Revival ‘go-to’

In today’s digital age, there is no shortage of resources available on just about every topic imaginable. With so much information and speculation, we all need the right kind of guides. So, if you’re a Christian interested in learning more about apologetics, Justin Brierley’s podcast is a good place to go. Similarly, John Dickson’s Undeceptions is a lively podcast for all things ‘Church history’. Want to know about topics like the spiritual gifts? The three gents who regularly air on Remnant Radio offer valuable resources.

In the area of revival history, Tom Lennie is a trustworthy and reliable companion. His books, Glory In The Glen, Land of Many Revivals, and Scotland Ablaze have brought to life the rich spiritual heritage enjoyed by Scotland over five centuries.

In Island Aflame, Tom has produced a fascinating study on what has become known simply as ‘The Lewis Revival.’ The Outer Hebrides has been blessed with many moves of the Holy Spirit over two centuries. Island Aflame focuses in on one of the most famous and well-known in the world: one that occurred between 1949 and ‘52.

Walking a fine line

Tom wastes no time in getting to the nuts and bolts of his argument in Part One - that some of the famed stories from this famed revival are, in fact myths. Much proof is offered in the form of eyewitness and historical reports, both of which form a balanced and honest, yet not overly-critical viewpoint. Tom manages to capture that fine line throughout the book, which I would suggest is its unique selling point.

Much proof is offered in the form of eyewitness and historical reports, both of which form a balanced and honest, yet not overly-critical viewpoint.

In Parts Two and Three the author dives deep into the various areas of the island where the revival reached, beginning with Barvas, then spreading throughout Lewis and into Harris (but notably bypassing Lewis’s main town of Stornoway). There are some incredible stories told by first-hand witnesses (some of whom are still alive today), and I found myself totally engrossed in these sections.

Revival features

In Part Four, Tom pulls back a bit to give more of a bird’s eye view of the spirituality of the revival - the common themes being the presence of God, the power of prayer and the preached Word, and the fellowship felt in meetings (which quite often took place well into the early hours of the morning).

What particularly inspired me in this section was the highlighting of God at work in young people. Having recently attended the 2023 Hebrides Revival Conference in Stornoway, there seems to be a fresh work in the hearts of young people, and as God’s people, we long and pray that God would use them in this day in the life of the Church and beyond.

Revival incongruities

The most challenging questions and critiques centre around the man seen by many to be at the centre of the revival – the Rev Duncan Campbell. In Part Five, Tom focuses on Campbell’s theological views as well as the main themes of the revival, including the opposition that was faced, particularly within some Free Church circles (it is noteworthy in this regard that the current Stornoway Free Church minister, the Rev James MacIver has given a hearty endorsement to the book).

The author is keen to point out that it was through humble and ordinary people that God chose to use as His instruments during this remarkable revival.

There can be a tendency to romanticise ‘The Lewis revival’ and glorify people to an unhealthy degree. The author is keen to point out that it was through humble and ordinary people that God chose to use as His instruments during this remarkable revival. No person is deemed too ‘ordinary’ for the work of God. The author helps us by continually pointing back to the glory of God.

Humility & holiness

Tom has done a great amount of research on the life of Duncan Campbell, enquiring of eye-witnesses, family members and biographers; and in turn, turning sometimes uncomfortable questions back towards the reader. At a time where we are currently seeing evangelical leaders having various public falls, it’s interesting to note that despite some of Campbell’s tall tales, he is certainly not depicted as a ‘charlatan.’ Far from it.

As his own daughter Sheena notes, “his deep humility was his most salient characteristic.” Campbell truly was a man who loved the Lord Jesus. Why he embellished certain stories, and why he lied about others, we’ll never be sure. Tom makes a fascinating case as to why he might have done so, without distorting the move of God in question or the man God used so wonderfully. That is an admirable achievement in itself.

Stirring hearts

My only slight critique would be that, in distinction to Tom’s other books, there is no bibliography which highlights the author’s research and conversations (nor is there an Index). Having said that, the footnotes are excellent.

it’s interesting to note that despite some of Campbell’s tall tales, he is certainly not depicted as a ‘charlatan.’ Far from it.

Upon reading this book, you will not be left disappointed, dejected or jaded about revival - rather, you will be inspired at the way God worked and used ordinary people, including Duncan Campbell, along with many other ministers, elders and laypeople.

This is a remarkable book, and would make an ideal Christmas present! May the story of the Lewis Revival continue to stir hungry hearts, build faith and inspire hope in believers.

Island Aflame is published by Christian Focus Publications, and is available from Amazon for £13.16 inc p&p or direct from author.

Brian Macleod is a Church of Scotland Minister based in the Highlands. He is married with 3 young daughters.