The memorial service in September for Charlie Kirk drew 70,000 people to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with tens of thousands more outside and millions watching on line. This multi-hour event was packed with reflections of hope and life, and the spark that may have set off a blaze of faith in America. Since Kirk’s public assassination, social media has buzzed with stories of people returning to church, committing to Christ for the first time, or embracing long-hidden beliefs. Church attendance has rapidly started to climb, especially among young Americans, up more than 15% since the memorial. From recent public baptisms at colleges like Ohio State to the Asbury University awakening and the U.K.’s “Quiet Revival,” something’s stirring. But is this true revival?
Jonathan Edwards, a key figure in America’s First Great Awakening, offers timeless wisdom. As a preacher, he prayed and worked for revival amid spiritual deadness. His writings, like The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, give us five signs to evaluate today’s events. First, true revival centers on Jesus Christ, not human leaders or emotional highs. The Spirit glorifies Christ, fostering reverence for Him. We saw this at Charlie Kirk’s memorial—where Christ was proclaimed boldly.
Second, revival opposes evil. An awakened conscience sees the Devil’s work clearly, leading people from sin to righteousness and humility. Charlie Kirk’s memorial and these other explosions of evangelizing have brought a call to repentance, reflecting this mark.
Third, true revival is anchored in Scripture. People crave God’s Word, studying and obeying it over their subjective feelings. Sales of the Bible are through the roof in recent years.
Fourth, revival sparks a hunger for sound doctrine. Edwards warned that strong emotions alone aren’t enough—people must prize theological depth. Not only the Kirk Memorial, but his entire body of public debate focuses heavily on doctrine – not just platitudes, but deep and sound theology rooted in history and logic.
Finally, revival produces love, humility, and unity among believers, not division or self-promotion.
I believe from a Christian perspective – the signs are evident. Let us not miss God’s hand because it doesn’t fit our expectations. Pray for revival, work for it, and trust God to bring it. America’s soul depends on it.
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This post originally appeared at https://phyllisschlafly.com/constitution/religious-liberty/is-revival-happening-in-the-united-states/
Phyllis Schlafly