The History of Methodism Podcast

In this episode, we step away from the Wesley brothers in order to look at the larger context surrounding the revival. No revival ever took place in a vacuum.Here is a link to The History of Methodism Volume 1 & 2 in English.Here is a link to The History of Methodism Volume 1 & 2 in Spanish. You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/historyofmethodismYou can check out the updated website here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/You can check out our books here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/wroot-press.htmlAnd you can look at the Wesley Corpus website here: https://corpus.historyofmethodism.com/

In this episode, we track the work of John and Charles Wesley during the fall of 1740 as they deal with challenges from the Moravians, the Calvinists, the Church of England, and the law. Here is a link to The History of Methodism Volume 1 & 2 in English.Here is a link to The History of Methodism Volume 1 & 2 in Spanish. You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/historyofmethodismYou can check out the updated website here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/You can check out our books here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/wroot-press.htmlAnd you can look at the Wesley Corpus website here: https://corpus.historyofmethodism.com/

In this episode, we follow Charles Wesley to Bristol in the summer of 1740. While John dealt with the crisis at Fetter Lane in London, Charles found renewal among the coal miners of Kingswood, clashed with a hostile clergyman at Temple Church, survived a serious fever, and wrote a moving letter to George Whitefield seeking unity despite their theological differences. Through Charles's journal and letters, we see the Methodist movement growing in ways that London could not have predicted.You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/historyofmethodismYou can check out the updated website here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/You can check out our books here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/wroot-press.htmlAnd you can look at the Wesley Corpus website here: https://corpus.historyofmethodism.com/

In this episode, we look at the first four hymn books published by John Wesley (with his brother, Charles, for three of them). These came out in 1737, 1738, 1739, and 1740. Each gives us a helpful understanding beyond the journals of what was going on at that time. As well, the preface's to the last two offered John Wesley a chance to share his theological understanding in fresh ways. The 1739 preface includes the famous phrase: "The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness."You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/historyofmethodismYou can check out the updated website here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/You can check out our books here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/wroot-press.htmlAnd you can look at the Wesley Corpus website here: https://corpus.historyofmethodism.com/

In this episode, we look at the founding of the Foundery Chapel and the separation of John and Charles Wesley from the Fetter Lane Society. These two nearly concurrent events shaped the future of the movement in radical ways. You can support the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/historyofmethodismYou can check out the updated website here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/You can check out our books here: https://www.historyofmethodism.com/wroot-press.htmlAnd you can look at the Wesley Corpus website here: https://corpus.historyofmethodism.com/

In this episode, we look at the early months of 1740 and how John Wesley dealt with the loss of his brother and the lingering tension at Fetter Lane.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the fall of 1739 and the different questions of ministry that John Wesley is asking and answering. This was a fecund time for Methodism with the beginning of the General Rules and the first hints at conferencing taking place.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the founding of the Fetter Lane Society in London in 1738, and how John Wesley's leadership of Fetter Lane helped him to articulate his understanding of the church in the early days of the Methodist movement. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the life of the oldest brother, Samuel Wesley Junior, and how is rigor and early death made an impact on the Methodist Movement. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the pivotal summer of 1739, after the start of the Bristol Revival. After a week in London, John Wesley returns to Bristol. In both places, he begins to put into practice a unique method of superintendency which he will expand throughout his years of ministry.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at what the Bristol Revival was like on the ground and what caused John Wesley to return to London.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at George Whitefield's response to John Wesley's sermon Free Grace, published more than a year later. It helps us to understand the differences between groups in Bristol and in the ongoing revival. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we focus entirely upon John Wesley's sermon, Free Grace, which he preached at the end of his first month in Bristol. This sermon articulates John's distinction between predestinarian thought and Biblical thought (in his mind) and sets the stage for the dispute between John Wesley and George Whitefield that will split the nascent Methodist movement.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look the first month of John Wesley's participation in the Revival in Bristol, England, in 1739. This period is crucial for Wesley's understanding of revival. It also prepares the way for his split with George Whitefield over Free Grace vs. Predestination. If you are interested in History of Methodism Continuing Education Opportunities, please fill out the brief form at this link. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the first few months of 1739 in the life of John Wesley and the choices that led him to go to Bristol at the end of March and start preaching in fields.If you are interested in History of Methodism Continuing Education Opportunities, please fill out the brief form at this link. Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the history and geography of Bristol, England, in order to better understand the Methodist Revival that will start there in the Spring of 1739.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the early life of George Whitefield in order to prepare for the revivals that will take place in 1739.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we catch up with Charles Wesley while John was on the continent, as well as follow John through the rest of 1738 up until the momentous love feast on January 1, 1739.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we go back in time to look at the early life of the New England theologian, Jonathan Edwards, whose life doubled John Wesley's in many ways, save for Edwards's Calvinism. The episode culminates in an account of Jonathan Edwards's work, A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God in the Conversion of Many Hundred Souls in Northampton, the book John read in October of 1738 which helped influence the coming Methodist movement.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

Spiritual autobiographies were essential to the spread of Methodism. In this Bonus episode, we hear about Christian David, a Moravian who preached to John Wesley at Herrnhut and whose life impacted John tremendously.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at John Wesley's two week visit to the home of the Moravians in Herrnhüt, in what is now Germany. We also discuss how this visit shaped the future movement, and how the stories he decided to share also offered a new medium for John.Please give us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at John Wesley's journey from visiting his mother to visiting the Moravians at Herrnhut, in the heart of Saxony. We also look at his sermon, Salvation by Faith, preached soon after his Aldersgate Experience on this journey.Please give us a five star rating and subscribe.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the days immediately after Aldersgate and the challenges John Wesley faced after his spiritual experience. Please give us a five star rating and subscribe.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we hear John Wesley's full account of Aldersgate, which also serves as a recapitulation of his life up until that point. Please give us a five star rating and subscribe.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we focus in on the day of May 24, 1738, from start finish and read together the scriptures and prayers which John Wesley encountered before his Aldersgate Rd. experience. We also listen to a public domain excerpt from Henry Purcell's setting of Psalm 130, which was sung at evening prayer that Wednesday. Please give us a five star rating and subscribe.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we have an interview with the Rev. John Elford about his book Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm: The American Methodist Church and the Struggle with White Supremacy. You can find more information about John at his website, https://www.johnelford.com, where you can also find links to purchase the book. Please like and subscribe to show your support. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we follow John Wesley during the time between his return to England in February of 1738, up to the moments before his Aldersgate conversion experience on Mary 24, 1738. We also look into Charles's own experience and the influence of Peter Böhler on both Wesley brothers. Please give us a five star rating and subscribe.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we give some context about the England to which John Wesley returns after his stint in Georgia, with a look at the life and reign of King George II. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at some of the theological influences upon John Wesley during his stay in Georgia, especially the Moravians. We also include some background on the Moravians and their leader, Zinzendorf. The episode ends with a critique of John Wesley's theology written by other colonists in Georgia. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we continue the story of John Wesley's relationship with Sophy Hopkey beginning with her engagement to William Williamson up through John Wesley's Trial and final departure from the Colony of Georgia. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we go in-depth into the relationship between John Wesley and Sophy Hopkey in Georgia up until he discovers her marriage to William Williamson. The relationship is much more complex than it is often portrayed and the consequences of their relationship shape the future of the Methodist movement.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we hear John Wesley's Status of the Georgia Colony, written in 1737 after his return to England. Wesley wrote the report for the Trustees of the Colony. It gives us a sense of his understanding of the breadth of the colony, as well as a sense of the wildness of his surroundings. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we arrive in Georgia and follow John to Savannah and Charles to St. Simon's Island as they begin their lives in the new world.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we follow the journey of John and Charles Wesley from England to Georgia, looking at how they lived and grew and changed in the process.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the life of James Oglethrope, the founder of the Georgia Colony, and the events that led up to the 1735 trip the Wesleys took to Georgia.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at John Wesley's vocational transformation from Oxford professor to missionary to the New World.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at Oxford Methodism from the years 1732-1734 and the transformations that took place there among the students and John Wesley himself. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the history of Oxford Methodism from a scholarly perspective, honing in on the time between 1729-32. We discuss the members of the group, what they did, and what they were trying to do. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we hear an account of the Holy Club from John Wesley's own words as he tells it in a letter to the father of his friend, Richard Morgan. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the circumstances which brought John Wesley from his position as a curate in northern England back to Oxford and the early beginnings of the Oxford Holy Club.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the content of John Wesley's early diaries and what his life was like at Oxford and at Epworth before the Holy Club.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we step back from the story of Methodism to discuss the puzzle of John Wesley's diaries and how that puzzle was solved. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at John Wesley's call to ministry after he finished his undergraduate work at Oxford in 1724.  That is, how he didn't take as direct a route into Holy Orders as it is sometimes portrayed.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we follow young John Wesley to Charterhouse and young Charles Wesley to Westminster before we give an overview of what Oxford University was like in the early 18th century. You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ryan Danker about the Church of England during the reigns of Queen Anne and George I. This episode is longer than usual but the conversation is highly relevant to the History of Methodism.Ryan is the author and editor of many books including Wesley and the Anglicans. Ryan is also the Director of the John Wesley Institute in Washington D.C.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.com.You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we look at the reign of the first Hanover king of England, Scotland, and Ireland: George I. Who was he? Where did he come from? And what did John Wesley think of him?You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.comYou can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

In this episode, we take one last look at Epworth, and we have a wonderful host: Susannah Wesley. The episode mostly consists of a letter that Susanna  later wrote John Wesley about what his childhood was like.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.comYou can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. 

Our first bonus interview takes us on a historical leap from 1703 to 1833. We are talking with Michael McKenzie, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Keuka College, about his new book, A Country Strange and FarThe Methodist Church in the Pacific Northwest, 1834–1918. Our conversation will cover the details of the book and the struggles of the Methodist Church in the Pacific Northwest, as well as connect to the conversation about Epworth we had in Episode 27 and Samuel Wesley's struggles to connect to the wild and rugged Isle of Axholme. As always, you can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism and find us online at historyofmethodism.com.

In this episode, we look at the town where John and Charles Wesley were born: Epworth. We cover the drainage of the swamps, the wildness of the land's character, as well as the Epworth ghost.You can find us online at www.historyofmethodism.comYou can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism. Here is Dudley Wright's, The Epworth Phenomena, which collates the different accounts of the Epworth ghost story. 

In this episode, we discuss two works of Samuel Wesley and how they offer John and Charles Wesley a way not to do theology. You can support us online at patreon.com/historyofmethodism.