United States History - Religious Aspects, Protestant Church History, Methodism, U.S. Church History
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Overview
"The spread of Methodism in America was accompanied, says Riley Case, by a slow, yet certain, division of the tradition into at least two branches. One strand might be called establishment Methodism. This is the Methodism usually described in denominational histories. It was the Methodism of tall steeples, rented pews, robed choirs, denominational journals, colleges, and seminaries. It was Methodism becoming institutionalized, with authority focusing more and more in bishops, presiding elders, conferences, and (later) committees and agencies. Case contends that this focused authority, later identified simply as "the hierarchy," offered a "mediated" faith, one best filtered and controlled by those with education and experience." "The other strand of Methodism might be called populist Methodism. It, for the most part, was "unofficial" Methodism. It was the Methodism of log cabins, moral crusades, circuit preachers, revivals, camp meetings, prayer bands, and indigenous Methodist gospel music, including African American spirituals. It was an "unmediated" Christianity, one that did not need to be filtered through educated clergy or annual conferences. It was democracy in religion. Its authority was derived from the anointing of the Spirit and appealed to the power of primitive Methodism, or "old-time religion." It is often referred to as "grassroots" Methodism. It was Methodism not as an institution, but as a movement." This book intends to tell the story of this second branch of the Methodist tradition in America. Drawing on a variety of sources and voices, it recounts the history of Methodism's evangelical wing, with particular focus on twentieth-century developments. For all who wish to understand the convictions and concerns of the evangelical branch of The United Methodist Church today, this book will prove rewarding, and essential, reading.Book Details
Published
January 1, 2001
Publisher
Abingdon Press,U.S.
Pages
320
Format
Paperback, 2004
ISBN
9780687044443