Methodism: A Very Short Introduction

Beginning as a renewal movement within Anglicanism in the eighteenth century, Methodism had become the largest Protestant denomination in the USA in the nineteenth century, and is today one of the most vibrant forms of Christianity. Representing a complex spiritual and evangelistic experiment that involves a passionate commitment to worldwide mission, it covers a global network of Christian denominations.

In this Very Short Introduction William J. Abraham traces Methodism from its origins in the work of John Wesley and the hymns of his brother, Charles Wesley, in the eighteenth century, right up to the present. Considering the identity, nature, and history of Methodism, Abraham provides a fresh account of the place of Methodism in the life and thought of the Christian Church. Describing the message of Methodism, and who the Methodists are, he also considers the practices of Methodism, and discusses the global impact of Methodism and its decline in the homelands. Finally Abraham looks forward, and considers the future prospects for Methodism.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


This is very much more than an introduction to Methodism. Using considerable scholarship and a keen theological imagination, Abraham sets Methodism within a broader Christian framework. The result is an honest assessment of the development of Methodism; a penetrating assessment of contemporary Methodist churches; and suggestions for how a faithful Methodist tradition might live in apostolic faithfulness. -- Gareth J. Powell, Wesley and Methodist Studies

Worldwide there have been many published assessments of Methodism some ancient, some modem - some critical, some romantic. I think I am aware of a good many of them. At last there comes a scorcher: Methodism: A Very Short Introduction by William J Abraham (Oxford University Press). The book loses nothing and gains everything for being in the celebrated OUP A Very Short Introduction series. -- Norman Wallwork, Methodist Recorder

This very readable work is not only entertaining; it also succeeds in making Methodism accessible to both the scholar and the non-specialist. -- Philipp Reisner, Reading Religion