renewalist

A renewalist is a person or a movement described as seeking renewal or revitalization within a religious tradition. The term is broad and not tied to a single organization, and its precise meaning varies by historical and regional context.

In Christian usage, renewalism often refers to movements within Pentecostal and charismatic streams that emphasize the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, personal conversion, spiritual renewal, and the exercise of spiritual gifts such as prophecy, healing, and tongues. Renewalist groups typically seek to revitalize worship, mission, and social engagement through renewed expressions of faith.

In Islamic studies, renewalism (sometimes framed as reformist renewal) denotes currents that aim to renew practice and understanding by returning to primary sources, applying reason (ijtihad), and addressing modern social and political issues. Renewalists may advocate alignments with broader reformist traditions while seeking continuity with core Islamic beliefs.

Beyond Christianity and Islam, renewalist tendencies appear in other religious traditions as well, where communities pursue reinterpretation and modernized practice to preserve relevance, ethics, and communal vitality without abandoning foundational principles.

Scholarly usage differs on whether renewalism should be distinguished from revivalism, reformism, or fundamentalism. Proponents view renewal as essential for adapting faith communities to contemporary life, while critics may contend that renewal can risk diluting tradition. The label remains contested and dependent on its historical and cultural setting.