The Methodist movement
originated in the 18th Century from the bosom of the official Anglican church
without any desire to change its teaching. The main aim was to bring more
Christian morality. Two hundred years after severance with the Roman Catholic
church and constant religious fighting negatively influenced its society. The
moral and religious face of the society were on a very low, if not the lowest,
level. Circa 1730-40, the Archbishop of Cantebury in a heart-broken speech
indicated that secular circles of nobility and scientists openly make mock of
the church and its clergy, without any embarrassment. At this dark time for the
Anglican church, a young theologian of Oxford University, by the name of
Charles Wesley and his brother John, with a group of his friends created a club
of zealot faithful calling it the "Holy Club," whose aim was to live
according to Gospel teaching, prayers, fasting and good deeds, following very
strict methods (from here came their name). For six years, Wesley lectured at
Oxford and presided at public discussions. He proclaimed himself to be a
follower of Luther in the matter of "faith justifications" and became
a wandering preacher of piety. Shortly thereafter, he was excommunicated from
the church. He created his own "Unified Society" in which anyone
could preach, regardless of his social standing. In 1741, as a consequence of
disagreement in the teaching about "predetermination" (some people
are predetermined by God to go to hell, and some predetermined to go to
heaven), Methodists split into two groups. In England, they recognize in the
matter of salvation free will and freedom, and in America they still keep this
teaching about unconditional ‘predetermination."
In dogmatic teaching, Methodists are close to Anglicans by recognizing the
necessity of good deeds. They do not require unification in teaching, nor
specific forms of worship; however they do require the fear of God. Methodists
kept the ranks of bishops, presbyters and deacons. Presbyters serve the
sacrament of Communion and deacons can "bless" a marriage, perform a
baptism and help during the Sacrament of Communion.
Methodist seriously respect the Commandments of Christ, they have a
knowledgeable organization of faithful and well developed missionary work.
Their parishes are divided into "circles" and "classes."
Classes meet every week, where they discuss the spiritual standing of each
member and all exchange ideas of their spiritual experiences. Methodists do not
disdain any work, pay attention to children, fight for Sunday restrictions, are
against thoughtless entertainment's, foolish spending and alcoholism. In the
United States, there are about 12 million members. As all Protestants, they do
not worship the Most Holy Theotokos and the saints. They give very awkward
names to their children. Have no icons, have no symbols and no church
architecture.
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