Methodism
Empire of the Spirit
Published on 11. April 2005
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-0-300-10614-5 (ISBN)
Description
The emergence of Methodism was arguably the most significant transformation of Protestant Christianity since the Reformation. This book explores the rise of Methodism from its unpromising origins as a religious society within the Church of England in the 1730s to a major international religious movement by the 1880s. During that period Methodism refashioned the old denominational order in the British Isles, became the largest religious denomination in the United States, and gave rise to the most dynamic world missionary movement of the nineteenth century. By the end of the nineteenth century, Methodism had circled the globe and was poised to become one of the fastest growing religious traditions in the modern world.
Reviews / Votes
"This is an extraordinary book. It is jammed full of scintillating interpretations; it is beautifully written; and it conveys tremendous insight in a short compass. It will be recognized immediately as the classic work on the rise of Methodism." Mark Noll, Wheaton College; "This impressive book is one of the best - and certainly one of the most lively - books on Methodism to emerge in years. Based on Hempton's formidable learning, Methodism: Empire of the Spirit provides a well-informed survey of the dynamics of global Methodism. It is exhilarating in both style and content." John Walsh, Oxford University; David Hempton is professor of history at Boston University, where he directs the University's Programme in the History of Christianity. His previous books include Methodism and Politics in British Society, 1750 - 1850, which won the Whitfield prize of the Royal Historical Society; Religion and Political Culture in Britain and Ireland; and The Religion of the People: Methodism and Popular Religion c.1750-1900."More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
12 b&w illustrations, 10 tables and graphs
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-300-10614-5 (9780300106145)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2008
1st Edition
Yale University Press
€55.39
Available for download
Person
David Hempton, a preeminent authority on the history of Methodism, digs beneath the hard surface of institutional expansion to get to the heart of the movement as a dynamic and living faith tradition. Methodism was a movement of discipline and sobriety, but also of ecstasy and enthusiasm. A noisy, restless, and emotional tradition, Methodism fundamentally reshaped British and American culture in the age of industrialisation, democratisation, and the rise of empire.