When I first saw the title of this book, I knew I had to have a copy. Revival is my field of research and I enjoy studying the role of women and the Spirit in church--which meant this book fell into my area of interest. Hyatt provides an interesting, if at times eclectic, account of various revival movements, beginning with the early church. However, I found some of her broader conclusions to be based on a limited perspective of church, due I believe to her background in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. Revival seemed to be defined by modern charismatic manifestations or by ascendency of blatant egalitarian view points. This definition, by nature, eliminates certain movements.

Hyatt documents the correlation of revival movements and the expanded role of women in the church. She concludes that participation and acknowledgement of the Holy Spirit prompt this union. "Always in times of revival, there was that mysterious uplift of women by the Spirit towards equality with men," writes Hyatt (1998, p. x). Certainly Hyatt has not been the first to note the changed role of women during Christian revival movements, yet she presents the clearest case for this change being the result of Holy Spirit I have encountered. To present her point Hyatt provides a chronological record of major movements in church history, featuring "important" people.

The first two chapters provide a synopsis of the New Testaments view of women, and a view of how far from that practice we have come. I particularly appreciated her comments on the fruits of biblically unsound teaching. "The first is bad; it does not resemble the fruit of the Spirit in any respect," Hyatt writes (1998, p.9). While the book will interest a large audience, its target is the "spirit" field Christian of Charismatic and Pentecostal tradition--those who should (in theory) be especially concerned about spiritual fruits. She stresses the need for us to be Spirit lead in our dealings with one another and points out that bad fruits prove we aren't.

By the third chapter, Hyatt turns to historical information. She cites precedents for women's roles from the early church and how early church members relied on the Holy Spirit. This provides a contrast to the fourth chapter in which pagan ideas infiltrate the early church. Christians begin to seek structure instead of the Spirit. This trend continues with the notable exception of the Montanists until the Friends emerge under Fox. Again, while I understand Hyatt's purpose, I regret that the works of Pietists like Jakob Spener or even some of the Puritans (as well as some of the wonderful Catholic movements) aren't covered. They have been excluded because they do not manifest being Spirit lead in the modern Charismatic sense, and their teaching did not fully reach modern egalitarian standards. I am also concerned with the tendency to find precedence in heretical groups. If we believe the Holy Spirit taught groups like the Montanists and Cathars to elevate women (assuming they did in fact elevate women), we have to wonder if the Spirit also taught them extreme dualism. Of course, those are criticisms from someone who specializes in revival movements and probably should not disturb a more general audience. I would say, however, that anyone seeking to form a teaching or a sermon should familiarize themselves with various movements-not only the ones presented in this book.

Chapter five presents the modern Charismatic movement--and its failures. Even if you are not charismatic or pentecostal, this chapter provides very important information. Many of us don't realize it, but charismatics/pentecostals are now the second largest Christian group in the world-second only to the Catholic church. (Surprised, huh?) Even if you personally aren't a part of it, the world-wide church is deeply impacted by this movement. Of course, we should know its strengths (obviously, Mrs. Hyatt is Charismatic and so am I)--and its weaknesses.

Chapters 6-8 provide Scriptural foundations for women's roles and practical tips on living up to those ideals.

I recommend this book more for studying the movement of the Holy Spirit than for studying revival movements. In fact, I find it an excellent book for a general audience (to which it was intended), though more academic and clerical folks should seek some of the details over looked in the desire to convey broad concepts.

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