DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide a foundation in the United Methodist/Wesleyan theological tradition. While the focus is theological, it provides a historical examination of the formation and development from Wesley through the contemporary period. The course includes an overview of current expressions of United Methodist Doctrine. In addition, it provides an analysis of the theology of John Wesley with a focus on the distinctive and important transitions that have occurred in United Methodist thought.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The purpose of this course is to empower theological formation that will nurture and sustain a life of discipleship and ministry. Given the focus of study, the primary emphasis will be on the analysis of the central components of the United Methodist/Wesleyan tradition. The study will provide students the opportunity to form and then to articulate their faith and convictions from within the rubric of United Methodism and the broader Christian tradition.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who pass the course will

1. develop a basic understanding of John Wesley's understanding of the relationship between Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience;

2. acquire a thorough knowledge of the Wesleyan Order of Salvation, particularly the different ways in which he understood grace;

3. develop a grasp of the important historical transitions in Wesleyan theology;

4. demonstrate the ability to articulate personal doctrinal and theological commitments relating to the UM Church;

5. demonstrate the ability to analyze and interact with current expressions of UM doctrine and theology;

6. experience a deepening life of faith and discipleship through study of UM Doctrine and the Wesleyan tradition.

Chiles, Robert E. Theological Transition in American Methodism, 1790-1935. Lanham: University Press of America, 1983. 978-0819135513, $49.00.

Williams, Colin W. John Wesley's Theology Today: A Study of the Wesleyan Tradition in the Light of Current Theological Dialogue. Nashville: Abingdon, 1960. 978-0687205318, $25.00.

Abraham, William J. Waking from Doctrinal Amnesia. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995. 978-0687017188, $17.00.

Jones, Scott United Methodist Doctrine: The Extreme Center. Nashville: Abingdon, 2002. 978-0687034857, $21.00.

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2008. United Methodist Publishing House, 2008. 978-0687031412, $44.00.

Cobb, John and David R. Griffin. Process Theology. Westminster John Knox, 1996. 978-0664247430, $25.00.

Heitzenrater, Richard P., et al. The Poor and the People Called Methodists. Kingswood Books, An Imprint of Abingdon Press, 2002. 978-0687051557, $23.15.

Langford, Thomas A. Practical Divinity: Theology in the Wesleyan Tradition. Abingdon, 1998. 978-0687073825, $29.50.

Maddox, Randy L. Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology. Kingswood Books, An Imprint of Abingdon Press, 1994. 978-0687003341, $22.00.

__________. Rethinking Wesley's Theology for Contemporary Methodism. Kingswood Books, An Imprint of Abingdon Press, 1998. 978-0687060450, $28.00.