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Describe the explosive growth of Methodism and its geographical patterns. What changes in the nation after the Revolution did Methodism benefit from? In what ways were American and English Methodism similar? What were John Wesley's main doctrines, and which were most distinctive to Methodism? Define Wesley's ideas about "sanctification."
Identify Francis Asbury, his accomplishments, and his significance. Describe the evolution of the Methodist organizational structure. Who were circuit riders, and how did Methodism benefit from them? What (in theory) distinguished exhorting from preaching, and local from itinerant preachers? Who was James O'Kelly, and what issues did he raise over episcopacy (bishops), and with what success?
Describe common elements in the backgrounds of Methodist preachers. What religious experiences did they commonly have? What risks and obstacles did they face? Describe the bonds of affection that linked them. How did marriage present a challenge to the circuit system? Explain how Methodist preachers received their ministerial training. What was Methodist preaching like?
What were "classes," how did they function, and what was their importance? What was the "love feast," and what occurred there? What were quarterly meetings, and what functions did they fulfill? Describe the role of the camp-meeting. What was Methodist "discipline," and how were its standards upheld?
What kinds of supernaturalism were common among early Methodists, and why did they have broad appeal among Americans? What does the author mean when he writes that "this quest for the supernatural in everyday life was the most distinctive characteristic of early Methodism"? What positive effects did it have? Why did it appeal especially to white women and African Americans, and how did they in turn help shape the character of Methodism? Why were many people disturbed by Methodist behavior?
What reasons explain why Methodism attracted so many African Americans, especially compared to other denominations? How did Methodists feel about slavery and race, and how did these issues come to divide them? What sort of resistance did Methodist antislavery encounter, and how did this eventually cause Methodists to abandon the issue?
Why is it important to stress the roles of women in Methodism? What roles were open to women, both white and black, during the early days of Methodism? How did people feel about women exhorters and preachers, especially as time went on? How did women contribute to the growth and building of Methodism? How might Methodism help women in their lives and problems?
Why, in Wigger's analysis, were Methodists so successful over time? How did prosperity affect Methodism? In what ways did Methodist attitudes change about church structures, formal education, political power, and publishing? Who were the "croakers"? What changes in Methodist preaching and practice upset them? In what ways did Methodism influence the basic character of American life?
Last updated: Saturday, October 10, 2009 11:29 AM