Anti-Methodism and Theological Controversy in Eighteenth-Century - England: The Struggle for True Religion

John Wesley and George Whitefield are remembered as founders of Methodism, one of the most influential movements in the history of modern Christianity. Characterized by open-air and itinerant preaching, eighteenth-century Methodism was a divisive phenomenon, which attracted a torrent of printed opposition, especially from Anglican clergymen. Yet, most of these opponents have been virtually forgotten. Anti-Methodism and Theological Controversy in Eighteenth-Century England is the first large-scale examination of the theological ideas of early anti-Methodist authors. By illuminating a very different perspective on Methodism, Simon Lewis provides a fundamental reappraisal of the eighteenth-century Church of England and its doctrinal priorities. For anti-Methodist authors, attacking Wesley and Whitefield was part of a wider defence of 'true religion', which demonstrates the theological vitality of the much-derided Georgian Church. This book, therefore, places Methodism firmly in its contemporary theological context, as part of the Church of England's continuing struggle to define itself theologically.

Product details

• Authors: Simon Lewis, Simon (Visiting Research Fellow Lewis
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 28.12.2021
• EAN: 9780192855756
• ISBN: 978-0-19-285575-6
• No. of pages: 224
• Dimensions: 160 mm x 240 mm x 20 mm
• Series: Oxford Theology and Religion Monographs; Oxford Theology and Religion M
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Christianity; Non-fiction book; England, Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900, European History, HISTORY / Modern / General, HISTORY / Europe / Ireland, RELIGION / Christianity / Methodist, Christianity, History of Religion, 18th century, c 1700 to c 1799, British & Irish history, C 1700 To C 1800