When we think about history, we may think about events that took place centuries ago. But history also takes place within our lifetime. That is the case, at least for me, of the events described in the Jesus Revolution.
This is the story of the beginnings of the Jesus People movement. It focuses on the pastor of a small church in California named Chuck Smith and his encounter with a Jesus hippie named Lonnie Frisbee. Woven through this is the story of young man named Greg Laurie who is shaped by both men.
In the late 60s, the hippie movement was taking the United States by storm. Many in mainstream America struggled to make sense of the hippies, none more so than the church. But what happens when hippies start showing up for church?
Many of the hippies who became Jesus People did so outside of the influence of the organized church. Many churches were not not sure how or if they wanted to welcome these long-haired freaky people.
The Jesus Revolution tells part of this story. But what we need to remember is that this is a movie and not a documentary. They definitely gloss over some details, including Lonnie’s sexuality. However, the movie does give a nice taste of what was happening during this period.
Perhaps one of the most historically significant aspects of the Jesus Revolution is that it is one of the first Christian movies that is of good quality.
I enjoyed the movie. Many of the things that the contemporary church takes for granted was birthed at that time in the late 60s and early 70s. We are impacted today by what happened half a century ago.
