Spiritual Literacy in John Wesley's Methodism: Reading, Writing, and Speaking to Believe (Studies in Rhetoric & Religion) [Hardcover]

Vicki Tolar Burton (Author)

Book Description

Series: Studies in Rhetoric & Religion | Publication Date: August 15, 2008

Vicki Tolar Burton argues that John Wesley wanted to make ordinary Methodist men and women readers, writers, and public speakers because he understood the powerful role of language for spiritual formation. His understanding came from his own family and education, from his personal spiritual practices and experiences, and from the evidence he saw in the lives of his followers. By examining the intersections of literacy, rhetoric, and spirituality as they occurred in early British Methodism--and by exploring the meaning of these practices for class and gender--the author provides a new understanding of the method of Methodism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Here is the counter history to the elitist rhetorics of Hugh Blair and George Campbell. Vicki Tolar-Burton's close reading of the actual day-to-day texts of early Methodism's founder and followers expands our knowledge of how a democratizing rhetoric gave cultural voice to women and to working class men in early Methodism. --Robert Stephen Reid, Communication Department Chair, University of Dubuque

Spiritual Literacy in John Wesley's Methodism is carefully argued and painstakingly researched, drawing on primary materials as well as on scholarship from many disciplines. It benefits from the rigor scholars have come to expect from Tolar Burton. --Linda Ferreira-Buckley, Associate Professor of English, University of Texas

Through close examination of primary sources, Tolar Burton offers a rich account of leading Methodist women such as Sarah Crosby, Mary Fletcher and Hester Ann Rogers.... Particularly noteworthy are Tolar Burton's insights into aspects of Methodist Studies given little coverage elsewhere.... Historians of early Methodism should regard her study as essential reading. --Barry W. Hamilton, Northeastern Seminary, Rochester, New York

This work sheds light on an underappreciated aspect of the early Methodist movement--John Wesley's concern for developing the abilities of ordinary men and women as readers, writers, and public speakers. Burton explores Wesley's conviction about the significant role of literacy in spiritual formation, tracing the roots of this conviction to his own upbringing. She also probes some of the tensions that this raised, as formerly silent members of society were emboldened to give their beliefs public voice. The result is an important study for students of Methodism and beyond. --Randy L. Maddox, Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Duke University Divinity School

This work sheds light on an underappreciated aspect of the early Methodist movement--John Wesley's concern for developing the abilities of ordinary men and women as readers, writers, and public speakers. Burton explores Wesley's conviction about the significant role of literacy in spiritual formation, tracing the roots of this conviction to his own upbringing. She also probes some of the tensions that this raised, as formerly silent members of society were emboldened to give their beliefs public voice. The result is an important study for students of Methodism and beyond. --Randy L. Maddox, Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Duke University Divinity School

Spiritual Literacy in John Wesley's Methodism is carefully argued and painstakingly researched, drawing on primary materials as well as on scholarship from many disciplines. It benefits from the rigor scholars have come to expect from Tolar Burton. --Linda Ferreira-Buckley, Associate Professor of English, University of Texas

About the Author

Vicki Tolar Burton (Ph.D. Auburn University) is Associate Professor of English and Director, Writing Intensive Curriculum, Oregon State University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 410 pages
• Publisher: Baylor University Press; illustrated edition edition (August 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602580235
• ISBN-13: 978-1602580237
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,012,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thorough treatment of a long-neglected aspect of Wesley's Methodism, December 14, 2008

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Scott McLaren - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Spiritual Literacy in John Wesley's Methodism: Reading, Writing, and Speaking to Believe (Studies in Rhetoric & Religion) (Hardcover)

Burton provides a cogent and insightful analysis of Wesley's activities as a reader, author, abridger, and publisher of texts, as well as a detailed consideration of the impact that Wesley's textual practices had on his followers. Among other topics, her book lays out more clearly than any to date the influence that Wesley's father Samuel, and his mother Suzanna had on his development as a reader; the role that his textual practices played in bringing about his conversion; the spiritual and rhetorical uses he made of his diaries and published journals; and the ways he went about encouraging his followers, including women and lay preachers, to read, speak, and write about their own spiritual journeys. Burton also provides a detailed accounting of Wesley's 254,512 volume book inventory at the time of his death in 1791. Burton's book will be useful, not only to those interested in Wesley, but also in reading and writing practices in Britain more generally throughout the long eighteenth century.