Methodism is a Protestant Christian tradition that emerged in the 18th century as a revival movement within the Church of England. Founded by John Wesley and his brother Charles Wesley, it emphasizes personal holiness, social justice, and a practical, disciplined approach to faith and discipleship.

Key Beliefs:

1. Salvation by Grace Through Faith: Salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith, but it requires ongoing cooperation with God’s grace.
2. Sanctification and Holiness: Methodists believe in Christian perfection, where believers grow in love and holiness, striving to reflect the character of Christ.
3. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral:
   • Methodism interprets Scripture through four sources:
     • Scripture (primary authority), Tradition (church history and practices), Reason (logical thinking), and Experience (personal spiritual encounters).
4. Social Justice: A strong commitment to addressing poverty, inequality, and systemic injustice, reflecting Jesus’ call to care for the marginalized (Matthew 25:40).
5. Sacraments: Recognizes two sacraments:
   • Baptism: A sign of God’s grace and inclusion in the covenant community.
     • The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist): A means of grace and spiritual nourishment.

Historical Background:

1. Origins: Founded in the 1730s as a revival movement led by John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield at Oxford University, where they formed a “Holy Club” to promote disciplined Christian living.
   • The movement spread through open-air preaching and small group discipleship.
2. Break from the Church of England: Methodism became a distinct denomination after John Wesley’s death, spreading globally through missionary work.

Distinctive Practices:

1. Class Meetings: Small group gatherings for prayer, accountability, and spiritual growth.
2. Preaching and Evangelism: A focus on spreading the Gospel through passionate preaching and outreach.
3. Hymn Singing: Charles Wesley composed thousands of hymns, many of which remain central to Methodist worship (e.g., “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”).

Legacy and Influence:

• Methodism has played a significant role in education, founding numerous colleges and universities.
• Its emphasis on social justice inspired movements such as the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and civil rights.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.