America Is Too Young to Die

by Leonard Ravenhill

This message is meant to avert the untimely death of a "child" among nations. The author says we are failing to save the contented from the curse of compromise, imitation, and professionalism and that it is time "to quit playing church.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 1979

About the author

Very little biographical information is available for Leonard Ravenhill. He rarely spoke of himself which is likely a reflection of his belief in exalting Christ and not self. Most of what we know about Ravenhill is from sources that knew him and the details he provided in sermons. He was an evangelist born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England in 1907 and was used by God in revivals in Great Brittan before moving to American in 1950. Leonard Ravenhill was known for his focus on revival and his writing on the subject including the popular title, Why Revival Tarries.
Ravenhill preached in churches of many denominations, but was not ordained by any. His preaching is marked by calling sinners to repentance, insisting Christians live lives marked by holiness, and encouraging deeper prayer lives. Ravenhill claims to have been saved at age 14, but says he was baptized by the Holy Spirit at age 18 indicating belief in a Pentecostal system. However, Ravenhill also said he never spoke in tongues and said that baptism of the Holy Spirit is the same thing Wesley called sanctification and also said the only evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is holy living. He rejected Christian Perfection, but preached a Wesleyan-Holiness higher Christian life theology. Ravenhill speaks of John Wesley frequently and wrote a biographical sketch of him. Wesley’s influence on Ravenhill is apparent.
Leonard Ravenhill was a mentor to Keith Green of Last Days Ministries based in Texas. Later in his life, Leonard moved to Texas close to Last Day Ministries where he led a weekly prayer meeting and taught classes before dying in November of 1994.

Reviews

[Ben Keeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading Ravenhill...They don’t make em like they used to. He’s a bit of an alarmist...or are the rest of us not alarmed enough?

[Lily Van Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it like 3 times. It's sooo good. I changed so much when I read this. Spiritually. This will set you on fire and you will light up anyone that comes into your path with the power of God.

[Trent Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravenhill’s perspective of America from his UK perspective proves his love and dedication to the US as a mission field. His insights have been fleshed out even more so today than when this book was written in ‘79.

Of course, as typical with most 20th century evangelists, there was some escapism present in the beginning and middle of the book, but Ravenhill wrapped this up nicely and I don’t have any issue with his overall position of looking ahead to Heaven.

This book does exactly what you’d think it does. It prophetically describes the issues at hand in ‘79 and how they will play out in the 21st century (spoiler: he was right) and then continues to describe the solutions to said issues: Christians returning to their first love.

Quite a motivating read, I’d recommend it if you’re needing a little kick to the pants.

[Reggie Byrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical Ravenhill. He Tells It Like It Is.

Considering when this book was written, I can tell you, Ravenhill was a prophet. Everything he warns about has come to pass here in the 21st Century in America. This book sounds warnings which we, the church, did not heed, but mocked and laughed at. God’s going to get the last laugh, I assure you.

[George Hunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written in 1979, much of what Ravenhill writes is applicable to the modern American Church today. It is a call to repentance. It is a call to revival. It is a call for the church to end its charade and get serious about living for the King of Kings. This book is a much-needed message in our world today, evermore so than when it was first penned.

[Kristin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um...this book was a little too intense for me. I'm really glad that other people felt inspired by it, but I just felt like suggesting to Mr. Ravenhill that he consider switching to decaf.

[Troy Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leonard Ravenhill goes hard.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravenhill tells it like it is. What he wrote back in the mid-70's is even more relevant today. A wake-up call to the church.

[Joanna Fruhauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Leonard Ravenhill! A powerful and passionate wake-up call. Ravenhill challenges the Church and believers to live with urgency, faithfulness, and uncompromising devotion to God. Thought-provoking, convicting, and inspiring—a must-read for anyone concerned about the spiritual state of our nation. Even though it was written several decades ago, there are truths in this powerful little book that are timeless!

[Malissa Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely must read for all believers

It reminds us just how much lukewarm Christianity is no evidence of Christianity at all. What the church today needs is repentance, prayer, real prophets and revival! It is time out to stop playing church and return to God's law.

[Victoria Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Ravenhill has written a rousing call to revival in vernacular a child could understand. I am reminded that true patriots cannot compromise their Christianity in pursuit of political correctness; we must each be passionately walking hand in hand with Jesus himself if America is to survive.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth will set you free!

Leonard Ravenhill never speaks in shadows, but in clear, precise truthful words. Oh God, that we would have ears to hear and eyes to see....

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right on the money. 📖🇺🇸⛪️

[Miki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting a book on the level of "Why Revival Tarries" but unfortunately this one didn't measure up. Skip this one and read the one mentioned.

[Kawika Berthelette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic call to turn back to God as a country! We so often live double lives and Ravenhill exposes this in a very straight forward manner! I highly recommend for every Christian!

[Raji-babatunde Idowu]

following God's plan for your life