Methodist and Catholic: What Do They Believe Differently?

Methodists and Catholics share more than many people initially realize.

Both take grace, holiness, moral transformation, prayer, service and the Christian life seriously.

But their histories eventually lead to a deeper question:

What existed before Methodism --- and before the Anglican world from which it emerged?

A Note About This Page

This page is an invitation to investigate, not an accusation against Christians who inherited this tradition. Catholic teaching recognizes baptized Christians who believe in Christ as Christians and acknowledges real gifts of Scripture, faith, grace and Christian life outside full Catholic communion.

The question here is narrower:

If we trace this tradition backward through Christian history, what came before it --- and what might that history ask us to reconsider?

Walk Backward Through the Methodist Family Tree

Methodism arose in the eighteenth century through John Wesley and the evangelical revival within Anglican Christianity.

Walk backward:

Methodism → Anglican Christianity → English Reformation → medieval Western Christianity → patristic Christianity → Apostles.

That makes Methodism particularly interesting for the CatholicAgain journey.

You do not have to jump directly from Wesley to Rome.

Simply keep walking backward.

Important Differences

Methodists vary by denomination, but major areas for investigation include:

• the number and nature of sacraments;
• Eucharistic theology;
• ordained ministry and Apostolic succession;
• authority of Scripture and Tradition;
• justification and sanctification;
• perseverance and the possibility of falling from grace;
• confession;
• Mary and the saints;
• papal authority.

Grace May Be the Bridge

Wesleyan Christianity has a rich vocabulary of prevenient grace, conversion, sanctification and growth in holiness.

Catholicism likewise rejects the idea that salvation is merely human effort.

It teaches God's grace precedes, enables and sustains the Christian response.

So instead of beginning with stereotypes about "faith versus works," ask:

How did Christians before the Reformation understand grace, faith, transformation, holiness and perseverance?

Early Christians on Salvation, Faith and Works →

What About the Eucharist?

Wesley held a high view of Holy Communion compared with many later Protestant settings.

Follow the question farther backward.

What Did Early Christians Believe About the Eucharist? →

The Historical Question

If Methodism emerged in the 1700s and Anglican separation occurred in the 1500s:

What was the Christian inheritance in England before either event?

Visit the Day Before the Reformation →

Begin the LOOK BACKWARD Journey →