Charles Finney (1792-1875) was an American Presbyterian minister and leader in the Second Great Awakening in the United States. He has been called The Father of Modern Revivalism. Finney was best known as an innovative revivalist during the period 1825–1835 in upstate New York and Manhattan.
There was an excellent podcast, by Dr. Robert Godfrey, who is critical of Finney. Finney was always wanting excitement, something new (“new measures”). He used questionable techniques. Manipulative. The “anxious bench” was a practice Finney invented it, which became the 20th Century alter call.
I see churches (the popular churches) using this strategy today. They are always looking for excitement and something new.
The podcast is part of Godfrey’s series A Survey of Church History.
from Renewing Your Mind podcast (normally by RC Sproul)
C:\Users\James\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Podcasts\Renewing Your Mind with R.C. Sproul\05 Charles Finney.mp3