Ep. 68 / The Spirit in a Disenchanted Age: An Evangelical History with Bruce Hindmarsh

Headlines love to shrink “evangelical” to a political label. In this episode we open the frame with historian and theologian, Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh. We journey all the way back to the Great Awakenings of the 1730s—when nominal churchgoers found living faith and began writing testimonies and hymns. We observe the rise of missionary societies, social reform and a global network that crossed denominational boundaries. Along the way, Dr. Hindmarsh shows how simple, portable essentials—conversion, the cross, Scripture, activism—helped the movement travel and translate across cultures and centuries.

We explore the Spirit’s through-line often missed in quick takes. From John Wesley’s emphasis on sanctification to the Keswick movement, from the Holiness movement to Azusa Street and later charismatic waves. The story is one of re-enchantment in a disenchanted age. The Holy Spirit personalizes the work of Christ, gives assurance and commissions people into service—a pattern that explains both revival energy and sustainable mission. Dr. Bruce also names the turning point from “clouds of wonders” to institutions, as evangelicals built magazines, schools and agencies to keep the fire from becoming “the work of one generation.”

We close by considering the contested name. Should we keep “evangelical”? Dr. Hindmarsh argues yes—because the word carries a living heritage of renewal and mission. If you'd like to learn more from Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh, you can go to his website or purchase his latest book. 

And please don't forget to share this episode and join the conversation on YouTube! 

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