318: Religious Revivals

The boys drink and review Bakalar, a Czech dark lager, then discuss the history of religious revivals in the United States, and their effects. They discuss what makes something a religious revival -- what are its signs and effects. What elements are essential and what are accidental? They review several of the great religious revivals in U.S. history, and mention some of their leading figures. Also, what causes a revival? What sorts of cultural situations tend to precede revivals? Do they come in a predictable rhythm? Do they always involve a fixation on the end of the world? There's also an interesting question of the different talents required for the revival and the people who come afterwards, who need to create lasting institutions. Crowhill believes a religious revival is the only hope for the United States.