An interesting, and terrifying, thought from Scripture

I recently read through the end of 2 Chronicles, and one thing that strikes me is that the great Passover held by Josiah is followed rather quickly by the final descent of Judah into idolatry and exile.  It mirrors, really, the previous cycles of revival and apostasy found throughout the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, and the question has come to mind of whether the revival was real, or whether it was just a superficial observance of Passover (etc.) that made little difference in the everyday lives of the people.  

I'm leaning towards the latter, and that seems to be evidenced by the fact that the sacred groves and high places always came back--as soon as the King's soldiers were gone, as far as I can tell.  

And what does that mean today?  Well, we might consider that fundagelicalism's love of programs and big events has something of a parallel here, and we ought to see if there really are long term benefits, or whether it's "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing", to paraphrase MacBeth.  I must, regrettably, agree with MacBeth regarding many of these events.  There are other, better ways of getting the job done.