Kinderbeten: The Origin Unfolding and Interpretations of the Silesian Children's Prayer Revival

Synopsis: Research in the roots of evangelicalism and revivalism uncovers its share of peculiarities but nothing is more unusual than what follows. What we have here is a compelling story touching on the exercise of free religion the religious wars in Europe the roots of Evangelicalism the supernatural and more all wrapped up in a religious revival which began not through a charismatic revivalist or any adult at all but rather found its origin with children aged four to fourteen. The children became pawns in a controversy between political and religious opponents. Indulge your curiosity and read the remarkable story about the King of Sweden and the 1707-08 Childrens Revival in Silesia a tale of hope and prayer. Endorsements: Mr Swenssons account of the childrens revivals in Silesia is not only fascinating in itself but casts interesting sidelights on the dynamics of religious revival generally. It is based on original materials and deserves every success. --W. R. Ward University of Durham Emeritus It is apparent that this well written and documented study opens new possibilities for understanding the genesis of revival movements in modern Christianity. It also shows how conventional historiography may be in need of correction . . . It is an insightful case study of how revitalization of church and society actually may flow from an unanticipated kairos moment of divine visitation which could not be controlled or comfortably channeled within the existing structures of the social order as then constituted. --J. Steven OMalley Asbury Theological Seminary Author Biography: Eric Jonas Swensson is both a historian and an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church and works as an independent researcher primarily in the area of Luther Studies and Spener-Francke Pietism. This is his first monograph.