Methodism Flashcards
Who was John Wesley?
The autocratic leader of the methodist movement. He travelled round the countryside spreading the message that people could empower themselves and do something good in society
What happened to many of the early Methodists who adopted Wesley’s teachings?
They became wealthy industrialists and manufacturers, like Sir Josiah Guest, who would go on to become an MP
What happened to the movement after 1790?
It took off and their numbers grew rapidly, with an estimated 200,000 members by 1812
Why were the establishment worries by the fast growth of the movement?
Because of their basic view of equality of all men in the sight of God and their large membership, they were regarded as having radical tendencies and being potentially dangerous
What did the movement do in response to suspicion from the establishment?
Went to great lengths to convince the establishment that they were loyal subjects
Why did Wesley break away from the Anglican Church and create Methodism?
Because of its hostility towards him and his ideas, particularly the ordination of Methodist priests
Why did Methodism develop into a social force for good?
Due to its followers leading active, selfless Christian lives
How did the movement experience a brief scare in 1811?
The government attempted to introduce a bill that would have required dissenting preachers to be licensed only if their respectability could be vouched for. However, there was so much uproar that the bill was hastily withdrawn
What was the significance of Jabez Bunting?
He was a leading Methodist ministers that argued fiercely for the extension of Methodist rights
How did the newly appointed Liverpool government aid the movement in 1812?
It overturned two outdated pieces of anti-dissenter legislation
How did a Toleration Act aid the movement?
Gave Methodists legal protection to worship and confirmed they were not a destabilising influence on society
Methodist leaders circulated literature with what intention?
To give assurance that they were loyal to the established order
What did Methodist leaders work positively towards?
Tackling the discontent of the industrial workforce
