Earlier this year I wrote a book review of Larry Martin’s 2024 biography of William J. Seymour, published by Influence Magazine. I highly recommend the book and enjoyed writing this review that encapsulates my appreciation for the way Martin frames Seymour’s importance. https://influencemagazine.com/en/Reviews/Simple-Obedience-Profound-Influence-Humble-Leadership

Reading back over this review, I am struck by these words I write about how Martin manages the tension between hagiography (the best version of the story) and history (the honest details) when it comes to Azusa. Here is what I wrote:

“I am deeply grateful for Martin’s attention to the tragic side of Seymour’s story. It can be very easy to glorify the past and celebrate revivals as ‘heaven on earth.’ But history tells us this was far from the case.

Yes, many miracles took place, but many injustices also happened. We cannot allow nostalgia to override the truth of the past. We must confront the reality that while Frank Bartleman may have observed that the “color line was washed away in the blood,” the issues of racism and white superiority were instrumental in its demise.

By God’s grace, Pentecostalism spread, and today is the fastest-growing segment of Christianity. But that is a testimony to God’s mercy, not a tribute to our forbearers’ spiritual integrity. The stories about the ugly side of the early Pentecostal movement are just as crucial for us to understand as the stories of the miracles. They teach us that behind the glory, there are human realities that must be guarded against.

If it can happen at Azusa Street, the most significant historical revival, then it can happen on Main Street today. We can’t fix the past, but we can work towards the vision Pastor Seymour gave the world.”

I am deeply appreciative of Larry Martin’s work as a historian. He is a tireless researcher who uncovered many wonderful details on William Seymour’s life. I also admire his integrity for not glossing over the difficult things he also found. Most people tell the Asuza story in all its glory. Yes, it was glorious, but it also had some ugliness that impacted Seymour’s life.

The story of Seymour reminds me of something my Pastor used to say when discussing how Biblical characters make headscratchingly bad decisions. He used to say, “The only hero in the Bible is God.” That is true in history and for us in the present. There are no heroes in the body of Christ, only humans. There are numerous good leaders in the church today who do the right things without fanfare. However, there are also good people who do terrible things, even among Christians. And, terrible people who do good things, even as leaders in the church. The more we learn about our history, the more this rings true.

Today, we still fall into the trap of believing that celebrity is equated with theological correctness and holiness. While at the same time, our headlines are filled with famous leaders being exposed for the most despicable behavior. Pentecostalism has not been immune from this ugly reality. In fact, we seem to have more than our fair share. But, we can learn from Seymour’s story that faithfulness, holiness, and integrity still matter.

I encourage you to check out my review, and more importantly, to pick up a copy of Martin’s book. https://www.amazon.com/William-J-Seymour-Pentecostal-Trailblazer/dp/B0C8C9YN4P