John Wesley and Universalism

Teachers, students, and followers of Methodist denominations have long debated the nature of the monumental contributions John Wesley made to their faith. Their debates, however, have largely come to the same conclusions, focusing the lens of analysis on the elements of Arminianism in Wesley's life and writings while overlooking the elements of Universalism that are present.

John Wesley and Universalism widens the focus of this debate and takes into consideration the process, content, and structure of Wesley's thinking to explicate the universalistic underpinnings that other scholars have held in the periphery of their analyses for centuries. An in-depth and insightful text, it examines Wesley's empirical and pragmatic methodology and outlines his concepts of faith development and spiritual growth, highlighting the universalistic elements and patterns in his work and emphasizing their importance in the history—and future—of the Methodist movement.

Replete with references to history, philosophy, psychology, and theology, John Wesley and Universalism breathes new life into many of Wesley’s most meaningful messages and is sure to bring the fundamental principles of his work to the surface for a new generation of scholars. For those looking to broaden their spiritual or academic horizons, this title should not be missed.

James A. Ellison, PhD, has more than thirty years of experience in the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist ordained ministry and has earned multiple academic degrees. He holds a bachelor's in psychology, a master's in divinity, a master's in education, and a doctorate in education, degrees which he obtained through his studies at the University of Cincinnati, the United Theological Seminary, Xavier University, Ohio State University, the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and the Graduate Theological Foundation. In 2012, he was awarded the Canon John Macquarrie Fellowship by the Graduate Theological Foundation.

Ellison currently lives in Akron, Ohio, with his wife, Sylvia, who joins him in celebrating the release of his debut title, John Wesley and Universalism. Inspired by his fascination with John Wesley's life and faith, particularly as described to him some forty years ago by his cherished seminary advisor, Dr. James Nelson, the book thoroughly explores Universalism in Wesleyan thinking.