The story is from 1841, and contains Zuendel's -- a Swiss pastor -- account of the bizarre events surrounding Gottlievin Dittus. While one of his intentions is the historical defense of the events surrounding Blumhardt and Gottlievin Dittus, he obviously intends to speak to the issue of the church's reaction to extreme instances of spiritual warfare and unusual movements of the Holy Spirit as well.
He handles that account with humility and theological and personal sensitivity. Zuendel's use of Blumhardt's letters from the time not only lend credence to the alleged events, but also paint a picture of a very careful pastor who battled with own his feelings over the possession. Blumhardt approached each situation by putting on the full armor of God. The book states that when things took a serious turn, he would pray with a friend. "Together we searched through the Bible, determined not to go any further than Scripture led us." It's that humility and honesty, blended with a devout biblical faith in the continuing work of Jesus Christ through the Spirit, that made such an impression on me. And ultimately made me reconsider my suspicions about the book.
Not only did Blumhardt encounter the spiritual fight, but also resistance from the local authorities. In spite of those obstacles, he saw a true spiritual awakening in his parish. While the book is about demonic activity, it's even more about repentance, confession, and reconciliation and peace that comes from Christ.
Which makes this a book for believer and skeptic alike.
If you're a glutton for those sensationalized accounts of spiritual possession, you should pick up this book. Because it reframes and challenges so much of what passes for "spiritual warfare" in Christian publishing these days. You find here a genuine account of what that warfare not only looks like, but the tolls it takes on the lives of those affected, and the good that the cross of Jesus Christ brings to a broken and terrified world.
Because the book doesn't end with the account of demon possession. The final section is the real gift that Zuendel has given us. There, we see the vitality and openness of the Church at its best in the midst of spiritual warfare. That revival in the Black Forest is the real spiritual warfare of the book.
And it made The Awakening one of the most refreshing stories about spiritual warfare I've ever encountered. Blumhardt's humility and pastoral sensitivity enrich this story in ways that probably account for why he's been so under-appreciated in academic circles. And the Church's obvious reluctance to acknowledge the revival in the midst is perhaps understandable, too, but ultimately regrettable.
There are so many lessons in this book from the nineteenth century for 2015. Be sure to read it this year.
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I received a free copy of this book from Plough Publishing in exchange for my honest review here.