From Aldersgate to Azusa Street: Wesleyan, Holiness, and Pentecostal Visions of the New Creation

by Henry H. Knight III (editor)

Historians have noted the connections between the Wesleyan Methodist movement that began in the eighteenth century, the emergence of African American Methodist traditions and an interdenominational Holiness movement in the nineteenth century, and the birth of Pentecostalism in the twentieth century. This volume, written by historians, theologians, and pastors, builds on that earlier work. The contributors present a diverse array of key figures-denominational leaders and mavericks, institutional loyalists and come--outers, clergy and laity--who embodied these movements. The authors show that in spite of their differing historical and cultural contexts, these movements constitute a distinct theological family whose confident and expectant faith in the transforming power of God has significant implications for the renewal of the contemporary church and its faithfulness to God's mission in the world today.ContributorsCorky AlexanderEstrelda AlexanderKimberly Ervin AlexanderLeslie D. CallahanBarry L. CallenDouglas R. CullumDennis C. DickersonD. William FaupelPhilip HamnerDavid Aaron JohnsonJ. C. KelleyHenry H. Knight III William C. KostlevyDiane K. LeclercJoshua J. McMullenRodney McNeallStephen W. RankinHarold E. Raser Douglas M. StrongMatthew K. Thompson Wallace Thornton Jr.L. F. Thuston Arlene Sanchez WalshSteven J. LandLaura GuyJohn H. Wigger"This remarkable book fills a gap in contemporary understandings of American--even global--Christianity. Scholars such as Vinson Synan and Donald Dayton have shown the genetic kinship of Wesleyan, Holiness, and Pentecostal Christianity; this book fills in the picture. With sensitivity to cultural, gender, and racial dynamics, the book offers essential historical and theological insights. Biographical studies of key leaders add flesh and blood to the account. The book is accessible to general readers, not demanding specialized knowledge of the movements covered."--Howard A. SnyderProfessor of Wesley StudiesTyndale Seminary, Ontario"This is an absolutely terrific volume. It provides a whole new angle of vision--historical, theological, and pastoral--for looking again at the legacy of Wesley; it raises searching questions for the future of the Wesleyan and Pentecostal traditions which urgently demand attention; and its potential for breathing new life and hope into the contemporary church is enormous."--William J. AbrahamAlbert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley StudiesPerkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University"From Aldersgate to Azusa Street is a panoramic survey of the lives and times of Wesley and his descendents once and twice-removed. The result is a fascinating biographical history of the emergence of world Christianity. The important contributions of these men and women make this an essential text for teachers and students of Wesleyan, Holiness, and Pentecostal movements.--Amos YongJ. Rodman Williams Professor of TheologyRegent University"Contrary to many convoluted texts, this remarkably readable book uses a narrative approach to embody the primary teachings and ministries defining the Wesleyan family. It focuses on leaders who have engaged in the quest for holiness from Aldersgate to Asuza. Helpful charts clearly highlight the branches and leaders of the Wesleyan family tree. For those seeking renewal of persons, church, and society, this is a must read!"--Susie C. StanleyProfessor of Historical TheologyMessiah CollegeHenry H.

473 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read, and actually studied, this fascinating collection of essays on church history as related to Pentecostalism. Not until this book was I aware that Pentecostalism began in and is deeply connected with Methodism.

Each chapter in the book depicts an individual who had significant impact on this movement (some good, some bad). There are also four very helpful charts and diagrams tracing the evolution of denominations, etc.

The authors present examples covering three centuries in which faith and works were applied in practical ways and in which marginalized populations progressed the movement.

I wish Knight (Henry H. Knight III) had put an index in the book, but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.