Waking from Doctrinal Amnesia: The Healing of Doctrine in The United Methodist Church

by William J. Abraham

Asserting that the "return to Wesley" that is represented in the Quadrilateral is "intellectually wrongheaded," William J. Abraham argues that the Quadrilateral is not, and should not be, United Methodist doctrine. Abraham's lively treatise makes a provocative appeal for a reasoned exploration of the significance of the UMC's doctrinal identity. He reveals how churches have faced incompatible doctrinal proposals within their midst and examines the specific issues facing the United Methodist church as a whole.

Genres: Theology, Faith

116 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

About the author

William J. Abraham is the Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor at Perkins School of Theology, working as a philosophical and systematic theologian.

Reviews

[Zach Waldis · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is just as relevant today as when it was written. I believe that doctrine is what really divides the UMC, and Abraham makes a compelling case that the quadrilateral needs to go and that we have a doctrinal foundation which is simply neglected. short and highly recommended

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have never questioned the cult of the Quadrilateral, Abraham's potent little book is for you. Tolle, lege.

[Graham Hoppstock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely helpful book for thinking on United Methodist Doctrine and its need for reform and recovery.

[Christopher Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Abraham is right on with his analysis. The confusion about doctrinal identity is a major issue in the UMC. Reading the book in 2022 some of the examples are obviously dated, but it is wild to see that the issues he wrote about in 1995 are still true today. His prediction of renewal never came to be.

The history of how the Methodist church has viewed what is authoritative for doctrine was really helpful. His hatred for the quadrilateral was also great. His explanation of the primacy of Scripture codified even is the Discipline was another highlight.

This is a short and helpful guide. Sad to think what might have been had the UMC listened to some of his suggestions.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not fail to read this thin little book carefully. Only then can the reader begin to grasp the profound subtlety of the author's analysis of what has gone wrong in this area of formerly mainline Protestantism. Only then can the reader see its accuracy and the salutary character of its prescriptions.
To be sure, Abraham does not forward a proposal that in itself promises to "fix" everything gone wrong in the UMC. However, he offers a critical piece of a solution without which any long-term hope for doctrinal renewal will be only a false hope.