Rating: 
Summary: Must Read!
Review: Dr. Heitzenrater has written one of the very best books on the life and ministry of John Wesley and the early Methodists. This book is simply a "MUST READ" for any United Methodist or anyone else, for that matter, who is interested in the teachings and ministry of Wesley and his world-shaking Christian reform movement. Few books are must reads ... this is one of them.
Rating:
Summary: Must Read!
Review: Dr. Heitzenrater has written one of the very best books on the life and ministry of John Wesley and the early Methodists. This book is simply a "MUST READ" for any United Methodist or anyone else, for that matter, who is interested in the teachings and ministry of Wesley and his world-shaking Christian reform movement. Few books are must reads ... this is one of them.
Rating:
Summary: thorough but readable
Review: Heitzenrater has written the definitive popular survey of the origins of the Wesleyan movement. Meticulously researched, he weaves the primary source documents into his narrative in ways that enlighten without being obtrusive. Of particular use, I think, is his identification of the stress points between John and Charles Wesley, between the Methodists and the Anglican Church and between Wesley and some of his preachers. By presenting this in what appears to be objective fashion, he allows us to examine Wesley's decision making process and leadership style. A solid useful book
Rating:
Summary: thorough but readable
Review: Heitzenrater has written the definitive popular survey of the origins of the Wesleyan movement. Meticulously researched, he weaves the primary source documents into his narrative in ways that enlighten without being obtrusive. Of particular use, I think, is his identification of the stress points between John and Charles Wesley, between the Methodists and the Anglican Church and between Wesley and some of his preachers. By presenting this in what appears to be objective fashion, he allows us to examine Wesley's decision making process and leadership style. A solid useful book
Rating:
Summary: The best single-volume biography of Welsey
Review: Heitzenrater's book is the best single-volume work on Wesley. He has, in an accessible prose, documented Wesley's life and the foundations of the Methodist Movement better than anyone before him. It utilizes the sources that are the foundation of the older biographies, such as Wesley's journal. More importantly, however, it effectively utilizes nontraditional sources for understanding his life. He creatively and effectively uses Wesley's theological writings, the writings of contemporaries, and conference minutes to more fully tell Wesley's story.Heitzenrater is the Albert C. Outler Chair of Wesleyan Studies at Duke Divinity School. He is widely recognized as the foremost expert on Wesley's life. He is also the current editor of the Works of Wesley; he has taken that role since Outler's death.
Rating:
Summary: Wesley would be proud
Review: It's a great book: easy to read, very accurate.
Rating:
Summary: Wesley would be proud
Review: It's a great book: easy to read, very accurate.
Rating:
Summary: Contemporary relevance of traditional Subject
Review: Richard Heitzenrater's book, although at times extremely heavy reading and subject matter sometimes difficult to appreciate at first blush is an excellent example of drawing the "historical" into the same sphere as "contemporary" subjects. This is an excellent book for those seeking to gain a greater and more informed understanding of the sometimes difficult relationship betwen Wesley and the early Methodists - they were not always on the friendliest of terms. A book highly reccomened for those wishing and willing to read a heavy but non-the-less readable book. Congraulations to Richard Heitzenrater.
Rating:
Summary: The Historical Roots of the Methodist People
Review: This book has to be on the list of the top twenty-five books on early Methodism and the lives of early Methodist's. However, the book has a particular dryness, and if one get past the dryness of the writing, this book is a must get for anyone wanting to explore the history of early Methodist's. Heitzenrater begins with John Wesley's impact on early Methodist's to the different rises of Methodism, the impact of Calvinism on early 18th century Methodist's, and how Methodism evolved through the development of different societies, classes, camp ground meetings and conferences which helped to secure Methodism into the social and religous fabric of British life. This book is great for anyone wishing to discover the roots of Methodism, becuase of it's rich historical details. Another great addition to the book, which helped to clear up the dryness of the reading, was the authors use of visual aids (great examples), and sidenotes of John Wesley's work. This book is a great historical door to the past, and a must read for anyone wishing to discover more about, "The people called Methodist."
Rating:
Summary: But Where are the PEOPLE?
Review: This is a superb book by Richard P. Heitzenrater. The narrative moves us through the many seasons of John Wesley's ministry, noting significant events and conflicts along the way. But this is a book that is very much limited to a focus on Wesley. It is as though a spotlight is on our protagonist and everyone else is given only minor occasions for sharing in his light...or being heard in the darkened background. The strongest criticism of this book is that it defies its own title -- there are no PEOPLE called Methodists in this book. For one of the most profound and popular religious movements since the Reformation, it is amazing that Heitzenrater has neglected to include a portrayal of the people themselves. Who were these people? I am not talking about Wesley's aids here. I am talking about the common folk who made up the lion's share of the movement. There is no mention in this book of women's spirituality (in a movement made up of approximately 60 percent women!). There is no discussion of the social factors surrounding the rise of Methodism. So much of the story is missed. Nevertheless! This is an excellent introduction to the topic of Wesley and Methodism...it is only that it could have been so much more.
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