T&T Clark Companion to Methodism

Description

This is an invaluable handbook on Methodism containing an introduction, dictionary of key terms, and concentrates on key themes, methodology and research problems for those interested in studying the origins and development of the history and theology of world Methodism. The literature describing the history and development of Methodism has been growing as scholars and general readers have become aware of its importance as a world church with approximately 40 million members in 300 Methodist denominations in 140 nations. The tercentenary celebrations of the births of its founders, John and Charles Wesley, in 2003 and 2007 provided an additional focus on the evolution of the movement which became a church. This book researches questions, problems, and resources for further study.

Charles Yrigoyen, Jr., is General Secretary emeritus of the General Commission on Archives and History, the United Methodist Church, USA. He is Director of United Methodist Studies at Evangelical Theological Seminary and Lancaster Theological Seminary, USA. He has been editor of Methodist History and Historical Dicrionary of Methodism, and is author of books on John and Charles Wesley and Methodis theology.

Given the high quality of the contributions, the highlighting of areas for further research, and the bibliography, the volume offers an outstanding overview of the field that will make the work eminently useful for scholars, graduate and undergraduate students, and anyone with an interest in the Methodist tradition. * Religious Studies Review * I would heartily recommend the Companion for someone searching for a topic or the basic state of research within Methodism. The book belongs on the shelf of any theological library that serves Methodist students or researchers. * Theological Librarianship * The strengths of this volume are not only its accessible and authoritative review of the seminal Wesleyan foundation themes as might be expected from such acknowledged experts as Heitzenrater, Kimbrough and Campbell, but also the balanced coverage of Methodism as a global phenomenon -- John A. Hargreaves, General Secretary, Wesley Historical Society, UK and Vice-President, World Methodist Society, UK * Journal of the United Reformed Church History Society * The Handbook is excellent in its coverage . . . there is a very strong 150 page 'Methodism A-Z' containing brief overviews, biographies of key people and definitions. A great mine of information and insight. -- Rev. Dr. Stephen Skuce, Director of Scholarship, Research and Innovation, British Methodist Church * Irish Methodist newsletter * [A] valuable contribution at an affordable price ... As well as providing solid coverage of familiar areas, the T&T Clark Companion has a number of features which are of especial value ... [It] contains an A-Z of historical and theological topics ... informative articles which are well referenced with essential further reading. * Wesley and Methodist Studies (of the paperback edition) * The Methodist Companion is a veritable cornucopia, overflowing with the ripe fruits of recent scholarship. Beginning with the contributions of two leading authorities on the Wesley's, the editor has persuaded acknowledged experts to review a wide range of related topics. They introduce us to recent advances in Methodist studies, reflecting the worldwide extent of Methodism today, as well as many of the characteristic features that unite an otherwise diverse family. The reference sections that follow will be invaluable to many. -- John A. Vickers, Formerly Head of Religious and Social Studies at the West Sussex Institute of Higher Education, UK. In this valuable new reference work, an impressive cadre of internationally recognized experts assess the current state of scholarship in over twenty key areas of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, describe areas needing additional attention (further exploration, reassessment, reinterpretation), and suggest ways in which future scholarly exploration can most helpfully proceed. This important volume needs to be on the bookshelves, and frequently in the hands, of all students of the worldwide family of Methodist and Wesleyan traditions. -- Rex D. Matthews, Associate Professor in the Practice of Historical Theology, Candler School of Theology, Emory University. This is a significant and indispensable resource on Methodism as one of the branches in the global ecumenical tree of churches. The up-to-date treatment of essential Methodist issues from theological, spiritual, historical, liturgical, geographical, and cultural perspectives is highly recommendable. An impressive collection of essays written by major Methodist scholars around the world is here combined with a compact dictionary of topics pertaining to the Methodist movement and a comprehensive bibliography. -- Michael Nausner, Professor of Systematic Theology at Reutlingen School of Theology, Germany.