The form and power of religion : John Wesley on Methodist vitality / Laura Bartels Felleman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Felleman, Laura Bartels.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Wesley, John, 1703-1791.

Wesley, John.

Methodism--History.

Methodism.

History.

Physical Description:

xii, 105 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Eugene, Or. : Cascade Books, 2012.

Summary:

In "Thoughts Upon Methodism," John Wesley shared his hopes and fears for the future of his religious movement. The article contains this well-known passage: "I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid, lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case, unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out." The Form and Power of Religion unpacks this statement by explaining what Wesley meant by the form and power of religion, identifying what Methodist Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline were according to Wesley, and discussing how these aspects of Methodism worked together to maintain the vitality of the Revival. The book concludes with an evaluation of Wesley's theory of Methodist Vitality, and discusses its viability as a basis for contemporary Church Vitality programs. Book jacket.

Contents:

1 Advising Christian Readers 1

2 Ordering Methodist Doctrine 12

3 Experiencing the Methodist Spirit 36

4 Examining Methodist Discipline 60

5 Designing Methodist Vitality 85.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 99-102) and an index.

ISBN:

1610977785

9781610977784

OCLC:

819631590

Publisher Number:

99954165943