Book Review: Signs of Revival by Dr. Patrick Dixon
Has it really been 30 years since the outpouring of the Spirit that the U.K. press labeled the Toronto Blessing? The attention that this revival awakened from journalists and authors in both the Church worldwide and secular observers resulted in a flood of books for and against the revival.
One of the earlier publications is Dr. Patrick Dixon's extensive work entitled Signs of Revival. It is amazing that this 325-page volume was already published by the end of 1994. It is obvious that he spent a lot of late nights that year compiling an impressive amount of testimonies and theological advice on how to give a credible witness to what the Lord was and is doing. Written mainly from a U.K. perspective, he clearly documents the Toronto links as well as the historical Vineyard Ministry models (Catch The Fire Toronto belonged to the Vineyard Movement in 1994). He adds numerous details of how the spiritual ground in the U.K. had been prepared for this renewal.
Although this book is very readable for anyone hungering for revival, it is an excellent tool for pastors and leaders looking for a theological and historical apologetic for the Toronto Blessing. He is not afraid to tackle holy laughter, twitching, and spending hours on the floor. Even the reality of those who have been physically injured in the wildness of the meetings has been covered (He points out this is minimal but was present).
One of the chapters unique to Dixon's descriptions is Chapter 3: The History of Emotional Faith. Who knew that the Persians referred to the Christians in the first centuries of the Church as "tarsa" (Persian), translated "shakers?"
He references Augustine's report in the fourth century: "We still do what the apostles did when they laid hands on the Samaritans, and called down the Holy Spirit on them, in the laying on of hands. It is expected that converts should speak with new tongues." Turns out that Augustine was interested in more than theology and catechisms!
Dixon documents John Wesley's wrestling with the manifestations that sometimes occurred in his meetings: He thought that these strange signs would bring his ministry into disrepute. At first, Wesley was disturbed by them but then gradually got concerned when they seemed to fade away. Dixon notes that "Wesley had seen the fruit in people's lives and knew that the manifestations were often associated with lasting change. He also knew that manifestations were often a dramatic public sign of God's presence, power, and authority and were often used by God to draw many to meetings where they heard and responded to the gospel."
Dixon's chapter on Medical Perspectives on Manifestations is pastorally brilliant. He states at the beginning, "How many things, including prayer, fasting, and speaking in tongues, can affect our conscious state, allowing us to become more or less aware of a spiritual dimension to living? Altered states of consciousness are produced in Christian experience, and are a normal part of charismatic faith." Quite a bold statement for an evangelical!
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the outpouring, I recommend we revisit some of these books that helped give us an understanding of what was happening to us and our friends. Dixon's book will be a prized resource for us and the next generations as the Lord continues to pour out the new wine and sends more waves. More Lord!!!
Dan Slade
