Methodism or the Methodist movement is a group of historically related denominations of Protestant Christianity. It originated in 18th century Britain, and due to vigorous missionary activity spread throughout the British Empire, the United States, and beyond. Originally it appealed especially to workers, poor farmers, and slaves. Theologically it is Arminian, emphasizing that all people can be saved, and low church in liturgy. By 2006 it claimed some 75 million members worldwide.

The Wesleyan revival

---

The Methodist revival originated in England. It was started by a group of men including John Wesley and his younger brother Charles as a movement within the Church of England in the 18th century, focused on Bible study, and a methodical approach to scriptures and Christian living. The term "Methodist" was a pejorative college nickname that was given to a small society of students at Oxford, who met together between 1729 and 1735 for the purpose of mutual improvement. They were accustomed to communicate every week, to fast regularly and to abstain from most forms of amusement and luxury. They also frequently visited poor and sick persons and prisoners in the jail.

The early Methodists reacted against perceived apathy in the Church of England, became open-air preachers and established Methodist societies wherever they went. They were notorious for their enthusiastic sermons and often accused of fanaticism. In those days, members of the established church feared that new doctrines promulgated by the Methodists, such as the necessity to salvation of a New Birth, of Justification by Faith, and of the constant and sustained action of the Holy Spirit upon the believer's soul, would produce ill effects upon weak minds. Theophilus Evans, an early critic of the movement, even wrote that it was "the natural Tendency of their Behaviour, in Voice and Gesture and horrid Expressions, to make People mad." In one of his prints, William Hogarth likewise attacked Methodists as "enthusiasts" full of "Credulity, Superstition and Fanaticism." But the Methodists resisted the many attacks against their movement.

More on [ Methodism ]

L.A. Times - Religious News

The Catholic choice
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Abortion is again being used as a wedge issue to win votes for the GOP. Every four years, an astonishing array of conservative commentators and Republican campaign strategists suddenly discover an intimate concern for Catholic consciences and an overriding preoccupation with the Roman church's sacramental and liturgical norms.
Focus on character boosts academic success at Catholic high school
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
St. Genevieve's innovative program has turned the school around -- improving academic performance, increasing college enrollment and attracting more students from all over L.A. County. With classes in Mandarin, overseas trips to China and France, bus transportation for commuters and individualized fitness instruction that includes salsa and tai chi, new students at St. Genevieve High School quickly come to realize that things are a bit different at this Panorama City campus.
Diocese of Orange, Archdiocese of Hanoi become 'sisters'
Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Archbishop Joseph Kiet Ngo of Vietnam visits Catholic counterparts in Orange County. The first time that Archbishop Joseph Kiet Ngo of Hanoi visited Orange County, he was struck by the energy and passion the Vietnamese community had brought to the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. He met dozens of Vietnamese American priests, attended Vietnamese Masses and talked to parishioners.

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY | PBS

2008 Campaign: Update on the Candidates and Religion
Obama and McCain step up efforts to meet religious leaders and reach religious voters.
Pediatric AIDS Corps
Young American doctors are going to Africa to treat patients and train local providers.
Interfaith Wedding
The wedding rituals of a Hindu-Sikh couple honor the religious traditions of both.

Subscribe to Religion_and_Spirituality RSS feed