La théologie des Pères de l’Église et son influence sur certainséléments de la théologie de la sanctification de John Wesley
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article examines John Wesley’s theological views from the perspective of the influence of the patristic tradition on his thought. The author emphasises that, in order toproperly understand the theology of the founder of Methodism, one cannot overlookthe significance of patristics, which played a vital role in shaping his doctrine of graceand his dynamic understanding of holiness. The idea of a return to ‘primitive and authentic Christianity’ was a characteristic feature of the theology of the era, includingwithin Anglicanism. It was believed at the time that a return to the traditions of ancientChristianity could serve as a tool for the renewal and reform of ‘English Christianity’,a belief reflected in the development of patristic studies. In this context, the article presents the intellectual milieu in which Wesley developed his thought, and also discussesselected elements of Eastern theology present in his reflections: (1) the understanding ofperfection and holiness as a dynamic reality; (2) biblical anthropology; (3) the relationship between the theology of creation and the concept of spiritual senses. Addressingthis issue is significant given the influence of Methodism on the 19th-century HolinessMovement, from which the Pentecostal movement emerged, and to some extent also thelater charismatic movement.
Source: Studia Bobolanum
Author: Maciej Obrzazgiewicz
Institution: Akademia Katolicka w Warszawie
Language: English
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7162815100