When Jesus Met Hippies: The Story and Legacy of the Jesus People Movement in the UK

by Andrew Whitman

Overview

Step into the mesmerizing world of the 1960s and 70s, where counterculture clashes, societal shifts, and spiritual quests set the stage for a transformation unlike any other. Embark on a captivating journey through 'When Jesus met Hippies,' a profound exploration that delves deep into the powerful ripples of the Jesus People Movement (JPM). Akin to a revival, a revolution, and a movement rolled into one, this movement turned hippies into unwavering followers of Jesus. Traversing over half a century, from the birth of the JPM to our modern era, this compelling book contemplates the enduring legacy of a heaven-sent revival that many believe had the potency to reshape faith and culture. Was it truly a revival, a spiritual awakening, or a singular movement with its own distinct identity? Step back to the colourful streets of post-war America where the JPM found its roots, led by once-hippie converts who took to the streets to share their newfound faith with kindred spirits. Set against a backdrop of a church grappling to relate to the evolving counterculture, this vibrant movement emerged, captivating headlines and hearts alike. Commune-style houses became centres of discipleship, and the fire ignited within the new believers, crossed borders, reaching Europe and beyond. 'When Jesus Met Hippies' adeptly navigates the multitude of perspectives that envelop the JPM. Was it a revival, steeped in centuries of spiritual tradition? Or was it a revolution, a profound upheaval of hearts and minds in sync with history's awakenings? Scholars, historians, and participants all contribute, each vantage point revealing intricate layers. Even as the movement faded, its resonance persisted, adapting into new forms and inspiring missions that safeguarded its spirit. Zooming in, the book unravels intimate stories interwoven with the JPM – a mosaic of lives molded by its transformative power. Expanding to a wider lens, the American landscape unfolds, spotlighting the movement's dynamic evolution. Simultaneously, across the Atlantic, a symphony of echoes blends with local melodies. 'When Jesus Met Hippies' beckons you to journey into history, to mull over a legacy that dared to redefine faith, culture, and community. Engage with spirited debates, immerse yourself in personal narratives, and peel back the layers of a movement whose resonance remains. Meticulous research and insightful analysis fill these pages, capturing the essence of a generation's quest for truth and purpose, and how its echoes linger on in our world. As the fifty-year jubilee of the JPM passes, the call for revival resounds more urgently than ever. Could we be on the brink of another transformation? Venture into 'When Jesus Met Hippies' and unlock the past, unravel the present, and catch a glimpse of a future shaped by the enduring echoes of a movement that irrevocably altered the course of history. 'When Jesus met Hippies' hands the baton of revival to a new generation of Christian leaders.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781915046727
Publisher:	Malcolm Down Publishing
Publication date:	11/24/2023
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Andrew Whitman was born in 1953. University introduced him to a hippy lifestyle, but in 1971, his siblings embraced Christianity. Drawn to a Christian rock musical in 1973, he found faith for himself. After a transformative encounter with Jesus, he immersed himself in the Bible and fellowship. His journey led to involvement in Campus Crusade for Christ, forming a Christian rock band, and ultimately, lifelong ministry.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Jesus People Beginnings 1. When Jesus Strides in The Echoes Sound Out 2. This Is Your Life but Not on The Television 3. The Jesus People Make Their Colourful Marks in Life 4. Welcome to The Swinging Sixties Or Permissive Society Part 2: Jesus People Seasons 5. Liberation Is Front And Centre of This Jesus Community 6. Meet The Army Marching on Its Spiritual Stomach 7. Throw This Frisbee And He Will Fly Back Quickly 8. Blessitt as He Carries The Cross through Your Town 9. A Festival Hits The Capital before Going Nationwide 10. Turned onto Jesus but Turned off The Bad Trip 11. Norman Is as Happy as Larry on The Road 12. Bow to The Monarch Who United The Kingdom 13. God Doesn’t Lead His Children down Blind Alleys 14. Experience A Good Spree with Little Retail Therapy 15. If It Is Too Hot in The Kitchen Don’t Get Out 16. The Extended Family Whose Door Is Always Open 17. God Has A Squad That Motors at Full Throttle 18. Make Way for The Troubadour Worship-Leaders 19. The Rolling Stone That Gathered A Lot of Moss 20. Jews Given Pole Position in Hearing About Jesus 21. The Church That Can Come Together Stays Together 22. You Can Trust Deo Gloria to Make Jesus Famous 23. When Jesus Says GO Get Your Skates on Quickly 24. The Tragedy of Calvary That Launches A Happy Chapel 25. Not Built on A Brown Field Site but on Greenbelt 26. A New Wineskin Is Crafted in The Vineyard 27. These Amplifiers Buzz with The Rhythms of The Cross Part 3: Jesus People Predictions 28. Inhabiting The Big Story of God’s Lasting Friendship 29. Your Older Men And Women Will Dream Revival Dreams 30. Your Younger Men And Women Will See Revival Visions 31. The Holy Spirit Poured Out on Everyone in The Last Days

What People are Saying About This

Rev. Andy du Feu

An absolutely engrossing read from the very first page. Andy takes us into the psychedelic fabric of the Jesus People Movement, offering a candid, insider perspective of the messiness, vibrancy, and spirituality of a unique moment in both Church history and pop culture. What struck me was not just the prominent figures like Wimber, Kendrick, and Green, but the profound impact on regular men and women when the traditional church struggled for traction. Andy showcases how the Jesus People didn't just combat church decline; they brought something fresh, a movement that revitalised faith across nations, with echoes reverberating to this day. The book masterfully weaves stories from countless angles into a cohesive narrative of God's hidden work – transforming lives, breaking addictions, mending brokenness, and embracing the lonely into His family. The depth of colour and richness of detail are astounding – I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

Larry Eskridge

Andrew Whitman’s 'When Jesus met Hippies' has done yeoman work in highlighting the heretofore underrated impact of the 1970's Jesus People movement upon the evolution of the British religious scene. Far from being merely an American import, Whitman demonstrates that the Jesus People in their UK manifestations developed distinctive adaptations of the movement within a British context that have had profound knock-on effects down into the present-day. 'When Jesus Met the Hippies' is a must-read for those interested in both the international dimensions of the Jesus People movement, and the forces that have shaped contemporary evangelicalism in the UK.

Gareth Lloyd-Jones

I am deeply thankful to Andrew for this scholarly and insightful book. Through it, may God illuminate your mind, stir your spirit, and kindle your faith for another profound movement of His Spirit!

J.John

I wholeheartedly welcome this well-researched account of the multifaceted and lasting impacts of the Jesus Movement on the British church. This work serves a dual purpose: preserving what might otherwise be forgotten and raising essential and pertinent questions about the church's response when God's Spirit is at work.