Definition

• Revivalist movements have played a major role in history for thousands of years. While some members of a religious group find comfort in the status quo, others want change and a greater spiritual connection with their beliefs and deities. Often associated with a fundamentalist movement, revivalists seek to revitalize and reform or break away from their organization, attract new believers and gain influence in society . This often happens during times of cultural, economic and governmental upheaval as religious revivalists may see themselves as "saviors of society."
  
  

Christianity

• The Christian Revivalist movements swept over the United States in several waves in the 18th and 19th centuries. The First Great Awakening was in the early 1700s. The Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches grew out of this revivalist movement. The Second Great Awakening began in the late 1700s and reached its height in the mid-1800s. American revivalism influenced the country's music, resulting in a the gospel genre that blended European and African-American singing traditions. The religious fervor of the Second Awakening influenced political thought as many of its leaders supported the abolition of slavery. The period was characterized by charismatic ministers who showed great emotion and fervor at the pulpit.
  
  

Islam

• Islamic revivalist movements have occurred several times since the founding of the religion in 622 AD. However, a recent movement to reform the faith is called "Wahhabism." The movement was started in the 18th century by scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. Wahhabism calls for its followers to return to a more orthodox or "pure" practice of Islamic fundamentals. It also requires followers to strictly follow the Quran, not religious interpretations of scholars or tribal customs. The founder of the Saudi royal family made an alliance with al-Wahhab to unify the tribes of the region, making present-day Saudi Arabia the home of this revivalist movement. While some have seen a connection between Wahhabism and the leader behind the American Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Osama bin Laden, others have discounted that he was a follower of the movement.
  
  

Hinduism

• The practice of Hinduism has also been changed by revivalist movements. One of the most recent was in the 19th century. Rammohan Roy, sometimes called "the Father of Modern India," was influenced to change Hindu practices after he witnessed the tradition "suttee" of his sister-in-law. She tried to escape the ritual immolation of widows but was held down by relatives and burned alive. He was also influenced by Muslim and Christian practices. Roy was opposed to idolatry and promoted monotheism. He also devoted himself to social causes like improving the lives of women and the people in lower castes. Roy and a group of friends formed the Brahmo Samaj, the One God Society, which angered traditional Hindus. The group doesn't have much influence on the religion today, but it helped change many unpopular and oppressive Hindu customs.