Historical Dictionary of Methodism: (Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series)

In 2003, Methodists celebrated the 300th anniversary of the birth of their founder, John Wesley. Today, there are more than 300 Methodist denominations in 140 nations. Covering the activities of this group that plays an important role in the ecumenical movement through its many social and charitable activities in world affairs, this book offers more than 400 entries that describe important events, doctrines, and the church founders, leaders, and other prominent figures who have made notable contributions. It also includes: a list of commonly used acronyms, chronology of historical events, introductory essay on the history of Methodism, 15-page black-and-white photo spread, bibliography, listing of important libraries and depositories of Methodist materials. The impressive list of contributors includes more than 60 specialists who are academics, administrators, pastors, and theologians.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Editor's Foreword Part 2 Preface Part 3 Acronyms Part 4 Chronology Part 5 A Brief History of Methodism Part 6 Photos Part 7 DICTIONARY Part 8 Bibliography Part 9 Contributors

About the Author :
Charles Yrigoyen, Jr. is General Secretary for the General Commission on Archives and History with the United Methodist Church. He teaches history and theology at Drew University and Union Theological Seminary (NY), and has authored and co-authored several publications, including John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life. He is on the Board of Directors of the Wesley Works Editorial Project. Susan E. Warrick is Assistant General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, The United Methodist Church in Madison, NJ.

Review :
Contributors explain or describe important ideas, people, events and locations in the 300-year history of Methodism, which now includes over 300 denominations and 39 million members. Topics include the Methodist concepts of grace and salvation, the historical role of women in the church, the lives of circuit-riding preachers and missionaries, and modern Methodism's approach to significant social issues and controversies. This edition expands its focus from North America and Great Britain to include information about Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific Islands. The illustrations include period engravings and photographs. Released nearly a decade after the first edition, this book represents a substantial expansion of an excellent work....Highly recommended. Any library collection needing information on Christian denominations; all levels. Most useful, perhaps, will be the biographical entries...The bibliography, though, is excellent, and includes a few journal articles....Scarecrow Press have improved the appearance of their volumes greatly in recent years and any library that has a complete set of the volumes in this series will be a library worth using. Contributors to the 2d edition of this recommended reference work are university professors, historians, church officials, musicians, ministers, editors, and missionaries from all over the world. A comprehensive and precise collective study of Methodism and Christianity in whole...very highly recommended for students of the history of Methodism for its expansive and through coverage of the many variables and constructs of its church and philosophies. Its 400-plus pages contain a list of acronyms, a chronology, a full bibliography and a dictionary, the latter consisting of 379 items varying in length from a paragraph to eight pages with headings such as 'Antislavery movement' and 'Jacobus Arminius' to 'Enoch Wood' and 'Worship'....those readers needing to update their knowledge of America's Methodist heritage need to consider getting hold of a copy.