Jeffrey W. Barbeau. The Spirit of Methodism: From the Wesleys to a Global Communion. IVP Academic, 2019. See here to purchase the book.
Jeffrey W. Barbeau teaches theology at Wheaton College. This book is somewhat of a primer on Methodism. Barbeau begins by profiling contemporary Methodism and the landscape of Methodist churches. He then provides a history of Methodism, as he provides biographies of key Methodist figures and discusses Methodist beliefs. Barbeau distinguishes between Methodism and Wesleyanism, and he also talks about the ambivalence within historical Methodism towards slavery. The book also looks at international Methodism, as when Barbeau discusses significant figures in Asian and South American Methodism.
This book is an inviting and friendly introduction to Methodism. The human element is prominent in this book, both when Barbeau tells personal stories and also when he relays the stories of historical Methodists. The part near the beginning, when Barbeau narrates how young John Wesley was saved from a fire, had the feel of a PBS American Experience episode. Particularly compelling was the thirst of people, even religious people, for a personal encounter with God. In the case of John Wesley, he initially was a person who did the right religious things, but he felt something was missing. In another story, a person wrestles with historical criticism of the Bible and seeks authentic spirituality.
The book would have been stronger had it gone into more depth about the divisions within Methodism, particularly over homosexuality. The Social Principles are rather left-wing, yet there are churches and individuals who are more conservative. Notwithstanding this lack, the book was enjoyable to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review is honest.
Jeffrey W. Barbeau teaches theology at Wheaton College. This book is somewhat of a primer on Methodism. Barbeau begins by profiling contemporary Methodism and the landscape of Methodist churches. He then provides a history of Methodism, as he provides biographies of key Methodist figures and discusses Methodist beliefs. Barbeau distinguishes between Methodism and Wesleyanism, and he also talks about the ambivalence within historical Methodism towards slavery. The book also looks at international Methodism, as when Barbeau discusses significant figures in Asian and South American Methodism.
This book is an inviting and friendly introduction to Methodism. The human element is prominent in this book, both when Barbeau tells personal stories and also when he relays the stories of historical Methodists. The part near the beginning, when Barbeau narrates how young John Wesley was saved from a fire, had the feel of a PBS American Experience episode. Particularly compelling was the thirst of people, even religious people, for a personal encounter with God. In the case of John Wesley, he initially was a person who did the right religious things, but he felt something was missing. In another story, a person wrestles with historical criticism of the Bible and seeks authentic spirituality.
The book would have been stronger had it gone into more depth about the divisions within Methodism, particularly over homosexuality. The Social Principles are rather left-wing, yet there are churches and individuals who are more conservative. Notwithstanding this lack, the book was enjoyable to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review is honest.