A question about Weslyans

Post by **_SoaringEagle** » Sun May 28, 2006 12:00 am

Or Methodists as well, since I think they are closely related. My question is, "Do Weslyans believe that the make-up of man is spirit, soul, and body, and that the spirit and soul funtions differently, and that they are not they same.

Thanks,

Troy

Post by **_mattrose** » Sun May 28, 2006 1:44 am

Hey Troy

You are correct that Wesleyan's and Methodists are related. John Wesley was an English minister who took a very 'methodical' approach to personal holiness. After a disappointing missions trip to America, Wesley experienced what he would call his 'conversion' and began preaching to the poor in England. More and more people in England left the Anglican church and joined Wesley's movement. The movement spread to America and, like almost all american denominations, experienced division. The denomination known as 'The Wesleyan Church' is a conservative branch of modern day methodism.

In regards to your question, I am a Wesleyan pastor and, as far as I know, the Wesleyan Church has no specific stance on the "dichotomist" (men are made of body and soul/spirit) vs. "trichotomist" (men are made up of body, soul & spirit) issue.

I've been in the Wesleyan Church for over 20 years and have never heard the issue discussed. Why do you ask? What do you think?

Post by **_Rae** » Sun May 28, 2006 9:44 am

I had heard that Wesley encouraged people to not leave the Anglican church, but that they did anyway. Is this true (not that it really matters, I'm just curious)?

Post by **_mattrose** » Sun May 28, 2006 2:18 pm

Yes, that is true

Wesley wanted to change the Anglican Church from within (and boy did it need changes at that time!). But by the end of his life he seems to have realized a branching off was inevitable. The Anglicans banned Wesley and his brothers from most churches and, even before Wesley died, his own administers began schedule their meetings at the same time as Anglican worship services.

Post by **_SoaringEagle** » Mon May 29, 2006 2:41 pm

I am of the persuasion that man is a three-fold being. (trichotomist) The reason I asked is because I have heard that weslyans focus a lot on sanctification and that they see potential in Scripture to walk blameslessly before Christ, and see a place of maturity where they're are able by the indwelling Spirit to reign over temptation, and sin. No dichotomist I have heard believes this (as far as I know) and it seems to only be taught among (trichotomist). So I was curious about there stance and what they (Wesleyans) claim to see scripture teaching...