Wesley and the People Called Methodists [Paperback]

Richard P Heitzenrater (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1995

This survey of the Wesleyan movement in the eighteenth century is the story of many people whose lives and thoughts are woven together in the developing theology, organization, and mission of Methodism. Wesley's own pilgrimage of faith is of course central to the emergence of Methodism, but we also see the contributions of many others--friends and critics alike--whose lives and thoughts helped shape the movement. Conflict as well as courage helped forge the distinctive Wesleyan emphases that constituted for them the "scripture way of salvation." We see the evolution of practical ways to nourish "holiness of heart and life" through the development of societies and schools, classes and bands, conferences and clinics, and many other forms of organization and mission that eventually secure Methodism into the social and religious fabric of British society.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard P. Heitzenrater is the William Kellon Quick Professor of Church History and Wesley Studies, Duke University Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina. He is also a member of the board of Kingswood Books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687443113
• ISBN-13: 978-0687443116
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,620 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Methodist

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best single-volume biography of Welsey, November 21, 2001

By 

Michael K. Turner (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wesley and the People Called Methodists (Paperback)

Heitzenrater's book is the best single-volume work on Wesley. He has, in an accessible prose, documented Wesley's life and the foundations of the Methodist Movement better than anyone before him. It utilizes the sources that are the foundation of the older biographies, such as Wesley's journal. More importantly, however, it effectively utilizes nontraditional sources for understanding his life. He creatively and effectively uses Wesley's theological writings, the writings of contemporaries, and conference minutes to more fully tell Wesley's story.

Heitzenrater is the Albert C. Outler Chair of Wesleyan Studies at Duke Divinity School. He is widely recognized as the foremost expert on Wesley's life. He is also the current editor of the Works of Wesley; he has taken that role since Outler's death.

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars But Where are the PEOPLE?, February 18, 2001

By 

"gam2saints" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wesley and the People Called Methodists (Paperback)

This is a superb book by Richard P. Heitzenrater. The narrative moves us through the many seasons of John Wesley's ministry, noting significant events and conflicts along the way. But this is a book that is very much limited to a focus on Wesley. It is as though a spotlight is on our protagonist and everyone else is given only minor occasions for sharing in his light...or being heard in the darkened background.

The strongest criticism of this book is that it defies its own title -- there are no PEOPLE called Methodists in this book. For one of the most profound and popular religious movements since the Reformation, it is amazing that Heitzenrater has neglected to include a portrayal of the people themselves. Who were these people? I am not talking about Wesley's aids here. I am talking about the common folk who made up the lion's share of the movement. There is no mention in this book of women's spirituality (in a movement made up of approximately 60 percent women!). There is no discussion of the social factors surrounding the rise of Methodism. So much of the story is missed.

Nevertheless! This is an excellent introduction to the topic of Wesley and Methodism...it is only that it could have been so much more.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contemporary relevance of traditional Subject, January 10, 2001

By 

Dr Steven Birkenhead AO, PhD (Sale, Victoria Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wesley and the People Called Methodists (Paperback)

Richard Heitzenrater's book, although at times extremely heavy reading and subject matter sometimes difficult to appreciate at first blush is an excellent example of drawing the "historical" into the same sphere as "contemporary" subjects.

This is an excellent book for those seeking to gain a greater and more informed understanding of the sometimes difficult relationship betwen Wesley and the early Methodists - they were not always on the friendliest of terms.

A book highly reccomened for those wishing and willing to read a heavy but non-the-less readable book.

Congraulations to Richard Heitzenrater.