Next year marks the 300 anniversary of the birth of Methodism's founder, John Wesley. Major activities are planned in England but I haven't heard what or how the AMEC will participate in the celebrations. It is undeniable that in the absence of John Wesley Richard Allen is a non-factor in American history and the AMEC is rendered moot. Much like Martin Luther, Wesley never really intended to start a separatist movement from the Church of England. His unwavering committment to advancing the Gospel made him one of the world's most important historical figures. All of Protestanism is deeply indebted to this man's extraordinary accomplishments. QED

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2002

Answers

Bill I am sure the A.M.E church will be represented in the celebrations. The A.M.E church is a member of the World Methodist Council and several of our Bishops are hold offices in the council. I am sure the World Methodist Council will have a celebration. There are 70 million members of the world methodist council. Bishop Bryant is Vice President of North America for the World Methodist Council. John Wesley was a great man. Thank you for lifting him up.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2002

Bro. Bill, quite frankly, I wouldn't count on the AME Church to have any official recognition of Wesleys' tercentenary other than what comes through our participation in the World Council. I can't help but like your allusions to Luther and Wesley as never intending to start a new movement. That "mantra" is steadily emphasized in my segment of our congregation's Membership Training Institute as I state that we cannot fully understand or appreciate the history the AME Church without some understanding of those who came before us. Our history does not begin with Richard Allen.

Actually, I like to start with Jesus Christ, then jump to Luther, then Wesley, and then Allen as all having something in common -- none wanted to start a new "religion" or system, rather, they all attempted to improve what was in place, but were met with resistance which necessitated something new.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2002

Well stated Larry Clark!! I greatly admire the historical approach your Training Institute uses in teaching ecclessiastical doctrine. If I may, I would make two amendments to your august list of seminal thinkers. First, I would include St. Paul after Jesus. Paul is indisputably the most influential Christian theologian of our time. He is simply the Einstein of Christianity. Next, I would add John Calvin after Martin Luther. The rise of Calvinism preceded Methodism by nearly 200 years. Both the French Huguenots and the British Puritans owe their existence to the profound reaseach and teachings of this gifted Frenchman. Calvinism was an early precursor to Methodism. It just dawned on me how influential Methodism was in my early Christian development. Two of the universities where I studied economics, Northwestern University & American University, have outstanding Methodist seminaries. When I wasn't deciperhing esoteric equilibrium economics, I would occassionally venture over to these seminaries and get acquainted with the leading theological debates at that time. The divinity professors and librarians were extremely polite in allowing a non-seminarian (Baptist at that)unfettered access to the works of Kirkegarrd, Immanuel Kant, Rudolph Bultmann, Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Harvey Cox and Methodist materials. I have been extremely derelict in not thanking these individuals for letting me explore my intellectual curiosity. So let me say, many thanks. I guess you can say I was somewhat of a closet Methodist :-) Those were the days. QED

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2002

Bro. Bill, thanks for the suggestions. Previously, I had considered including a some paragraphs about Calvin/Calvinism. However, my time for presentation has been reduced from slight over an hour to only about 30-35 minutes, and I'm really rushed at that.

However, I think I will try to include Calvin as part of my handout and certainly, some oral allusions to Paul are in order. I'll try to include it by talking faster. I also use overheads. I know that's antiquated by today's standards, but I do not yet have the knowledge or equipment for Power Point.

Considering the time spent talking about technology while in Charlotte, I guess we/I had better just get of the ball. :-)

-- Anonymous, December 27, 2002