Tom Lennie

Revival history expert filters fact from fiction in the story of one of the best–known revivals. Scotland has played host to a vast array of religious revivals over the course of its history, but by far the best known of these is the Lewis Revival of 1949–52 (also known as the Hebrides revival). The stories around it are extraordinary, with the Spirit working in the lives of many people across this Scottish island. There have been, however, rumours and myths that have grown up around the stories of the Lewis Revival, that did not actually occur. Revival history expert, Tom Lennie, examines the eyewitness accounts and untangles the amazing true story from the exaggerations that it has been caught up in. With an evidence–based approach to the story, Lennie walks readers through the Revival in six sections: Revival islandBarvas breakoutRevival extendedRevival in focusRevival controversyPost revival In essence, powerful preaching, based on God’s word sparked a life changing event for hundreds of individuals, and that still has an impact today.

Many today may be discouraged by the condition of Christianity in Scotland, while unaware of its powerful legacy. Following on from Glory in the Glen and Land of Many Revivals, Scotland Ablaze continues Tom Lennie’s compelling historical series on Scottish revival movements. Lennie here focuses on the inspiring period from 1858–79 in which much of Scotland was spiritually awakened, affecting every Scottish county. In three parts, Lennie guides us meticulously through the origins of the 1859–61 revival and each area affected, then goes on to chronicle a series of little–known revival after–waves that continued through the 1860s and early ‘70s, and finally the remarkable evangelistic campaign of Moody and Sankey, in which many have discerned the holy breath of authentic revival. Through this deeply encouraging and fascinating read, may we not only see the power and impact of God’s work in our history, but may we excitedly anticipate His miraculous work in our future.

Scotland has arguably the most varied, colourful and longstanding history of evangelical revivals in the world. Focusing on the period between 1527–1857 Tom Lennie provides an illuminating account of many an exciting time. Scotland’s true revival legacy is wide and varied and Lennie draws on a variety of sources to bring together this comprehensive resource. Land of Many Revivals examines how revival happened in different ways across Scotland and looks at the legacy left in these communities.

No nation on earth has a richer, more colourful, and more long–standing heritage of evangelical awakenings than Scotland – yet most people are unfamiliar with its dramatic legacy. Most historical studies stop at, or before, the Moody & Sankey Revival of 1873–74. It is commonly assumed that very few genuine revivals occurred since that date until the Lewis Revival of 1949–53. Tom Lennie thoroughly debunks this idea – showing that religious awakenings were relatively common in Scotland between these dates – and provides a comprehensive account of the many exciting revivals that have taken place throughout Scotland. The Awakenings in the Outer Hebrides and North East fishing communities, that had several unique and striking features, are considered in separate sections. Revivals amongst both children / students and Pentecostals are also given separate treatment. Of particular significance is the first comprehensive account of the 1930’s ‘Laymen’s Revival’ in Lewis. This fascinating, but near–forgotten, movement may have been even more powerful and influential than the later Lewis Revival. Glory in the Glen tells a thoroughly absorbing, and largely untold, story. It is the result of painstaking research, conducted over more than half–a–decade, from hundreds of source materials as well as personal interviews. Much of the material has never before been published.