Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials [Paperback]

Ted A Campbell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

John Wesley distinguished between essential doctrines on which agreement or consensus is critical and opinions about theology or church practices on which disagreement must be allowed. Though today few people join churches based on doctrinal commitments, once a person has joined a church it becomes important to know the historic teachings of that church's tradition.


In Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, Ted Campbell outlines historical doctrinal consensus in American Episcopal Methodist Churches in a comparative and ecumenical dialogue with the doctrinal inheritance of other major families of Christian tradition. In this way, the book shows both what Methodist churches historically teach in common with ecumenical Christianity and what is distinctive about the Methodist tradition in its various contemporary forms. Documents examined include The Twenty-Five Articles of Religion, The General Rules, Wesley's Standard Sermons and Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament, The Methodist Social Creed, and the Apostles' Creed.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ted A. Campbell is Associate Professor of Church History at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, and has authored the several books for Abingdon Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 139 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687034752
• ISBN-13: 978-0687034758
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,150 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Methodist

More About the Author

Ted A. Campbell was born in Beaumont, Texas, in 1953. He was educated at Lon Morris College, the University of North Texas, Oxford University, and Southern Methodist University. He has served as pastor of United Methodist congregations, and has taught at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Duke Divinity School, Wesley Theological Seminary. He served as president of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary from 2001 through 2005, and now serves as Associate Professor of Church History at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

He is a charter member of the International Society Opposed to Organist Improvisation in Hymn Singing (ISoOIHS) and the International Society Opposed to Dangling Microphones (ISoDM).

Ted Campbell and his wife, Dale Marie Campbell, reside in Dallas, Texas, and they have two daughters in their 20s, Elizabeth and Lydia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative, Easy Read, April 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials (Paperback)

I am taking a very important step in my adult life, that is becoming a member of a methodist church. I approached my pastor regarding my interest and this was the book she refered me to. I was to develop questions for her after reading this, but I have found that most of my questions have been answered by the book. Those questions were about communion, baptism,and what would be expected of me partaking of this faith. The book also reveals those parts of the methodist churches (historic traditions),as seen through the eyes of John Wesley the founder of the methodist movement. The margins of the book are set up so that refering back to a specific article is quick and easy. The glossary and index were also very convienient and helpful for understanding some unfamilar terms.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discipline with Less Discourse, January 23, 2004

By 

P. M Simon "El Simon Asombroso" (New Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials (Paperback)

It would do this fine little volume an injustice to call it "The Book of Discipline Lite" but it does do a fine job of summarizing the big volume without forcing the uninterested party to plow through material about the United Methodist Church's administrative structure and procedures.

Don't expect a profound philisophical discourse on the similarities between Wesley's concept of "sanctification" and the Eastern Orthodox concept of "Theosis" in this book. But DO expect a nice, clean, concise history of the Methodist denomination, a good explanation of its eccumenicalism, a summary of Wesley's values, and all the promised essentials about what role communion, baptism, and clerical orders play in the modern UMC. The end of the book has a tidy summation of Wesley's "rules" and the general principles of the UMC.

For anyone thinking of joining a Methodist church, seeking information about Methodism, and for those Methodists who want a good, concise reference and explanation, this is THE book. Go hit that "add to my shopping cart" button if you fall into one of these categories!

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good tool for understanding Methodist doctrine, July 31, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials (Paperback)

This is a well organized and factually based book on the Methodist doctrine. Being a Methodist for more than 35 years, I have never had a clear idea as to what Methodists really believe. This book has cleared up many misconceptions that I have had over the years and is strengthening my faith in the UMC. A good resource for both students and laypersons!