Midterm Definitions

Question 1

Book of Common Prayer

Answer 1

• Official Book of Worship of the Church of England
• Established by act of Parliment 1549, rev. 1552
  *

Question 2

Sola Fide theology

Answer 2

• faith alone
• Battlecry of the Reformers
• Supported by Luther and Calvin
• Challenged by Arminius
• Associated with sola grata, “grace alone”

Question 3

SPCK

Answer 3

Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowelege

1698

Samuel Wesley was involved in this Society

John became a corresponding member

continued after other societies fell away by mid 1700s

Activities included:

• Publishing
• education of poor children
• lending libraries

Purpose: attack the problem of “ignorance”

Question 4

Syond of Dort

Answer 4

1619

Armenianism declared heretical

in the Netherlands

defined and “orthodox” Calvinism

Canon of Dort - Summarized as TULIP

Question 5

SPG

Answer 5

Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts

1701

Official missionary organization of Church of England

Wesley went to Ga as part of SPG

According to Burton 1 purpose: conversion of slaves

Question 6

Latitudinarianism

Answer 6

Belief that

• essentials found in scripture
• all else is opion

Primacy of Scripture

The essentials are the heart of faith.

JW expresses in

• Sermon - “Catholic Spirit”
• Letter to a Roman Catholick

Question 7

Deists

Answer 7

Religion that relies more on laws of nature .

Discounts

• scripture (think T. Jefferson’s Bible)
• supernatural

Tested Scripture based on laws of reason and nature.

Nature was the source of knowledge and truth.

Accompanied the rise of science

God is distant (watchmaker image)

JW would have said that Scripture is the source of knowledge and therefore what we observe in nature is tested by Scripture.

Question 8

Thirty-nine Articles of Religion

Answer 8

Doctrines established and required by “The Act of Uniformity” (1559)

Official doctrine of the Church of England

Wesley claimed them but used his notes on the NT and sermons to narrow acceptable doctrine in 1763

Plan for American Methodism to be separate from the Church of England included a “rectified” version of 24 Articles of Religion.

Question 9

Pietism

Answer 9

Focus on “holiness of heart”

Wesley combined the “perfeciton of the pietists” with the “moralism of the Puritans” and the “devotion of the mystics.” (Heitzenrater, 31)

Wesley had deep desire for both knowledge and piety

German pietism developed about the same time as a renewal fo the Lutheran Church.

This is the Moravian theology thatchallenged J. Wesely on his mission to Ga.

Influenced by Philip Jacob Spener (Lutheran)

Anthony Horneck (Englishman who started SPCK)

Bible, laity, holy living

Question 10

The Books of Homiies

Answer 10

First published 1546 by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer

Sermons to be read in order to present “right” doctrine

to be used word for word by curates

see this in Wesely publishing sermons for lay preachers

Question 11

Marian Exiles

Answer 11

Protestants who left persecution of Queen Mary Tudor

Influenced by Calvin

Geneva Bible and Foxe’s Book of Martyers

Anti-Catholic

Became known as Puritans

Forced Queen Elizabeth into a “middle way”

Question 12

Jacobites

Answer 12

Supporters of King James II

James II was forced to flee to France

James II - Catholic leaning

Supported by Samuel and Susannna Wesley

Question 13

Puritans

Answer 13

English Protestants

wanted to rid Church of England any remaining Catholic elements

wanted to “purify” the church to scriptural standard

Non-conformists because they didn’t conform to 39 Articles

Question 14

Remonstrants

Answer 14

Followers of Arminius

Defeated at the Synod of Dort

considered a threat to traditional Calvinism

Question 15

TULIP

Answer 15

Summary of the Canons of Dord

Calvinist theology:

• T- total depravity (original sin - inherited from Adam and Eve) - could be accepted by Arminians (note JW would sythesize w/Eastern concepts)
• U- unconditional election (predestination - humans have no role in salvation - God alone chooses)
• L- limited atonement (predistination - Christ died only for the elect)
• I- irresistible grace (predestination - if elect one could not resist God’s grace - once saved always saved)
• P- perseverence of the saints (predestination - once saved, always saved)

Question 16

Orthodoxy

Answer 16

Right beliefs

as opposed to heresy

Question 17

Non-jurors

Answer 17

Jacobites who could not sign an oath of allegiance to William and Mary under Act of Supremacy

Lost their positions in the church

John Westly (John Wesley’s grandfather) and Samuel Annesley (Sussana Wesley’s father) were expelled from their positions because they were nonconformists who wouldn’t sign the 39 articles

Samuel and Susanna sided with the nonjuring bishops and the established church

Nonjurist - John Clayton introduced John Wesley to early Christian writings - “primitive age of Christianity” which became a grounding point for John Wesley

Question 18

Heresy

Answer 18

wrong beliefs

example - any notion of free will to the Calvinists

Question 19

Armininism

Answer 19

Jacob Arminius

typically high-Church party that emphasized:

• “holy living”
• human response to God’s grace
• empowerment by grace

Believed in the primacy of grace but recognized that humans were given the opportunity to respond

criticized by Calvinists for proclaiming “human activity in salvation”

Question 20

Moravians

Answer 20

One group of German Pietist reformers

Followed Ludwig von Zinzendorf

• August Spangenberg in Savannah
• Peter Bohler in England

JW was moved by their calm assurance, hymns

Emphasized: “heart theology”

• assurance of faith
• no “degrees” of faith
• salvation by faith alone
• instantaineous converstion - once
• no separation of “justification” and “sanctificaton”
• expeceted a sinless state that reflected the Fruit of the Spirit as evidence of salvation

Involved in Fetter Lane Society - structure influenced JW

JW would later disagree because of instantaineous conversion and no degrees of faith

Question 21

Quietism

Answer 21

A primary reason for the split w/Fetter Lane Moravians

Promoted by Philip Henry Molther

If one did not have “true religion” they should stop participating in the “means of grace” and “works of piety”. They should remain still while they waited before the Lord for conversion.

More extreme understanding of sola fide

Went against what JW had been taught.

CW and JW believed that you waited on the Lord in the through the “means of grace” and “works of piety.”

Therefore, JW’s counter was proclaiming that one waits in all the ordinances.

Question 22

Holy Club

Answer 22

Started by CW

Attended by CW, William Morgan, JW and Bob Kirkham

Activities:

• study (scripture, classics, and works of divinity)
• prayer
• journaling of “holy living”
• attending Holy Communion regularly

Later began acts of charity

• prison visitation at the Castle and North Gate
• visiting the poor and eldery
• teaching poor children

Derided as

• Holy Club
• Godly Club
• Bible-Moths
• Spererogation Men

Question 23

“Model Deed”

Answer 23

Property deed for preaching houses in name of local trustees.

Conditions of the deed:

• During JW’s life - only JW and his appointees would be granted opportunity to preach whenever they wanted.
• No one else was to preach in the preaching houses.
• The preachers must preach the doctrine contained in JW’s notes on the NT and 4 vol. Sermons.

This established JW’s notes on the NT and sermons as the doctrinal standard.

Question 24

“Large Minutes”

Answer 24

Incorporated conversations from a decade of conferences

First published in 1763

This handbook was given to those who passed examination.

Contained the “Model Deed” form

would become “The Discipline”

Question 25

Sermons on Several Occassions

Answer 25

Began publishing in 1746 Set doctrinal standards Purpose was to educate and guide the preachers. Therefore, some are not even sermons that were preached. Others have been modified for this context. Vol 1 - Focus is on faith, justification, and assurance Vol 2 - Regeneration and sanctification Vol 3 - More developed theology expressed in a mix of sermons on perfection, essentials versus nonessentials 3 Vol set sets for the basic "way of salvation" with the emphasis on God's grace and the acceptance by the believer which results in transformed life of love. Many republished in *Works* with contrasting sermons that show the development of JW's theology.

Question 26

Preaching Houses

Answer 26

Buildings where itenerant preachers proclaimed the word in accordance with the Model Deed. Not to be called "churches" Plan rooms with benches without backs

Question 27

Explanatory Notes on the New Testament

Answer 27

Through the Model Deed these notes were established as the doctrinal standard. Scripture was modified KjV - modified based on original languages Began the project while in ill health. Integrates a number of commentaries

Question 28

*Primative Physick*

Answer 28

Book of Medical Advice Much of it suprisingly accurate (some like baldness - not) JW interested in medicin and health - recommended driinking lots of water and regualr exercise Important because of JW's efforts to educate and clinics

Question 29

The General Rules

Answer 29

JW's rules for the Societies - these were the questions used to examine whether you were living a holy life. Not required to join a society (only requirement to desire to flee from God's wrath) , but to continue 3 rules 1. Do no harm 2. Do good 3. Attend upon the ordinances of God. Attending upon the ordinances of God means reading scripture, praying, taking Communion.... - ways of growing in the faith ordained by the church

Question 30

"Methodist"

Answer 30

Term used by John Clayton in a letter to JW (1732) In this new context it described the way of "holiness of heart and life" sought by the Wesleys Way of "meditative piety" practiced by the "Holy Club" Term used previously * Used in the 17th century by the Calvinists to describe the Arminians (not really noted by JW) * Used to describe ancien Greek medics that promoted health through diet and regular exercise (JW liked and used this parallel)

Question 31

Epworth

Answer 31

Childhood home of the Wesley's Samuel appointed to rural parish Susann nurtured family with individual attention and firm discipline (Christianity is not just assurance of forgiveness but also being shaped to conform to a virtuous life) Samuel was at the midst of controversy and conflict Nearly died in fire (brand plucked from the fire) When he was at home - he was in the house w/5 sisters

Question 32

Societies

Answer 32

Umbrella communities Gathered for instrcution, encourangement, fellowship * preaching * covenant renewall service * love feasts Not all society members belonged to bands. Not all band members belonged to society.

Question 33

Class Meetings

Answer 33

Became the foundational unit of Methodist movement Developed from a plan to raise money for the poor NOT divided by gender or age but based on geographic location -neighborhoods Leaders became shepherds JW met w/leaders - this helped him w/pastoral leadership

Question 34

Bands

Answer 34

Provided accountability for emerging leaders Mutual accountability to the General Rules Segregated by gender, marital status, age, Select bands were for those who exemplified "holy living" Some bands were for those struggling - Penitent bands were for backsliders Unlike Moravian model - full assurance not necessary to belong - come with doubts on the journey

Question 35

Assistants

Answer 35

Originally all JW's preachers Became limited to Circuit leaders Responsible for quarterly meetings and societies

Question 36

Kingswood School

Answer 36

Initially founded 1739 to educate poor children * preaching hall * 2 school masters New school reopened 1748 managed by 2 stewards Curriculum included "every branch of learning" useful to prepare for ministry. * Reading, Writing, Arithmetic * Languages: French, Latin, Greek, Hebrew * Rhetoric, Logic * Geography, History * Ethics * Higher math - algebra and geometry * Music strict daily schedule fasting on Fridays

Question 37

*Via Media*

Answer 37

"Middle Way" Approach to Church of England by Elizabeth I More of a political approach to establish stability She sought a way between the Roman catholic claims and the push for Puritan reform Defined and defended by Richard Hooker Hooker's guide: 1. Scripture, but not the sola scriptura of the Puritans. Scripture is the primary source of truth and the lens (broad context of overall story) through which everything else is viewed. 2. Tradition, but not that of Roman Catholicism. Provides an early basis and authority for the scripture 3. Reason, but not as the Platonists. "Revealed truth can supercede reason, but not contradict reason." Tenuous balance not able to be held by Charles I

Question 38

Foxe's Book of Martyrs

Answer 38

Book brought back by Puritans Described the atrocities of Mary and the persecution of the Church of Rome.

Question 39

"Catholic Spirit"

Answer 39

Sermon which promoted focusing on the "essentials" of the Gospel" and being "tolerant" of the opiinons of others. Defined true religion not as "orthodox opinon" but as a right heart" - * believes in God, * knows Christ - the crucified Christ * transformed to a life of love of God and neighbor * demonstrated in acts of mercy

Question 40

"tempers"

Answer 40

personal dispositions, affections, and values shaped by habits JW's goal - change "tempers" through habits of "holy living"

Question 41

Charterhouse School

Answer 41

School attedned by JW and his brother Classic education Was a boarding student for 7 yrs

Question 42

Christ Church Oxford

Answer 42

One of the colleges of Oxford * large * better college One that JW attended as a student beginning in 1720 Note: after graduation became a fellow of Lincoln

Question 43

Act of Toleration

Answer 43

1689 Allowed Nonconformists who could not sign onto the 39 Articles of Religion to exist legally with the following conditions: 1. meeting houses registered w/government 2. licensed preachers 3. meetings must NOT be in homes 4. did not apply to Roman Catholics or Unitarians

Question 44

Tranducianism

Answer 44

Belief that we biologically inherit our sin - original sin Wesley countered that our image, along with the rest of the world, has been distorted by original sin. Christ wipes this guilt away and we are left with our own sin.