The Asbury Revival and the Heisenberg Effect.
The Asbury Revival and the Heisenberg Effect.
I’m rejoicing in what appears to be an authentic revival among the students of Asbury University. Revivals have occurred there on numerous occasions, though the last significant and widely reported revival, which took place 53 years ago had rather far reaching implications.
Today, with the advent of social media and streaming technologies, news of an event like this can travel around the globe in a matter of hours. Previously, days, weeks, even months could pass before significant numbers of people would learn of the news.
While this might, under certain circumstances, be useful, it can also be unhelpful, even harmful. The Heisenberg Effect, a term more at home in the study of physics, enjoys sociological implications as well. That is, the mere act of observing a phenomenon can actually alter its state and outcome. When you consider our ability to learn of events, and broadcast them in real time, coupled with our tendency to label and categorize, to transpose, exaggerate, hype and otherwise impose our own constructs, or even exploit events like this, it seems only prudent to engage circumspectly, to simply rejoice in what God appears to be doing at Asbury, rather than prematurely analyze, advertise, or invade.
I’ve observed, over the last several years, the poisonous effects of hyperbole as too many sought to make too much of passing trends, momentary events and personalities, and simple anomalies, announcing with grandstanding certainty that we were entering a sea change moment that promised the renewal and awakening we’ve so long awaited. Then – nothing. Hyperbole had once again swept through, leaving in its wake discouraged, disillusioned and increasingly cynical Christians wondering if the stories of earlier outpourings were actually little more than hopeful myths.
If this event signals the approach of the renewal and awakening we’ve been anticipating and praying for, then it will be ubiquitous – no need to chase it down. No need to rashly label it, or turn it into the equivalent of a reality television show, especially since the very presence of cameras and observation not only impairs and warps reality, but can easily turn those in the camera’s focus into performers.
Personally, I thrilled at the news. It offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal to the students of Asbury at a time when many younger Christians are battling cynicism. It might also very well signal the nearness of a true global outpouring of the Holy Spirit, bringing renewal to the Church, and a spiritual awakening to the earth.
I’m watching, praying, and patiently waiting. Meanwhile, I’m prepared only to give thanks for Asbury University’s visitation, pray that it visits more campuses, and to quietly observe and ponder its meaning and what it might portend. Beyond that is nothing more that conjecture and speculation, the last thing we need more of now.
