The Jesus Revolution

The Jesus Revolution

The Jesus Revolution

In 2015, I watched the faith-based movie, Woodland. It is a very good Christian movie and talked a lot about Jesus. The setting was in the 1970s. It talked about The Jesus Movement.

The Jesus Revolution - Time Magazine Cover
The Jesus Revolution – Time Magazine Cover

The Jesus Revolution started in the 1960’s and by the 70’s it got its media exposure.

The Jesus Revolution was even featured and on the cover of Time magazine June 21, 1971 Vol. 27 No. 25 (see image in this blog post). In order to read the full article online at Time, you must have a subscription. The article was entitled “The Alternative Jesus: Psychedelic Christ

Below is a snip-it of the that “The Alternative Jesus: Psychedelic Christ” article:

JESUS CHRIST
ALIAS: THE MESSIAH, THE SON OF GOD, KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS, PRINCE OF PEACE, ETC.

  • Notorious leader of an underground liberation movement
  • Wanted for the following charges:
    • Practicing medicine, winemaking and food distribution without a license.
    • Interfering with businessmen in the temple.
    • Associating with known criminals, radicals, subversives, prostitutes and street people.
    • Claiming to have the authority to make people into God’s children.
  • APPEARANCE: Typical hippie type—long hair, beard, robe, sandals.
  • Hangs around slum areas, few rich friends, often sneaks out into the desert.

BEWARE: This man is extremely dangerous. His insidiously inflammatory message is particularly dangerous to young people who haven’t been taught to ignore him yet. He changes men and claims to set them free.

WARNING: HE IS STILL AT LARGE!

I have no clue what the rest of the article says. But you are welcome to read the full story if you wish. They do have a monthly subscription rate and a yearly subscription rate.  You must have a subscription to read the full article too. To read the full article visit: content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,905202,00.html

The reason Jesus is still at large is because He is Alive. Jesus is the true King. He died for us and arose from the dead. Jesus can change anyone. The Bible says we are a new creation with Him. (2 Corinthians 5:17). Once you do accept Jesus you do become a child of God. Yes, Jesus is the great Physician. He is the ultimate healer. Sometimes we are not healed here on earth, but for a child of God, we get ultimate healing in a gloried new body in Heaven.

Below are a couple of ministries that want to get the Jesus Movement going back to have a Jesus Revolution. Will you join in and share Jesus to others? You don’t have to go to a big event to experience a Jesus Revolution, all you have to do is what we are called to do … Share the Gospel! Tell everyone about Jesus. People you know, people you love, work with, go to school with, are shopping by you, live near you … Everyone you come in contact with is an opportunity to share the gospel.

2016 Pulse Reset

Together with Nick Hall and Pulse Reset (Reset 2016 – Together 2016) wants to help bring back The Jesus Revolution. Their dream is to see one million people stand together for Jesus on the National Mall (Washington, DC). Jesus changes everything! Even religion doesn’t unite. We believe only Jesus can bring us together. July 16, 2016, is the day our generation will meet on the National Mall to come together around Jesus in unified prayer, worship, and a call for catalytic change. July 16, 2016 is the day when this generation lays down what divides us and lifts up Jesus who unites us. This Reset is called Together 2016.

Unity like the Ants

Interesting I just recently posted about Unity and we should come together for Jesus in this blog Post: Unity: The Floating Ants

Harvest America Involvement

Greg Laurie with Harvest America is wishing to help the Jesus Movement to make the Jesus Revolution come back to life again. Harvest America is chance for you to make a stand for Jesus Christ and let others know about Him, just like in Woodlawn. It’s a nationwide proclamation of the gospel! Streamed live from an arena in Texas, the Good News will be preached to thousands of locations across the United States—including homes, churches, and public venues—on March 6, 2016.

In 2021, a different a documentary came out about this movement with a focus on music. It was called Jesus Music.

In 2023, a movie came out about this moment. I haven’t got to watch it yet.

More on the Jesus Revolution

The information below has been added is AI Generated.

The Jesus Revolution of the 1970s was a cultural and spiritual movement that swept across America, bringing a message of love, peace, and hope to a generation that was disillusioned with traditional religion and skeptical of authority figures. It was a time of social upheaval, with civil rights, anti-war, and feminist movements gaining momentum. Against this backdrop, a new kind of Christianity emerged, one that was characterized by a vibrant, youthful energy, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

The roots of the Jesus Revolution can be traced back to the late 1960s, when a group of young people began gathering in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco, which was the epicenter of the counterculture movement. These “Jesus freaks,” as they were called, were a motley crew of hippies, drug addicts, and runaways, who had experienced a personal transformation through their encounters with Jesus Christ.

Their message was simple: that Jesus was not just a historical figure, but a living presence in their lives, who had set them free from the bondage of sin and given them a new purpose and meaning. They preached on street corners, in coffeehouses, and at rock concerts, and their unconventional style and unorthodox approach to evangelism soon drew a following.

The Jesus Revolution quickly spread beyond San Francisco, as other cities across the country began to experience a similar spiritual awakening. Christian communes, or “Jesus communities,” sprang up in cities and towns across America, as young people sought to live out their faith in community with one another. They shared their possessions, pooled their resources, and lived together in a spirit of love and mutual support.

The music of the Jesus Revolution was also a key factor in its success. The Jesus People, as they came to be known, embraced the music of the counterculture, but infused it with Christian lyrics and themes. Christian rock bands like Petra, Resurrection Band, and DeGarmo & Key emerged, and their music was played on secular radio stations, bringing the message of Jesus to a wider audience.

The Jesus Revolution also had a significant impact on the wider church, as traditional denominations began to incorporate elements of the Jesus People’s style and approach into their own worship services. Contemporary Christian music, which had its roots in the Jesus Revolution, became an integral part of many churches, and the idea of a more informal, participatory style of worship gained acceptance.

The legacy of the Jesus Revolution can still be seen today, in the vibrant, youthful energy of many modern churches, and in the ongoing popularity of contemporary Christian music. The movement helped to break down the barriers between traditional Christianity and the counterculture, and showed that it was possible to be both a follower of Jesus and a member of the youth culture.

In many ways, the Jesus Revolution was a response to the spiritual hunger of a generation that was searching for meaning and purpose in a world that seemed to be falling apart. It offered a message of hope and a sense of community, and showed that it was possible to find a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As such, it remains an important and inspiring chapter in the history of American Christianity.

The Jesus Revolution was not only a spiritual movement but also a social movement that challenged the prevailing social norms of the time. The Jesus People rejected the materialism and consumerism of American society and embraced a simpler, more communal way of life. They practiced radical forms of discipleship, including communal living, voluntary poverty, and nonviolence.

The movement also had a significant impact on race relations. Many Jesus communities were interracial, and the Jesus People actively sought to break down the barriers of racism and segregation that had long plagued American society. They worked to bridge the gap between black and white communities, and many were involved in civil rights activism.

The Jesus Revolution was not without its critics, however. Some conservative Christians saw the movement as a dangerous departure from traditional Christian doctrine and accused the Jesus People of promoting a watered-down, feel-good version of Christianity. Others saw the movement as a passing fad that would soon fade away.

Despite these criticisms, the Jesus Revolution had a lasting impact on American Christianity. It paved the way for the emergence of contemporary Christian music, which remains a vibrant and influential genre to this day. It also helped to popularize the idea of small-group Bible studies, which are now a common feature of many churches.

Perhaps most importantly, the Jesus Revolution showed that Christianity could be relevant and meaningful to young people, and that it was possible to live out one’s faith in a radical, counter-cultural way. The movement inspired a new generation of Christians who sought to follow Jesus in a way that was both authentic and engaged with the world around them.

Influential Speakers of the Jesus Revolution

The Jesus Revolution was a decentralized movement, and there were many different speakers and leaders who played a role in its development. Some of the most influential figures in the movement included:

  1. Chuck Smith – A pastor in Costa Mesa, California, who founded Calvary Chapel, which became a hub for the Jesus People in Southern California.
  2. Lonnie Frisbee – A charismatic evangelist who was instrumental in spreading the message of the Jesus Revolution in California. He was a key figure in the founding of Calvary Chapel and also helped to launch the Vineyard movement.
  3. David Wilkerson – A pastor and author who wrote “The Cross and the Switchblade,” which chronicled his ministry to gang members and drug addicts in New York City. Wilkerson’s message of hope and redemption resonated with many in the Jesus Movement.
  4. Keith Green – A singer-songwriter who became a prominent voice in the Christian music scene. His music was heavily influenced by the Jesus Revolution, and he used his platform to encourage Christians to live out their faith in radical ways.
  5. Francis Schaeffer – A theologian and author who founded the L’Abri community in Switzerland, which became a haven for many disillusioned young people. Schaeffer’s emphasis on the importance of personal relationships and community was a key influence on the Jesus Revolution.

These are just a few of the many speakers and leaders who played a role in the Jesus Revolution. The movement was characterized by a diverse array of voices and perspectives, and many people found their own unique way of expressing their faith and engaging with the world around them.

Although Billy Graham was a prominent Christian leader during the time of the Jesus Revolution in the 1970s, he was not directly involved in the movement. Graham was known for his evangelistic crusades, which often drew large crowds of people seeking spiritual renewal. However, his style of preaching and emphasis on traditional Christian values were not always aligned with the countercultural ethos of the Jesus Revolution.

influential Christian bands during the Jesus Revolution

Christian music played a significant role in the Jesus Revolution, and many bands and musicians emerged during this time who helped to shape the movement and its message. Some of the most influential Christian bands during the Jesus Revolution included:

  1. Love Song – A band from Southern California that was one of the first groups to pioneer the Jesus Music genre. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1972, became a defining album of the Jesus Revolution.
  2. Keith Green – Although primarily known as a solo artist, Keith Green was also part of a group called the “Keith Green Family,” which included his wife and several other musicians. Green’s music was heavily influenced by the Jesus Revolution, and he used his platform to challenge Christians to live out their faith in radical ways.
  3. Larry Norman – A singer-songwriter and guitarist who is often credited with founding the Jesus Music genre. His music was characterized by its raw, unpolished sound and its often controversial lyrics.
  4. Andraé Crouch and the Disciples – A gospel group that blended traditional gospel music with elements of funk, soul, and R&B. Their music was a fusion of many different styles and helped to bridge the gap between black and white Christian communities.
  5. The Second Chapter of Acts – A sibling trio that became known for their tight harmonies and folk-influenced sound. Their music was deeply spiritual and helped to inspire many young people during the Jesus Revolution.

These are just a few of the many Christian bands and musicians who were active during the Jesus Revolution. Their music provided a soundtrack for the movement and helped to spread its message of love, peace, and community to a wider audience. Many of these artists continue to be revered within the Christian music community today, and their influence can still be felt in the contemporary Christian music scene.

In conclusion, the Jesus Revolution was a significant cultural and spiritual movement that emerged in the 1970s. It offered a message of hope and love to a generation that was disillusioned with traditional religion and skeptical of authority figures. The movement challenged social norms and promoted a simpler, more communal way of life. Its impact can still be seen today, in the vibrant and diverse landscape of American Christianity.

#JesusChangesEverything #JesusMovement #JesusRevolution


Note: This post was originally written in 2015 way before the 2023 Movie came out, which I haven’t seen yet. The last update in 2023 added a lot more details about this movement.

First published November 10, 2015. Last updated or republished February 25, 2023.

Subscribe To Courageous Christian Father!


Subscribe

Don’t miss any blog posts! Subscribe today! You can subscribe via WordPress or by entering your email! Thank you!

Follow Courageous Christian Father on WordPress.com

Join 1,604 other subscribers

Don’t forget to also share blog posts you love on your favorite social media too! Thank you! Sharing is caring!

Follow Steve Sews on Social Media


Below are some examples of blog entries from all the blogs that I do. (Courageous Christian Father, Steve Sews Stuff, and SteveZ DesignZ). 

Loading RSS Feed

Recent Posts

  • Dollar tree to raise their prices again
    Dollar tree, to raise their prices again — In a recent earnings call, Dollar Tree, Inc. announced that it will be adjusting its price points for certain items yet again. Here are the key details:
  • 20th anniversary of the powerful film, “The Passion of the Christ.”
    20th anniversary of the powerful film, “The Passion of the Christ.” In 2004, director Mel Gibson brought to the big screen a visceral and unflinching portrayal of the final hours of Jesus Christ. The film, aptly titled “The Passion of the Christ,” chronicles the agony, betrayal, arrest, torture, and crucifixion of Jesus. Here are some key points to reflect upon:
  • No Bones About It — Jesus is Alive!
    The phrase ‘No Bones About It’ is often used as well to state a fact with no doubt meaning Christ arose from the dead His bones were never found! Jesus Christ is surely alive!
  • Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
    Maundy Thursday we don’t hear about this day too much, especially as a Baptist. Holy Week, that starts on Palm Sunday, week before the resurrection of Christ. Maundy Thursday falls the day before Good Friday and Easter. This is just a short write up on this day. #MaundyThursday #HolyThursday
  • Searching for Christ
    Why do we go searching for Christ as if He is lost and someone to be found. We have it wrong it’s the other way around, Christ is seeking us who is lost so we can be found!

Thank You For Reading Courageous Christian Father!


Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and like this blog post.

About the Author

Author: Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

2 thoughts on “The Jesus Revolution

  1. Hi

    Great Site and Articles. I am the producer on the upcoming documentary “Hippies and the Jesus Revolution”. I would love to talk to you about our film and your site…thanks and God Bless

    Chris McCartney

Feel free to share your comment! Thank you!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.