Methodist
Methodism originated in the evangelical revival led by John Wesley (1703–1791) within the Church of England and spread rapidly through Britain and North America. Wesley's theology combined a strong doctrine of justification by faith with an equally strong insistence on sanctification and Christian perfection — the belief that believers can be wholly sanctified and freed from the dominion of sin in this life. Methodist theology is Arminian in its soteriology: it teaches universal atonement, prevenient grace (God's grace enabling all people to respond to the Gospel), conditional election based on foreseen faith, and the possibility of apostasy. The 'Wesleyan Quadrilateral' — Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience — describes Methodist theological method, with Scripture as the primary authority. The United Methodist Church, the largest Methodist body, is the third-largest Protestant denomination in the United States.
Theology
Christology
Soteriology
Salvation
Nuanced
Arminian salvation: prevenient grace, free response, sanctification
Atonement & Ransom
Affirms
Universal atonement: Christ died for all without exception
Predestination
Denies
Double predestination denied; Arminian free grace affirmed
Original Sin
Affirms
Original sin inherited; prevenient grace counters it for all people
Eschatology
Soul & Afterlife
Affirms
Souls survive death; bodily resurrection and eternal life affirmed
Hell
Affirms
Eternal judgment for the unrepentant; universal atonement not universalism
Heaven
Affirms
Eternal life promised; bodily resurrection and final glorification affirmed
Second Coming
Affirms
Personal return of Christ expected; focus on readiness over prediction
Millennium
Nuanced
No binding position; postmillennial and amillennial views both historic
Ecclesiology
Scripture
Scripture Interpretation
John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"
Affirms
John 1:1 affirms Christ's divinity; supports Trinitarian Methodism
Isaiah 7:14 — "Virgin or Young Woman"
Affirms
Isaiah 7:14 prophesies Christ's virgin birth; supported by Gospel accounts
Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"
Nuanced
Matthew 16:18 affirms Peter's role but rejects papal claims and apostolic succession
Romans 9:18-21 — "God's Sovereign Choice"
Nuanced
Romans 9 describes God's sovereignty; Methodism affirms universal prevenient grace
James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"
Affirms
James 2:24 teaches that faith is evidenced by works and Christian living
Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"
Affirms
Matthew 28:19 establishes Trinitarian baptism; Methodists practice infant and believer
Hebrews 1:8 — "Your Throne, O God"
Affirms
Hebrews 1:8 affirms Christ's deity and eternal kingdom; supports Methodist faith
Revelation 20:1-6 — "The Thousand Years"
Varies
Revelation 20 eschatological interpretations vary; no Methodist standard
Genesis 1:1-2 — "In the Beginning"
Affirms
Genesis 1:1-2 affirms God as Creator; Methodists accept scientific processes
Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"
Nuanced
Mark 16:9-20 not original to Mark; theological truth affirmed
John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"
Nuanced
John 7:53-8:11 not original to John; story teaches Methodist grace
1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"
Denies
1 John 5:7-8 Comma Johanneum not original to 1 John; later addition
Deuterocanonical Books — "Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Maccabees"
Denies
Deuterocanonical books not required; may be read for instruction
Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"
Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not Scripture; early Christian writing of value
Ethics & Practice
Sabbath
Affirms
Sunday worship as Lord's Day; no strict Sabbatarian requirements
Blood Transfusions
Affirms
No restriction; blood transfusions are morally permissible
Military Service
Nuanced
Just war tradition primary; pacifist stream within Methodist history
Holidays
Affirms
Liturgical year observed; Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost celebrated