Methodism: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #602

by William J. Abraham

Beginning as a renewal movement within Anglicanism in the eighteenth century, Methodism had become the largest Protestant denomination in the USA in the nineteenth century, and is today one of the most vibrant forms of Christianity. Representing a complex spiritual and evangelistic experiment that involves a passionate commitment to worldwide mission, it covers a global network of Christian denominations.

In this Very Short Introduction William J. Abraham traces Methodism from its origins in the work of John Wesley and the hymns of his brother, Charles Wesley, in the eighteenth century, right up to the present. Considering the identity, nature, and history of Methodism, Abraham provides a fresh account of the place of Methodism in the life and thought of the Christian Church. Describing the message of Methodism, and who the Methodists are, he also considers the practices of Methodism, and discusses the global impact of Methodism and its decline in the homelands. Finally Abraham looks forward, and considers the future prospects for Methodism.

ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, History, Christianity, Philosophy

152 pages, ebook

Published July 1, 2019

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

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall this book as far as style historical points is right. I have some points of contention such as Erasmus on pgs 12 & 34, and the idea Wesley dismissed Apostollic succession completely. And he talked of Wesley innovating very broadly as if he was innovating theology in addition to his methods of evangelizing & church structure which is just not true. Wesley was a true reformer retrieving ancient & historic faith & doctrines. Returning to a long lost focus on holiness& discipleship.

My biggest issue was when I got to pg 54 & he described liberal theolog as a "great tradition" & Friedrich Schliermacher in positive light when he is rightfully called by some "the great heretic." William here praising him for "opening" liberal theory which is in fact a plaque upon the Church today. This song with a few other things cause me to rank this book lowly & recommend simply getting the larger history text out there.

[Hank Hoeft · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am currently a practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I was raised in the United Methodist Church, attending services every Sunday. When I started investigating the LDS Church, much of what I learned about it was from an LDS book, Gospel Principles, a sort-of Mormonism for Dummies. After reading that excellent primer on LDS beliefs, I started wondering: What exactly are Methodist beliefs? Realizing I really had no idea what set the church of my upbringing apart from other Protestant denominations, I obtained a booklet from the pastor of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Yuma, Arizona that set forth Methodism's basic tenants, but whereas the LDS book was clearly and concisely written, the Methodist booklet was not. I couldn't make heads or tails of most of it.

If I had had access to Methodism: A Very Short Introduction back then (which wasn't possible, as it first published in 2019), I don't think it would have changed the course of my life--that is, I still would have been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--but at least I would have understood for the first time in my life what it meant to be a Methodist. William Abraham's Very Short Introduction is clearly and concisely written, and is one of the better of the Very Short Introduction series I've read so far.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, readable little introduction that still manages to pack on a lot of details that were new to me. A great starting point to Abraham if you are new to his work. His wry wit shines through what most others would have written as a dry tome.

[Kelly Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone seeking an objective and balanced review of Methodism all the way to present day (or 2019 anyway). There is just the right amount of detail for a “lay-scholar.”

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Methodist Theologian William J. Abraham published Methodism: A Very Short Introduction in 2019. Methodism was founded based on the writings of the English Anglican theologian John Welsey (Abraham 2-3). I read the book on my Kindle. John Welsey lived between December 1707 and March 1788 (Abraham 2). John Welsey’s brother, Charles Welsey, composed many of the hymns that many Methodist services use today (Abraham 2). Abraham wrote, “Methodism was initially a movement to bring spiritual vitality to the Church of England in the 18th Century” (Abraham 1). Throughout the spiritual career of John Welsey, his followers developed a different governance structure than the Anglican tradition (Abraham 13, 38, 43, 107, 117, 118, & 119). The followers of John Wesley developed the Methodist tradition (Abraham 13). Abraham’s short book covers the theology, history, tradition, diversity, demographics, Methodist governance structure, and other aspects of Methodism. Abraham writes, “The term ‘Methodist’ was initially a pejorative nickname turned into a badge of honor. The term denoted the methodical way Methodists approached their relationship with God” (Abraham 1). Abraham writes John Welsey was an “extraordinary evangelist and spiritual director”(Abraham 3). The book has illustrations. The book has a section of references and an index. Abraham’s short introduction to Methodism is well done.

[Jake Schaumloeffel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and snappy, this little book packs a punch in depth and critical analysis of this fascinating denomination. Though interesting, the last two chapters did not strike me; they felt written for Methodists rather than curious outsiders

[Daniel Bush · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t finish. About half way through, I realised I’ve learnt more about Methodism than I care to know. It’s all religious fanaticism, really, just like every other cult that is convinced of its own veracity and righteousness.