John Wesley and revolution

Abstract

In 1988 Methodist people throughout the world were encouraged to commemorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the evangelical ·conversion of John Wesley. This thesis arises from a questioning of the exclusive emphasis placed by so many upon Wesley's Aldersgate experience. The question asked is whether Wesley's heart-warming experience was indeed the turning point of his theology and practice, or whether there were other equally important (or even more important) moments in his life. A fresh reading of Wesley has shown that the promotion of this one event in his life has led to a narrow focus which is not born out by his faith and practice. Not only were there many moments of decision in his life, such as the 1725 discovery of Jeremy Taylor's Rules and Exercises of Holy Living and Holy Dying, his submission· to become "more vile" through field preaching in 1739, or his 1784 decision to ordain priests, but each of such moments signified a change in the direction of his life. One such moment was Wesley's decision to respond to the American Revolution. This decision to enter the world of politics proved to be a turning point in his thought and practice, which holds unexplored potential for the political practice of the people called Methodist. It is therefore appropriate that during the anniversary celebrations of Aldersgate, Wesley's thought should be explored beyond the narrow confines imposed by this Aldersgate mania.