Chinese_Religious_History
4. Religion in Ancient China – World History Encyclopedia, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.worldhistory.org/article/891/religion-in-ancient-china/
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7. Manchurian revival – Wikipedia, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchurian_revival
8. 1908-1909 China Revivals (6 of them) – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://romans1015.com/china-revivals/
9. Jonathan Goforth: Revivals in China – Prevailing Intercessory Prayer, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.path2prayer.com/revival-and-the-holy-spirit/jonathan-and-rosalind-goforth/jonathan-goforth-revivals-in-china
10. Pentecost in China (1) – ChinaSource, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/articles/pentecost-in-china-1/