John Wesley Beliefs

Reverend John Wesley is one of the founders of Methodism, a branch of Protestant Christianity. His contributions to the Christian community are evident in actions taken throughout his life and in his ministries. Many people have written memoirs describing the journeys of Wesley’s life. Among some of these memoirs is “The Life of Rev. John Wesley, A.M., sometime fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, Founder of the Methodist Societies” written by British Methodist theologian Richard Watson. Watson is detailed in describing the upbringing of a young John Wesley and his parents’ influence on the man he later became.

John Wesley was raised in a very deeply rooted Christian household. According to Watson, John’s father, Reverend Samuel Wesley,

His father portrayed a very respectable and influential leader while his mother had sanctified wisdom and a calming aroma of Christ. John Wesley, who was comprised of traits from two very successful people became a great theologian. In fact, July of 2010, Thomas Noble wrote an article describing the theological side of Wesley in the Evangelical Quarterly called “John Wesley as a Theologian: An Introduction.” Noble describes in detail the principle truths behind Wesleyan theology. Noble says, “No theologian in Christian history has united theoria and praxis more successfully as a true pastor and ‘bishop’.” “Theoria” is the Greek word from which theory is derived. Theoria is defined as contemplation and speculation. “Praxis” is the Greek word from which practice is derived and is defined as practical application or practice of theory. John Wesley was renowned for always living by what he taught. He set a wonderful example for other Christians to

The organizational genius that was John Wesley is one of the key reasons Methodists are called “Methodist.” “Methodist” is defined as one who follows a method. Wesley’s practices and methods to following Christ are of the most intricate organizational level. Wesley through years of study and practice, perfected his organization. The Wesleyan Methodism organizational system consists of “five levels: societies, select societies, penitent bands, classes, and bands” (Bunton). Each organizational level had a different purpose and consisted of varying group sizes from entire communities to about twelve people. Wesley’s most talked about organizational levels are “classes” and