The practical and theological development of eighteenth-century Methodism.

The year 2003 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of John Wesley. Wesley did not originate the Evangelical Revival, which was transatlantic in its origins, but became the most energetic, original and pragmatic of the evangelical leaders, founding - even if it was not his intention - a world-wide Protestant Communion. This text seeks to set Wesley firmly in his historical context, analyzing his life, practice and theology. It shows that while there were many Methodisms, there was a central core of spirituality and style which had a great influence on the artisan groups of men (and women), providing stability, purpose and meaning, and enabling nobodies to become somebodies.

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.

Want to know how to live the Christian life? Learn from one of the foremost authorities, John Wesley, in this single-volume library of journal selections, sermons, and other addresses, essays, and letters. Two and a half centuries ago, the great Methodist distinguished himself as one of the world’s greatest authorities on the committed Christian life. Now, his most powerful writings have been compiled under one cover, perfect for personal study, pastoral research, or Christian school use. Including sermons on conversion, growth in grace, and practical holiness; essays on theological questions; personal letters; even hymns written and translated by Wesley, this all-in-one resource has been lightly updated for ease of reading, featuring scripture from the New King James Version.

Do we act, live, and breathe our faith? What do United Methodists believe? Do people notice a difference between the way United Methodists practice faith in the church and in the world? A Year with John Wesley and Our Methodist Values is an engaging and provocative study of the practices of discipleship that are of "the Methodist way." Brief scholarly reflections on Wesleyan themes are followed by short essays making recurring Wesley tenets timely and relevant to today's world. Covering one aspect of distinctly Wesleyan theology a month, the collection of essays contained in this book provide an in-depth yet easily approachable 12-month survey of the Methodist tradition for clergy and laity alike. "A Year with John Wesley reveals and makes plain the essence of John Wesley's life and witness," writes one reviewer. "A Methodist way of living becomes accessible through these great themes expressed in contemporary language and situations. Those who read and reflect upon these pages will gain understanding of United Methodist theology, polity, and practice, but even more significantly, they will learn what it means to walk with Christ in our contemporary world."