Born in Crisis and Shaped by Controversy, Volume 2: The Relevant History of Methodism
Ebook
This second installment of the Methodist story, Shaped by Controversy, examines eight of the major controversies that epitomize aspects of Methodism's inter-family dialogue and trauma. These theological, ecclesial, and ethical controversies tried the values, tested the patience, and strained our familial relationships. Ultimately they divided the Methodist movement. Ironically, controversy was often rooted in something that was good and right about the Methodist movement--a commitment to addressing what had somehow gotten out of balance and become destructive. Internal struggles over matters related to class, economic status, gender, and race shook Methodism precisely because the inclusion of all people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life was a foundational aspect of the early Methodism.
Contentious controversies have revolved around matters like: 1) the nature of spiritual life, faith, and good works; 2) predestination and the nature Christian assurance of salvation; 3) the difficulties of living out Christian Perfection in a world full of imperfect people; 4) the pain and trauma of ecclesiastical separation; 5) women's leadership in the church; 6) the debilitating effects of racism and segregation; 7) governance and shared leadership; and 8) the affirmation and full inclusion of LGBTQ people. These controversies within the church family have challenged and pained Methodists deeply. They have also forced Methodists to examine their own priorities and clarify what matters most to them. How the Methodists responded to these controversies, for good or for ill, has shaped the identity of the Methodists as people of faith. Hopefully, both guidance and encouragement can be found in this history because the past is often like a distant mirror that reflects very clearly upon lives lived today.
“Numerous books have explored different facets of Methodist history. Few, however, have been able to connect past controversies with present realities better than Tyson’s book. . . . This is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future mission of the Methodist movement.”
—Christopher Evans, Boston University School of Theology
“If most history is written about victories from the perspective of the victors, then Tyson has chosen a strikingly different approach. He narrates the story of a Methodist movement forged in the crucible of crises and controversies. . . . But his analysis of trauma in the ‘Methodist family system’ does leave room for hope.”
—Paul Chilcote, Director of Global Wesleyan Theology, Wesley House
“This well-researched volume traces some of the disputes that have historically threatened the witness and unity of ‘the people called Methodists.’ . . . This work will lend itself especially well to students of the history of Methodism, classes in Wesleyan social ethics, and advanced study groups in United Methodist congregations.”
—Wendy J. Deichmann, United Theological Seminary
“In this engaging work, Tyson dives headlong into the crises that have marked Methodism since its inception, and even the crises that created the context in which this warmhearted movement took shape. . . . This is not a book about Methodist hero worship but an honest and thoughtful engagement with a diverse and varied ‘family,’ warts and all.”
—Ryan N. Danker, Director, John Wesley Institute, Washington, DC
- Title: Born in Crisis and Shaped by Controversy, Volume 2: The Relevant History of Methodism
- Author: John R. Tyson
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666737271, 9781666737257, 1666737259, 9781666737264, 1666737267, 1666737275
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666737271
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-08-19T02:02:00Z