John Wesley - Revision history

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	== 1. Family Background ==		== Family Background ==

	John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Scotland, and died in 1791. His family had a big influence on his later achievement in religion. His father, Samuel Wesley, was an Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his mother, Susanna Annesley Wesley, was the daughter of a minister with a dissenting opinion about the church.(Calvin College, "John Wesley") His forefathers had been loyal Puritans and faced much hostility. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather had been banished from their land in 1662 by the [[Act of Uniformity]]. His maternal great-grandfather was the Puritan leader of London.(Brown-Lawson, p. 135)		John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Scotland, and died in 1791. His family had a big influence on his later achievement in religion. His father, Samuel Wesley, was an Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his mother, Susanna Annesley Wesley, was the daughter of a minister with a dissenting opinion about the church.(Calvin College, "John Wesley") His forefathers had been loyal Puritans and faced much hostility. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather had been banished from their land in 1662 by the [[Act of Uniformity]]. His maternal great-grandfather was the Puritan leader of London.(Brown-Lawson, p. 135)
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	== 2. The Development of Methodism ==		== The Development of Methodism ==

	Soon he got into controversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system of predestination "exalts the transendence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).		Soon he got into controversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system of predestination "exalts the transendence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).
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	== 3. Missionary Work ==		== Missionary Work ==

	In 1735 Wesley had the opportunity to do missionary work in Georgia, USA, which he did until 1738. He did his service to the "Native Americans for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts"(ODNF, "John Wesley").		In 1735 Wesley had the opportunity to do missionary work in Georgia, USA, which he did until 1738. He did his service to the "Native Americans for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts"(ODNF, "John Wesley").


	== 4. Derivations ==		== Derivations ==

	Concerning Methodism, there were different opinions on it. John Wesley and George Whitefield supported two different notions of Methodism. As a result of these two different ideas, there emerged the Arminian branch by Wesley and the Calvinistic branch by Whitefield. (Brown-Lawson, p. 135, p. 177) There was hostility between the Puritan theology, which was Calvinistic, and the Arminian one (Brown-Lawson, p. 136). Wesley supported 'English Arminianism'.		Concerning Methodism, there were different opinions on it. John Wesley and George Whitefield supported two different notions of Methodism. As a result of these two different ideas, there emerged the Arminian branch by Wesley and the Calvinistic branch by Whitefield. (Brown-Lawson, p. 135, p. 177) There was hostility between the Puritan theology, which was Calvinistic, and the Arminian one (Brown-Lawson, p. 136). Wesley supported 'English Arminianism'.
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	== 5. Bibliography ==		== Bibliography ==

	Brown-Lawson, Albert, 1994. ''John Wesley and The Anglican Evangelicals of the Eighteenth Century.''		Brown-Lawson, Albert, 1994. ''John Wesley and The Anglican Evangelicals of the Eighteenth Century.''

Pankratz at 09:58, 15 December 2009

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	Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.		Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.

	"Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography". "John Wesley". Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.		''Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography''. "John Wesley". Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.

	Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.		Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.

Abeyer at 23:09, 14 December 2009

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	Soon he got into controversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system of predestination "exalts the transendence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).		Soon he got into controversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system of predestination "exalts the transendence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).

	There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved and dissolved by the 1740. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at ~~the~~ Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, from ~~Merten~~ College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament(Brown-Lawson, p.12). Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'"(ODNF, "John Wesley"). After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist (Brown-Lawson, p. 13).		There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved and dissolved by the 1740. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, from Merton College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament(Brown-Lawson, p.12). Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'"(ODNF, "John Wesley"). After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist (Brown-Lawson, p. 13).

	After his return to England in 1739, Wesley eventually integrated Methodism into the Church of England. He had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August in 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism, was true. (Brown-Lawson, p. 146) In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).		After his return to England in 1739, Wesley eventually integrated Methodism into the Church of England. He had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August in 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism, was true. (Brown-Lawson, p. 146) In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).
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	== 4. Derivations ==		== 4. Derivations ==

	Concerning Methodism, there were different opinions on it. John Wesley and George Whitefield supported two different notions of Methodism. As a result of these two different ideas, there emerged the Arminian branch by Wesley and the Calvinistic branch by Whitefield. (Brown-Lawson, p. 135, p. 177) There was hostility between the Puritan theology, which was Calvinistic, and the Arminian one (Brown-Lawson, p. 136). Wesley supported ~~the~~ 'English Arminianism'.		Concerning Methodism, there were different opinions on it. John Wesley and George Whitefield supported two different notions of Methodism. As a result of these two different ideas, there emerged the Arminian branch by Wesley and the Calvinistic branch by Whitefield. (Brown-Lawson, p. 135, p. 177) There was hostility between the Puritan theology, which was Calvinistic, and the Arminian one (Brown-Lawson, p. 136). Wesley supported 'English Arminianism'.
	Calvinists held the opinion that they were all taught by their own opinions ~~and thought of themselves~~, and they traced all honour back to God. Arminians like Wesley aimed at awakening and improving their facilities with the purpose of filling their minds with good notions. Raising these good notions in themselves is achieved by a frequent reflection and a permanent attention to their own actions. Arminians highly tended to blame themselves for their sins. (Brown-Lawson, p. 159)		Calvinists held the opinion that they were all taught by their own opinions, and they traced all honour back to God. Arminians like Wesley aimed at awakening and improving their facilities with the purpose of filling their minds with good notions. Raising these good notions in themselves is achieved by a frequent reflection and a permanent attention to their own actions. Arminians highly tended to blame themselves for their sins. (Brown-Lawson, p. 159)
	Thus, Calvinists tended to "a false security and 'sloth'" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159) while Arminians tended to be too self-centred and to trust God insufficiently. Arminians zealed for liberty and Calvinists had their difficulty in it because they were not able to "reconcile it with the Sovereignty of God and the freedom of His grace" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159). Still, Arminians did not deny God's power to foresee what mankind would and would not do (Brown-Lawson, p. 160).		Thus, Calvinists tended to "a false security and 'sloth'" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159) while Arminians tended to be too self-centred and to trust God insufficiently. Arminians zealed for liberty and Calvinists had their difficulty in it because they were not able to "reconcile it with the Sovereignty of God and the freedom of His grace" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159). Still, Arminians did not deny God's power to foresee what mankind would and would not do (Brown-Lawson, p. 160).

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	Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.		Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.

	Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography. ''John Wesley''. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.		"Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography". "John Wesley". Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.

	Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.		Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.

Abeyer at 23:05, 14 December 2009

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	Soon he got into controversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system of predestination "exalts the transendence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).		Soon he got into controversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system of predestination "exalts the transendence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).

	There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved and dissolved by the 1740. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at the Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, from Merten College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament.(Brown-Lawson, p.12) Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'". (ODNF, "John Wesley") After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist. (Brown-Lawson, p. 13)		There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved and dissolved by the 1740. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at the Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, from Merten College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament(Brown-Lawson, p.12). Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'"(ODNF, "John Wesley"). After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist (Brown-Lawson, p. 13).

	After his return to England in 1739, he eventually integrated Methodism into England. ~~Before returning to England, however, he~~ had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August in 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism ~~up to now~~, was true. (Brown-Lawson, p. 146) In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).		After his return to England in 1739, Wesley eventually integrated Methodism into the Church of England. He had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August in 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism, was true. (Brown-Lawson, p. 146) In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).

	His achievement can be found in the Methodist Churches worldwide. Especially in the USA it has become the largest Protestant denomination. (Rack, p. 550)		His achievement can be found in the Methodist Churches worldwide. Especially in the USA it has become the largest Protestant denomination (Rack, p. 550).

Abeyer at 23:02, 14 December 2009

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	John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Scotland, and died in 1791. His family had a big influence on his later achievement in religion. His father, Samuel Wesley, was an Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his mother, Susanna Annesley Wesley, was the daughter of a minister with a dissenting opinion about the church.(Calvin College, "John Wesley") His forefathers had been loyal Puritans and faced much hostility. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather had been banished from their land in 1662 by the [[Act of Uniformity]]. His maternal great-grandfather was the Puritan leader of London.(Brown-Lawson, p. 135)		John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Scotland, and died in 1791. His family had a big influence on his later achievement in religion. His father, Samuel Wesley, was an Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his mother, Susanna Annesley Wesley, was the daughter of a minister with a dissenting opinion about the church.(Calvin College, "John Wesley") His forefathers had been loyal Puritans and faced much hostility. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather had been banished from their land in 1662 by the [[Act of Uniformity]]. His maternal great-grandfather was the Puritan leader of London.(Brown-Lawson, p. 135)

	Following his family background, John Wesley was a preacher, theologist and he later became the founder of the Methodist Church in England. (Calvin College, "John Wesley")		Following his family background, John Wesley was a preacher, theologist and he later became the founder of the Methodist Church in England (Calvin College, "John Wesley").

	Before founding the Methodist Church, he attended Christ Church, Oxford, in 1720, and he received a scholarship in 1724. Being driven on by his father, he starts to "pursuit religious discipline"(ODNB, "John Wesley").		Before founding the Methodist Church, he attended Christ Church, Oxford, in 1720, and he received a scholarship in 1724. Being driven on by his father, he starts the "pursuit of religious discipline"(ODNB, "John Wesley").


	== 2. The Development of Methodism ==		== 2. The Development of Methodism ==

	Soon he got into ~~conversies~~ with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system "exalts the ~~transcedence~~ of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient.(Brown-Lawson, p. 6)		Soon he got into controversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system of predestination "exalts the transendence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).

	There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved and ~~made extinct~~ by 1740. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at the Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, ~~coming~~ from Merten College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament.(Brown-Lawson, p.12) Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'". (ODNF, "John Wesley") After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist. (Brown-Lawson, p. 13)		There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved and dissolved by the 1740. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at the Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, from Merten College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament.(Brown-Lawson, p.12) Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'". (ODNF, "John Wesley") After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist. (Brown-Lawson, p. 13)

	After his return to England in 1739, he eventually integrated Methodism into England. Before returning to England, however, he had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August in 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism up to now, was true. (Brown-Lawson, p. 146) In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).		After his return to England in 1739, he eventually integrated Methodism into England. Before returning to England, however, he had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August in 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism up to now, was true. (Brown-Lawson, p. 146) In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).

Abeyer at 20:56, 14 December 2009

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Pankratz at 08:48, 14 December 2009

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Abeyer at 23:48, 12 December 2009

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	Edinburgh, Cambridge, Durham: The Pentland Press.		Edinburgh, Cambridge, Durham: The Pentland Press.

	Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.		Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.

	Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography~~. 2004-09~~. ''John Wesley''. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069~~. Oxford: Oxford University Press~~.		Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography. ''John Wesley''. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.

	Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.		Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.

Abeyer at 23:43, 12 December 2009

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	Edinburgh, Cambridge, Durham: The Pentland Press.		Edinburgh, Cambridge, Durham: The Pentland Press.

	Calvin College Computer Science. ~~X. "~~John Wesley", ''Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.		Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.

			Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography. 2004-09. ''John Wesley''. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

	Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.		Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.

Abeyer at 23:36, 12 December 2009

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← Older revision		Revision as of 23:36, 12 December 2009
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	Edinburgh, Cambridge, Durham: The Pentland Press.		Edinburgh, Cambridge, Durham: The Pentland Press.

	Calvin College Computer Science. X. "John Wesley", Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.		Calvin College Computer Science. X. "John Wesley", ''Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.

	Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.		Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:56, 14 December 2009
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	== 1. Family Background ==		== 1. Family Background ==

	John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Scotland, and died in 1791. His family had a big influence on his later achievement in religion. His father, Samuel Wesley, was an Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his mother, Susanna Annesley Wesley, was the daughter of a minister with a dissenting opinion about the church (Calvin College, "John Wesley"). His forefathers had been loyal Puritans and faced much hostility. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather had been banished from their land in 1662 by the [[Act of Uniformity]]. His maternal great-grandfather was the Puritan leader of London (Brown-Lawson, p. 135).		John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Scotland, and died in 1791. His family had a big influence on his later achievement in religion. His father, Samuel Wesley, was an Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his mother, Susanna Annesley Wesley, was the daughter of a minister with a dissenting opinion about the church.(Calvin College, "John Wesley") His forefathers had been loyal Puritans and faced much hostility. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather had been banished from their land in 1662 by the [[Act of Uniformity]]. His maternal great-grandfather was the Puritan leader of London.(Brown-Lawson, p. 135)

	Following his family background, John Wesley was a preacher, theologist and he later became the founder of the Methodist Church in England (Calvin College, "John Wesley").		Following his family background, John Wesley was a preacher, theologist and he later became the founder of the Methodist Church in England. (Calvin College, "John Wesley")

	Before founding the Methodist Church, he attended Christ Church, Oxford, in 1720, and he received a scholarship in 1724. Being driven on by his father, he starts ~~the~~ "pursuit of religious discipline" (ODNB, "John Wesley").		Before founding the Methodist Church, he attended Christ Church, Oxford, in 1720, and he received a scholarship in 1724. Being driven on by his father, he starts to "pursuit religious discipline"(ODNB, "John Wesley").


	== 2. The Development of Methodism ==		== 2. The Development of Methodism ==

	Soon he got into ~~controversies~~ with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system ~~of predestination~~ "exalts the ~~transcendence~~ of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God" (Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).		Soon he got into conversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system "exalts the transcedence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient.(Brown-Lawson, p. 6)

	There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved by ~~the 1740s~~. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, coming from ~~Merton~~ College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament(Brown-Lawson, p. 12). Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'" (ODNF, "John Wesley"). After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist (Brown-Lawson, p. 13).		There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved and made extinct by 1740. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at the Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, coming from Merten College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament.(Brown-Lawson, p.12) Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'". (ODNF, "John Wesley") After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist. (Brown-Lawson, p. 13)

	After his return to England in 1739, ~~Wesley~~ eventually integrated Methodism into ~~the Church of~~ England. He had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism, was true (Brown-Lawson, p. 146). In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).		After his return to England in 1739, he eventually integrated Methodism into England. Before returning to England, however, he had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August in 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism up to now, was true. (Brown-Lawson, p. 146) In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).

	His achievement can be found in the Methodist Churches worldwide. Especially in the USA it has become the largest Protestant denomination (Rack, p. 550).		His achievement can be found in the Methodist Churches worldwide. Especially in the USA it has become the largest Protestant denomination. (Rack, p. 550)


	== 3. Missionary Work ==		== 3. Missionary Work ==

	In 1735 Wesley had the opportunity to do missionary work in Georgia, USA, which he did until 1738. He did his service to the "Native Americans for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts" (ODNF, "John Wesley").		In 1735 Wesley had the opportunity to do missionary work in Georgia, USA, which he did until 1738. He did his service to the "Native Americans for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts"(ODNF, "John Wesley").


	== 4. Derivations ==		== 4. Derivations ==

	Concerning Methodism, there were different opinions on it. John Wesley and George Whitefield supported two different notions of Methodism. As a result of these two different ideas, there emerged the Arminian branch by Wesley and the Calvinistic branch by Whitefield (Brown-Lawson, p. 135, p. 177). There was hostility between the Puritan theology, which was Calvinistic, and the Arminian one (Brown-Lawson, p. 136). Wesley supported 'English Arminianism'.		Concerning Methodism, there were different opinions on it. John Wesley and George Whitefield supported two different notions of Methodism. As a result of these two different ideas, there emerged the Arminian branch by Wesley and the Calvinistic branch by Whitefield. (Brown-Lawson, p. 135, p. 177) There was hostility between the Puritan theology, which was Calvinistic, and the Arminian one (Brown-Lawson, p. 136). Wesley supported the 'English Arminianism'.
	Calvinists held the opinion that they were all taught by their own opinions and they traced all honour back to God. Arminians like Wesley aimed at awakening and improving their facilities with the purpose of filling their minds with good notions. Raising these good notions in themselves is achieved by a frequent reflection and a permanent attention to their own actions. Arminians highly tended to blame themselves for their sins (Brown-Lawson, p. 159).		Calvinists held the opinion that they were all taught by their own opinions and thought of themselves, and they traced all honour back to God. Arminians like Wesley aimed at awakening and improving their facilities with the purpose of filling their minds with good notions. Raising these good notions in themselves is achieved by a frequent reflection and a permanent attention to their own actions. Arminians highly tended to blame themselves for their sins. (Brown-Lawson, p. 159)
	Thus, Calvinists tended to "a false security and 'sloth'" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159) while Arminians tended to be too self-centred and to trust God insufficiently. Arminians zealed for liberty and Calvinists had their difficulty in it because they were not able to "reconcile it with the Sovereignty of God and the freedom of His grace" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159). Still, Arminians did not deny God's power to foresee what mankind would and would not do (Brown-Lawson, p. 160).		Thus, Calvinists tended to "a false security and 'sloth'" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159) while Arminians tended to be too self-centred and to trust God insufficiently. Arminians zealed for liberty and Calvinists had their difficulty in it because they were not able to "reconcile it with the Sovereignty of God and the freedom of His grace" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159). Still, Arminians did not deny God's power to foresee what mankind would and would not do (Brown-Lawson, p. 160).

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	Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.		Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.

	''Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography''~~. "~~John Wesley". Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.		Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography. ''John Wesley''. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.

	Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.		Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:48, 14 December 2009
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	== 1. Family Background ==		== 1. Family Background ==

	John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Scotland, and died in 1791. His family had a big influence on his later achievement in religion. His father, Samuel Wesley, was an Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his mother, Susanna Annesley Wesley, was the daughter of a minister with a dissenting opinion about the church.(Calvin College, "John Wesley") His forefathers had been loyal Puritans and faced much hostility. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather had been banished from their land in 1662 by the [[Act of Uniformity]]. His maternal great-grandfather was the Puritan leader of London.(Brown-Lawson, p. 135)		John Wesley was born in 1703 in Epworth, Scotland, and died in 1791. His family had a big influence on his later achievement in religion. His father, Samuel Wesley, was an Anglican rector of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and his mother, Susanna Annesley Wesley, was the daughter of a minister with a dissenting opinion about the church (Calvin College, "John Wesley"). His forefathers had been loyal Puritans and faced much hostility. His paternal great-grandfather and grandfather had been banished from their land in 1662 by the [[Act of Uniformity]]. His maternal great-grandfather was the Puritan leader of London (Brown-Lawson, p. 135).

	Following his family background, John Wesley was a preacher, theologist and he later became the founder of the Methodist Church in England. (Calvin College, "John Wesley")		Following his family background, John Wesley was a preacher, theologist and he later became the founder of the Methodist Church in England (Calvin College, "John Wesley").

	Before founding the Methodist Church, he attended Christ Church, Oxford, in 1720, and he received a scholarship in 1724. Being driven on by his father, he starts to "pursuit religious discipline"(ODNB, "John Wesley").		Before founding the Methodist Church, he attended Christ Church, Oxford, in 1720, and he received a scholarship in 1724. Being driven on by his father, he starts the "pursuit of religious discipline" (ODNB, "John Wesley").


	== 2. The Development of Methodism ==		== 2. The Development of Methodism ==

	Soon he got into ~~conversies~~ with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system "exalts the ~~transcedence~~ of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God"(Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient.(Brown-Lawson, p. 6)		Soon he got into controversies with the Calvinists. To his mind the Calvinistic system of predestination "exalts the transcendence of God [...], and reduces finite will to an illusion, making men even in his acceptance of Divine Grace, the passive creature instead of the consenting child of God" (Brown-Lawson, p. 6). Consequently, God's love and compassion are insufficient(Brown-Lawson, p. 6).

	There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved ~~and made extinct~~ by ~~1740~~. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at ~~the~~ Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, coming from ~~Merten~~ College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament.(Brown-Lawson, p.12) Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got ~~cocerned~~ with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'". (ODNF, "John Wesley") After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist. (Brown-Lawson, p. 13)		There were a lot of religious societies in England, which, however, were dissolved by the 1740s. Thus, an association of four gentlemen, Mr John Wesley, who worked at Lincoln College, Mr Charles Wesley, studying at Christ Church, Mr Morgan, Commoner of the Christ Church and Mr Kirkham, coming from Merton College, founded the 'Holy Club' in 1729 to study the Greek testament(Brown-Lawson, p. 12). Attending these religious meetings, John Wesley sought salvation of his and the companions' own souls. He had group prayers and a weekly Holy Communion. Besides these activities, they visited sick people and prisoners as well. Through the activities in the club, Wesley got concerned with the "inward [...] outward necessity and the possibility of 'Christian Perfection'" (ODNF, "John Wesley"). After all, the club was 'baptized' the Methodist (Brown-Lawson, p. 13).

	After his return to England in 1739, he eventually integrated Methodism into England. ~~Before returning to England, however, he~~ had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August in 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism ~~up to now~~, was true. (Brown-Lawson, p. 146) In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).		After his return to England in 1739, Wesley eventually integrated Methodism into the Church of England. He had been with the Moravians in Germany from June till August 1738. They convinced him that the doctrine of the Church of England, becoming the basis of Methodism, was true (Brown-Lawson, p. 146). In 1741 Wesley noticed a “breach that had occurred between Wesley and himself over the doctrines of Calvinism” (Brown-Lawson, p. 89).

	His achievement can be found in the Methodist Churches worldwide. Especially in the USA it has become the largest Protestant denomination. (Rack, p. 550)		His achievement can be found in the Methodist Churches worldwide. Especially in the USA it has become the largest Protestant denomination (Rack, p. 550).


	== 3. Missionary Work ==		== 3. Missionary Work ==

	In 1735 Wesley had the opportunity to do missionary work in Georgia, USA, which he did until 1738. He did his service to the "Native Americans for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts"(ODNF, "John Wesley").		In 1735 Wesley had the opportunity to do missionary work in Georgia, USA, which he did until 1738. He did his service to the "Native Americans for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts" (ODNF, "John Wesley").


	== 4. Derivations ==		== 4. Derivations ==

	Concerning Methodism, there were different opinions on it. John Wesley and George Whitefield supported two different notions of Methodism. As a result of these two different ideas, there emerged the Arminian branch by Wesley and the Calvinistic branch by Whitefield. (Brown-Lawson, p. 135, p. 177) There was hostility between the Puritan theology, which was Calvinistic, and the Arminian one (Brown-Lawson, p. 136). Wesley supported ~~the~~ 'English Arminianism'.		Concerning Methodism, there were different opinions on it. John Wesley and George Whitefield supported two different notions of Methodism. As a result of these two different ideas, there emerged the Arminian branch by Wesley and the Calvinistic branch by Whitefield (Brown-Lawson, p. 135, p. 177). There was hostility between the Puritan theology, which was Calvinistic, and the Arminian one (Brown-Lawson, p. 136). Wesley supported 'English Arminianism'.
	Calvinists held the opinion that they were all taught by their own opinions ~~and thought of themselves,~~ and they traced all honour back to God. Arminians like Wesley aimed at awakening and improving their facilities with the purpose of filling their minds with good notions. Raising these good notions in themselves is achieved by a frequent reflection and a permanent attention to their own actions. Arminians highly tended to blame themselves for their sins. (Brown-Lawson, p. 159)		Calvinists held the opinion that they were all taught by their own opinions and they traced all honour back to God. Arminians like Wesley aimed at awakening and improving their facilities with the purpose of filling their minds with good notions. Raising these good notions in themselves is achieved by a frequent reflection and a permanent attention to their own actions. Arminians highly tended to blame themselves for their sins (Brown-Lawson, p. 159).
	Thus, Calvinists tended to "a false security and 'sloth'" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159) while Arminians tended to be too self-centred and to trust God insufficiently. Arminians zealed for liberty and Calvinists had their difficulty in it because they were not able to "reconcile it with the Sovereignty of God and the freedom of His grace" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159). Still, Arminians did not deny God's power to foresee what mankind would and would not do (Brown-Lawson, p. 160).		Thus, Calvinists tended to "a false security and 'sloth'" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159) while Arminians tended to be too self-centred and to trust God insufficiently. Arminians zealed for liberty and Calvinists had their difficulty in it because they were not able to "reconcile it with the Sovereignty of God and the freedom of His grace" (Brown-Lawson, p. 159). Still, Arminians did not deny God's power to foresee what mankind would and would not do (Brown-Lawson, p. 160).

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	Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.		Calvin College Computer Science. ''John Wesley, Christian Classics: Ethereal Library, ed. Calvin College.'' Burton: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. http://www.ccel.org/w/wesley/.

	Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography. ''John Wesley''. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.		''Oxford Dictionary of National Bibliography''. "John Wesley". Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004-09. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29069.

	Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.		Rack, Henry D., 1992. ''Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of Methodism''. 2nd ed. London: Epworth Press.