DESCRIPTION: This course is an examination and analysis of the formation, development, and current expressions of United Methodist Doctrine and its theological foundations. Special attention is given to the primary works of John Wesley, along with analysis of distinctive transitions that have occurred in United Methodist thought.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Primary emphasis will be given to determining the essentials of United Methodist Doctrine, as well as the development of the student's ability to form and articulate personal theological conviction and its relation to current theological trends in the United Methodist Church and the broader Christian community. Additionally, the purpose of the course is to enable theological formation that will assist and sustain the student in mission and ministry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who pass the course will

1. demonstrate the ability to analyze and interact with current expressions of United Methodist Doctrine and Theology.

2. gain a basic understanding of John Wesley's understanding of the authority of Scripture.

3. acquire a thorough knowledge of the Wesleyan Order of Salvation, particularly Grace.

4. demonstrate the ability to articulate personal doctrinal and theological thought as it relates to the United Methodist Church.

Chiles, Robert E. Theological Transition in American Methodism 1790-1935. Lanham: University Press of America, 1983.

Collins, Kenneth J. and Tyson, John H. et al. Conversion in the Wesleyan Tradition. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.

Williams, Colin W. John Wesley's Theology Today: A Study of the Wesleyan Tradition in the Light of Current Theological Dialogue. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1960.

Gunter, Stephen W., et al. Wesley and the Quadrilateral: Renewing the Conversation, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2008. United Methodist Publishing House, 2008.

Cobb, John and David R. Griffin. Process Theology. Westminster John Knox Press, 1976.

Heitzenrater, Richard P., et al. The Poor and the People Called Methodists. Kingswood Books, An Imprint of Abingdon Press, 2002.

Langford, Thomas A. Practical Divinity: Theology in the Wesleyan Tradition. Abingdon, 1983.

Maddox, Randy L. Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology. Kingswood Books, An Imprint of Abingdon Press, 1994.

__________. Rethinking Wesley's Theology for Contemporary Methodism. Kingswood Books, An Imprint of Abingdon Press, 1998.

Tuttle, Robert G., Jr. John Wesley: His Life and Theology. Zondervan, 1978.