Strictly speaking John and Charles Wesley would be considered "post-reformation" reformers who carved a new American denomination out of the Church of England (Anglican). These two pioneers in faith would create a denomination that - like the Presbyterians - would have an enormous impact upon American Christianity. To begin with read the biographies of John and Charles Wesley. Then peruse John Wesley's sermons and his journal and the poetry and hymns of Charles Wesley. Finally read "A Brief HIstory of John Wesley.
Readings: John Wesley Biography; The Biographies of John Wesley and Charles Wesley; Sermons of John Wesley; The Journal of John Wesley; A Brief History of John Wesley; The Poetry of Charles Wesley; Spirituality and Hymns of Charles Wesley; Charles Wesley Hymn Archive
The "Life of John Wesle" is another lecture provided by Ryan Reeves of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Wesley (starring June Lockhart and Burgess Jenkins) is a feature lenght film that presents a dramatic version of the Wesley story. "Charles Wesley" is a 14 minute video that presents the work of John Wesley's brother Charles and "Wesley and Whifield" tells the story of the relationship between two of America's most prolific preachers.
Video:The Life of John Wesley; Wesley; Wesley & Whitfield; Charles Wesley
After having done the readings for this session and reviewed the accompanying videos you may choose - on a purely optional basis - to answer the study questions and submit them at etwimber@hotmail.com or to contact Dr. Wimberley by phone or email to request a time for dialogue about what you have learned. You may do so by phone or dialogue via Skype or Facetime. Dr. Wimberley's phone number is 239.405.4164. We may also convene group meetings of the class using the Zoom application on our computers. You can enroll in this course by emailing etwimber@hotmail.com or by texting Dr. Wimberley at 239.405.4164.
Study Questions:
- What were John Wesley's beliefs about Christianity that distinguished him from the Anglican Church of his era?
- What influence did the "Moravians" have upon John Wesley?
- Charles Wesley is known for his hymns. How did he transform Methodist worship with music?
- What does the word "method" mean in Methodism?
