John Wesley: Reviving Christianity in the 18th Century - Essay Sample

Introduction

Many historical figures are remembered for how they contributed to church history. John Wesley stands out as one of the most significant characters owing to his work ethics and his role in founding the Methodist Church. He is renowned for his notable contribution to the revival of the Christian churches during the 18th century (Christian History Institute, n.d.). During this period, the church had lost touch with religious and social problems, and John saw the necessity to take religion to the neglected audiences. The church mostly focused on deism and rationalism, hence abandoning the spiritual needs of the masses. Besides, most leaders were political appointees, the clergymen were filled with ignorance, and it was rare to meet churchmen that had genuine concerns (Nothstine, 2010). John Wesley brought significant changes, and it is, therefore, essential to evaluate his background and distinct contributions to the church.

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Description of John Wesley

John was born in 1703 in Epworth as a 14th son to Samuel Wesley, an Anglican minister, and a rector who handled his pastoral duties dutifully. With the seriousness with which Samuel ran his work, he influenced John and instilled in him the idea of working equally hard. Conversely, John's mother, Sussana, had a tremendous spiritual intensity and raised and molded her children using a code that ensured adherence to stringent and uncompromising Christian moral values (Nothstine, 2010). Besides, she had a profound influence on John as she imparted in him a robust formation of religious concern, piety, and duty. She shared vast awakening messages, but neither John nor his brother trusted Christ alone for salvation (Jones, 2013, 286). Moreover, John's grandparents were dedicated religious men who had suffered immensely due to their faith. They were forsaken by fellow brethren and encountered many instances of persecution. As such, John Wesley had a solid religious background, and it nurtured him into being a God-fearing and disciplined man.

Although Wesley had been raised with a solid religious background, his significant conversion happened when he was 32 years old, in 1735. John, his brother, Charles, and some Moravian settlers were on a sea trip to Georgia meant for evangelizing to the Indians (Jones, 2013, 286). However, their sail was accompanied by turbulences as they encountered a storm along the way, which destroyed part of the ship's mast. During the wind, the Moravian settlers sang hymns and prayed while John remained scared and feared for his life. He was astounded by their faith and desired to have a similar belief that was genuine, strong, and firmly rooted in pietism (Jones, 2013, 285). Moravians had all along held onto their faith and appeared calm since they were assured that God would protect them.

After the event, John sensed that his faith was weak and shallow, and he lacked faith in God. From that day forward, he began to view God as sovereign and powerful over all things. John reasoned that it was God who would create a storm or calm it; hence there was no need to fear such happenings (Nothstine, 2010). He rationalized that the fear he felt resulted from his lack of trust in God and a belief that not based on believing in an unseen God like the Moravians (Jones, 2013, 286). Moreover, Wesley realized that he was not converted, unlike the Indians, which could have led to his shallow faith. Three years later, at a meeting in London, he became transformed, and his preaching gained significant power of the Holy Spirit, with the Bristol sermon being one of the most influential.

John's Contributions

John Wesley is renowned for his contributions in various subjects, including the American Revolution and his Arminian-inclined views on concepts such as sacraments and sanctification. He led in the opposition of the American Revolution by arguing that it was in favor of the loyalists' political arguments. Colonists had similar liberties to other constituents in the British Empire, yet they were exempted from paying taxes (Jones, 2013, 291). He also rebuked the claim that taxes were a tyranny pointing out the many liberties enjoyed by the colonists under British rule. Another reason for opposition was the partisan fervor of American patriots since the resulting protests would not be guided by reason (Christian History Institute, n.d.). Moreover, Wesley argued that it was ironic to proclaim freedom in America when most Americans supported slavery (Jones, 2013, 289). He explained that a similar logic should be applied for both Americans and African slaves since they were all humans. Thus, Wesley was against the patriotic parade that formed one of the core arguments for the American Revolution.

Additionally, Wesley's contribution was seen through his inclination towards Arminian perspectives instead of the Reformed Calvinist theology. He used the approach for both those he considered lost and in his attempt to educate the church. Calvinism had been the widespread theology after Martin Luther's reformation and had become the accepted tenet in all protestant churches (Jones, 2013, 289). Conversely, Wesley upheld his Arminian beliefs and offered an alternative theological perspective on Christianity, hence challenging the existing orthodoxy.

Wesley's view of reconciliation of God and man was largely Arminian. He argued that all men need salvation and not just an elect few. Hence God's grace is available to all to help them in repentance, Christian living, and redemption. Also, he presented his reasoning of the prevenient grace and formulated a new understanding of man, sin, and salvation (Jones, 2013, 291). In his order of salvation, he gave a progressive series of steps that led a man previously dead in sin to glorification with Christ in heaven. The steps involved conviction, redemption, and sanctification, which he argued were essential for one to reunite with Christ. As such, his approach entailed a fusion of God's grace and man's will, which enabled the work of grace. Such teachings had a significant and lasting impact on Protestantism and thus contributed to fulfilling the core mission of the reformation.

Moreover, Wesley introduced a new understanding of sanctification as he sought to show the balance between God's grace and man's responsibility. He argued that grace entails the work of God in human beings; hence there can be more significant works of grace (Nothstine, 2010). For instance, the need for Christ and conviction of sinfulness represent more intense work of grace compared to prevenient grace. Moreover, the continuous work of salvation as people seek to resemble the Image of Jesus Christ is something more profound than what the Spirit has done in the past (Christian History Institute, n.d.). Therefore, Wesley reasoned that there are varying degrees of salvation in peoples' lives, and the greatness grows gradually after one's conviction into following Christ. As such, salvation is a single step towards the sanctification of a sinful man into a God's holy child. It is through sanctification that God's grace enables man to act and desire as he should.

Reflection on the Significance of John Wesley

John Wesley played a crucial role in organizing and forming Methodism. He saw his movement as part of the Church of England as he had not intended to oppose it. However, as more converts joined his campaign, they started organizing themselves in societies similar to those of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Church. He could visit them regularly to settle disputes and expel those who went against the set standards of morality (Nothstine, 2010). Although there were many defections, he was tireless and devoted to organizing, which kept his movement prospering. He also faced constant opposition from the Anglican bishops who refused to ordain Methodist clergy. Wesley later took a deed of declaration of the Methodist society and appointed men to serve as supporters in various parts of England.

The Methodist movement affected English society significantly. It played an essential role in bringing religion to the masses that had been shifted by the industrial revolution and could not be reached by the Anglican Church (Christian History Institute, n.d.). Besides, it was highly beneficial to dissent congregations and the Church of England as it emphasized morality, discipline, and hope to the deprived people. As such, it helped to keep England from widespread social unrest and acts geared towards a revolution (Nothstine, 2010). By maintaining political conservativeness, he held his congregants together and prevented upheavals. Moreover, he partnered with Charles, his brother, to form hymns and develop moving sermons for Christians, which led to a revival of the Christian faith.

Conclusion

Overall, John Wesley made significant contributions to church history. John's raising formed a solid base for the growth of his faith, while his association with the Moravians strengthened his faith and led to his conversion. He brought together Calvinist and Arminian thoughts forming a new evangelical approach on matters such as sanctification and salvation. Moreover, he played a significant role in opposing the American Revolution and reaching the masses who the Anglican Church could not reach. Through his tireless efforts and dedication, he began the Methodist Church, which was highly beneficial to the English society during the time and later spread to other parts of the world.

References

Christian History Institute. (n.d.). John and Charles Wesley | Christian history institute. Retrieved from https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/wesleys.

Jones, T. P. (2013). Rose Bible Basics: Christian History Made Easy. Rose Publishing, Inc.

Nothstine, R. (2010). The theology of John Wesley. Retrieved from https://www.acton.org/pub/religion-liberty/volume-18-number-2/theology-john-wesley.