John Wesley and the Christian Gospel

Paper Summary:

This paper examines Sermon 39, given by evangelist John Wesley on the "Catholic" and "spirit" of Christianity. The paper explains that, in his sermon, Wesley openly acknowledged that there were certain opinions professing Christians differed upon, even though all Christians believed they were participants in the same tradition. The paper then points out that Wesley acknowledges the ability of true Christians to differ on aspects of opinion and doctrine. The paper also explains that Wesley stated in his sermon that Christians could have legitimate differences of opinion regarding the nature of church governance, although all Christians, he believed, must acknowledge the need to participate in a church community. The paper then looks at how Wesley believes in the value of the practice of infant baptism but urged a listener of a different doctrinal persuasion to follow according to conscience. In conclusion, the paper shows that all affirmations of Christian love are the underlying ideals of Wesley's philosophy. The church must be governed, in his view, according to a set of rules and structured around certain opinions, which Wesley thinks is better than the entirely spontaneous and free method of running services, but this specificity must not be used as a way of alienating other Christians, or for the purpose of invalidating the Christian sincerity of others.

From the Paper:

" Wesley, in keeping with the Episcopal apostolic view, believed in the virtue of drinking wine, and eating of bread during service in replication of the Lord's actions, while noting that other Christians disputed the taking of spirits in replication of the Last Supper or observing Mass. But church government, infant baptism, directed versus spontaneous prayer, and the taking of the Host were ultimately "smaller points" and should not interfere with the unity of Christian mission and love (II.2). No opinion, however dearly held, should act as a barrier between Christians in their quest for loving unity."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Doctrinal Standards and our Theological Task." Part II of The 1996 Book of Discipline. pp. 39-83.
• Wesley, John. "Catholic Spirit." Sermon 39. 22 Feb 2008. http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/39/2/

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