Methodism arose in the eighteenth century, especially through the ministry of John Wesley and the revival movement associated with him.
It began within Anglican Christianity before separate Methodist denominations developed.
Why Methodism Is Interesting Historically
Methodist theology strongly emphasizes:
- grace;
- conversion;
- holiness;
- sanctification;
- disciplined Christian living;
- evangelization.
Those themes create meaningful points of contact with older Christian traditions.
Walk Backward
Methodism does not jump directly from Wesley to the Apostles.
Its historical path runs through Anglican Christianity and therefore through the English Reformation and the earlier Western Church.
Ask:
What did the Church believe about grace, sacraments and holiness before the eighteenth century?