Marks of Methodism

Theology in Ecclesial Practice

By Dennis M. Campbell, Russell E. Richey, William B. Lawrence Published 6/2005

Paperback ISBN: 9780687329397	$22.00	Buy
eBook ISBN: 9781426732195	$22.00	Buy

Request an Examination Copy

The title of this volume is as old as the Wesleyan movement and apt for the very latest Methodist theological self-designation. Marks of Methodism points back to John Wesley himself and to his efforts to define the movement. Such marks or hallmarks prescribe a basis for Methodist identity, purpose, and unity. They also serve to differentiate Methodists from other Christians, to sketch the boundaries of our movement, and to mark us off. Marks also invite attention to the conjunction of precept and practice, to the considerable recent affirmation of practices as the traditioning and corporate bearers of Christian faithfulness and witness; and therefore as the ground of theology and doctrine, and to Methodist embodiment of and featuring of traditioning practices long before that became fashionable. These marks point to an understanding of church, a doctrine of the church, an ecclesiology, embedded in the everyday structures, policies, organizations, and patterns of Methodist life.

Endorsements

"This is a very helpful capstone to a major study of the historical and present dynamics of Methodism in North American culture. In this synthesis of the prior volumes in the series, Richey and his colleagues challenge the caricature of Methodism as a nontheological tradition by teasing out the theological dimensions that are embedded in characteristic Methodist practices. Their articulation of the various implications of itinerancy, discipline, connectionalism, and catholicity will be central to all future considerations of Methodist ecclesiology."

Randy L. Maddox, Paul T. Walls Professor of Wesleyan Theology, Seattle Pacific University

"Long before the current rediscovery of the power of Christian practices, John Wesley taught a set of practices that shaped a revival of the human spirit, the church, and society. Marks of Methodism is a compelling theological reading of key historic patterns of life for Wesleyan Christians."

Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary

"Methodism is a tradition grounded in particular practices. The historical perspective found in these pages will help us clarify our identity and maintain our focus on what to teach, how to teach, and what to do. The practices that mark us are essential, and this work helps us rediscover their importance!"

Kenneth H. Carter, Jr., Providence United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina

About the Authors

Dennis M. Campbell

Dennis M. Campbell is former Dean of the Divinity School and former Professor of Theology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. Currently he is Headmaster of Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest Virginia.

Russell E. Richey

(2011) Russell E. Richey is Dean Emeritus of Candler School of Theology and the William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor of Church History Emeritus in Atlanta, Georgia.

William B. Lawrence

William B. Lawrence is dean and professor of American Church History at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University (Dallas), where he has served since 2002. Dr. Lawrence is an ordained elder in the North Texas Annual Conference. He is the author of Sundays in New York and Methodism in Recovery, and he has co-edited numerous books, including Connectionalism: Ecclesiology, Mission and Identity; The People(s) Called Methodist: Forms and Reforms of Their Life; and Doctrines and Disciplines. Additionally, Dr. Lawrence is a member of the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church.