From Aldersgate to Azusa Street: Wesleyan Holiness and Pentecostal Visions of the New Creation

Historians have noted the connections between the Wesleyan Methodist movement that began in the eighteenth century the emergence of African American Methodist traditions and an interdenominational Holiness movement in the nineteenth century and the birth of Pentecostalism in the twentieth century. This volume written by historians theologians and pastors builds on that earlier work. The contributors present a diverse array of key figures-denominational leaders and mavericks institutional loyalists and come--outers clergy and laity--who embodied these movements. The authors show that in spite of their differing historical and cultural contexts these movements constitute a distinct theological family whose confident and expectant faith in the transforming power of God has significant implications for the renewal of the contemporary church and its faithfulness to Gods mission in the world today. Contributors Corky Alexander Estrelda Alexander Kimberly Ervin Alexander Leslie D. Callahan Barry L. Callen Douglas R. Cullum Dennis C. Dickerson D. William Faupel Philip Hamner David Aaron Johnson J. C. Kelley Henry H. Knight III William C. Kostlevy Diane K. Leclerc Joshua J. McMullen Rodney McNeall Stephen W. Rankin Harold E. Raser Douglas M. Strong Matthew K. Thompson Wallace Thornton Jr. L. F. Thuston Arlene Sanchez Walsh Steven J. Land Laura Guy John H. Wigger This remarkable book fills a gap in contemporary understandings of American--even global--Christianity. Scholars such as Vinson Synan and Donald Dayton have shown the genetic kinship of Wesleyan Holiness and Pentecostal Christianity; this book fills in the picture. With sensitivity to cultural gender and racial dynamics the book offers essential historical and theological insights. Biographical studies of key leaders add flesh and blood to the account. The book is accessible to general readers not demanding specialized knowledge of the movements covered. --Howard A. Snyder Professor of Wesley Studies Tyndale Seminary Ontario This is an absolutely terrific volume. It provides a whole new angle of vision--historical theological and pastoral--for looking again at the legacy of Wesley; it raises searching questions for the future of the Wesleyan and Pentecostal traditions which urgently demand attention; and its potential for breathing new life and hope into the contemporary church is enormous. --William J. Abraham Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University From Aldersgate to Azusa Street is a panoramic survey of the lives and times of Wesley and his descendents once and twice-removed. The result is a fascinating biographical history of the emergence of world Christianity. The important contributions of these men and women make this an essential text for teachers and students of Wesleyan Holiness and Pentecostal movements. --Amos Yong J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology Regent University Contrary to many convoluted texts this remarkably readable book uses a narrative approach to embody the primary teachings and ministries defining the Wesleyan family. It focuses on leaders who have engaged in the quest for holiness from Aldersgate to Asuza. Helpful charts clearly highlight the branches and leaders of the Wesleyan family tree. For those seeking renewal of persons church and society this is a must read! --Susie C. Stanley Professor of Historical Theology Messiah College Henry H. Knight III is Donald and Pearl Wright Professor of Wesleyan Studies at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City Missouri. He is the author of five books including The Presence of God in the Christian Life (1992) and A Future for Truth (1997).