Abstract: Wesley’s religious experience at Aldersgate remains the most famous and debated event in his life. Scholars disagree on what the experience meant to Wesley at the time and over his lifetime. This article reviews…
Wesley, John
Julian E. Pace IV, “Pietist Credentials of John Wesley”
Abstract: This article explores how the Pietist impulse, in both its “churchly” and “radical” forms, profoundly shaped the theology and spirituality of John Wesley. Churchly Pietists such as the Moravians, as well as the radical…
Andrew Sullivan, “Harmony of the Arminian Faith: A Proposal to the Global Methodist Church” (Full Thesis)
Please click on the attachment to view Andrew Sullivan, “Harmony of the Arminian Faith: A Proposal to the Global Methodist Church.” John Wesley left the people called Methodist a trio of doctrinal…
Mark K. Olson, “Suffering and Becoming Holy: Insights from John Wesley’s Pastoral Counsel”
Abstract: The problem of human suffering has conflicted many people. The eighteenth century was no different, for it was rife with suffering and death, with the average life span a short 37 years. John Wesley…
Julian E. Pace IV, “John Wesley and the Moravians: 1735-1741”
Abstract: This article documents John Wesley’s earliest interactions with the Moravians. Wesley enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Moravians between 1735-1739. Unfortunately, due to personality clashes and growing theological differences, Wesley’s relationship with the Moravians…
Mark K. Olson, “The Stillness Controversy of 1740: Tradition Shaping Scripture Reading”
Abstract: The influence of our Christian traditions upon our reading of scripture is deep and profound, even working at a subconscious level. This article demonstrates this truth by examining the role that tradition played in…
Mark K. Olson, “Opening Salvation’s Door: Acts 10:35 and John Wesley’s Inclusivism”
Abstract: This article explores John Wesley’s inclusivism regarding the future salvation of non-Christians, like Jews, Moslems, and other religious people. Reflecting on Acts 10:35, Wesley became convinced that the foundation for future salvation was not…
Mark K. Olson, “John Wesley’s Doctrine of the Holy Spirit”
Abstract: This article outlines Wesley’s theology of the Holy Spirit. It is shown that Wesley’s pneumatology was trinitarian in structure and included soteriological, epistemological, and eschatological themes. These four emphases serve to structure this article.…
Mark K. Olson, “Theme of Real Christianity in John Wesley’s Commentary on the Book of Revelation”
Abstract: This is the final installment of a six-part series on John Wesley’s eschatology. The theme of real Christianity is shown to have guided Wesley in his commentary on Revelation. Several insightful lessons come from…
Mark K. Olson, “John Wesley’s Order of Eschatological Events”
Abstract: As a postmillennialist Wesley understood the books of Daniel and Revelation to spell out salvation history from the 6th century BCE to the final consummation. The kingdom of God arrives in two phases: at…
Mark K. Olson, “Major Themes in John Wesley’s Eschatology”
Abstract: This fourth installment of a six-part series highlights the central themes in Wesley’s eschatology. First, he believed the Evangelical Revival was preparing the way for the millennial reign of Christ through the conversion of…
Mark K. Olson, “From Heaven Above to New Creation Below”
Abstract: In this third installment, John Wesley’s eschatology is surveyed from his Oxford period in the 1720s to his mature thoughts in the 1780s. It is further shown that the early Wesley was an amillennialist…
Mark K. Olson, “The Revival and Methodist Self-Understanding”
Abstract: This second installment in a six-part series examines how early Methodists understood Methodism as an eschatological movement, called to help usher in the millennium through the proclamation of salvation and holiness. Wesley’s 1739 Journal…
Video: “What’s an Arminian?”
From the description: In this video we look at John Wesley’s 1770 tract, “What is an Arminian?”, to conclude that an Arminian is a Christian who: – Affirms the doctrines of original sin & total…
Prevenient Grace in Romans 1-2: some thoughts with Arminius & Wesley
[This post first appeared at GospelEncounter.wordress.com] “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” – Romans 1:19 ESV “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness…
Wesley’s Three States of Man (from Sermon 9)
[This post first appeared at GospelEncounter.wordpress.com] “Such is the freedom of his will; free only to evil; free to “drink in iniquity like water;” to wander farther and farther from the living God, and do…
Mark K. Olson, “The Revival and Methodist Self-Understanding”
Abstract: This second installment [you can see the first one here] examines how early Methodists understood Methodism as an eschatological movement, called to help usher in the millennium through the proclamation of salvation and holiness.…
Mark K. Olson, “Millennial Aspirations and the Problem of Religious Nominalism”
Abstract: This is part one of a five-part study on John Wesley’s eschatology. This opening article recounts the development of eschatology in England from the Protestant Reformation to the Evangelical Revival in the eighteenth century.…
Don Thorsen, “Introduction: Christians Live More Like Wesley than Calvin”
Please click on the link below to read an excerpt from Calvin vs. Wesley: Bringing Belief in Line With Practice by Don Thorsen, available online by permission at the Ministry Matters website: Introduction: Christians Live More…
Tom Kiser, “The Character of Pure Christianity” (Part 2)
This is the conclusion of an article begun in the last issue. It is an adaptation Tom Kiser made of John Wesley’s description of Christian perfection. By this fruit you will recognize him: he loves…
Recent Posts
Why Does God Deny the Opportunity of Choice for or Against Him to Young Children Who Die and the Mentally Impaired?
Mark K. Olson, “Wesley’s ‘Warmed Heart’ at Aldersgate – What Really Happened?”
Adam Roe, “The Crucial Thread of Prevenient Grace: A Wesleyan Perspective on Divine Drawing”
Video: Joel Korytko, “How Romans 9 Doesn’t Support Calvinism”
