Wesleyan theology

Wesleyan theology, also known as Wesleyan-Arminian theology or Wesleyan Methodist theology, is a Protestant theological tradition based upon the ministry and writings of the 18th-century English evangelical reformers John Wesley and Charles Wesley. More broadly, it refers to the theological system reflected in the sermons, theological treatises, letters, journals, diaries, hymns, and other spiritual writings of the Wesleys and their contemporary associates. A notable figure among these associates was John William Fletcher, was particularly influential as an early systematic theologian of early Methodism.

Methodism developed into a distinct theological tradition characterized by an emphasis on a deeply experiential faith. John Wesley, in particular, was deeply influenced by the Moravian Christians, an influence that contributed to his transformative Aldersgate experience in 1738. Although Methodism originated as a renewal movement within the Church of England, it eventually diverged from Anglicanism to form a distinct tradition. It places particular emphasis on the New Birth and personal holiness, while calling believers to continual growth in grace and to an experiential assurance of the work of the Holy Spirit.

A distinctive hallmark of Wesleyan theology is its definition of sin as a voluntary transgression of a known law of God. Methodist doctrine teaches that the Christian life subsequent to conversion should be characterized by victory over willful sin. It also emphasizes entire sanctification, understood as the complete purification of the heart in perfect love, as a central distinctive of the Methodist tradition. Grounded in the primary authority of Scripture and historic Christological orthodoxy, John Wesley revised the Thirty-nine Articles to remove its Calvinistic theological leanings and articulate an Arminian soteriology centered on unlimited atonement, prevenient grace, human free will, as well as conditional preservation.