Overview

This book will enable readers to trace the main contours of the long series of debates within American Methodism about issues related to orders of ministry and administration of the sacraments, thereby providing a richer appreciation and deeper understanding of the context of contemporary discussion of these issues. While sacramental authority is and has been misunderstood and misused, it remains interwoven into United Methodism and is a significant element of the history of Christian ecumenical conversations about ministry. This book traces the changing provisions relating to ministerial orders and sacramental authority in American Methodism, from the formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1784 to the current position of The United Methodist Church.

Full Product Details

9781945935190

Table of Contents

Reviews

Rex Matthews maps a wide and varied historical landscape to unpack the complexities of Methodism's understanding and practices of ordination and sacramental authority. His carefully researched contribution is a helpful resource to inform current dynamics and debates related to this important topic. --Laceye C. Warner, Associate Professor of the Practice of Evangelism and Methodist Studies, Duke Divinity School Characteristic Matthews' scholarship--careful, exacting, penetrating research on sacraments and ministry; tracking the evolution of significant Methodist policy and practice; providing a readable overview of denominational history; moving readers to fresh understanding of critical ongoing and current theological and ecclesial issues; and probing such with hard-hitting concluding questions. --Russell E. Richey, William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor of Church History Emeritus and Dean Emeritus of Candler School of Theology

Rex Matthews maps a wide and varied historical landscape to unpack the complexities of Methodism's understanding and practices of ordination and sacramental authority. His carefully researched contribution is a helpful resource to inform current dynamics and debates related to this important topic. --Laceye C. Warner, Associate Professor of the Practice of Evangelism and Methodist Studies, Duke Divinity School Characteristic Matthews' scholarship--careful, exacting, penetrating research on sacraments and ministry; tracking the evolution of significant Methodist policy and practice; providing a readable overview of denominational history; moving readers to fresh understanding of critical ongoing and current theological and ecclesial issues; and probing such with hard-hitting concluding questions. --Russell E. Richey, William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor of Church History Emeritus and Dean Emeritus of Candler School of Theology

Author Information

Rex D. Matthews is Professor in the Practice of Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available