Methodist dogmatics: a theology implicit in the kerygma of the Methodist church?

Shier-Jones, Angela (2002). Methodist dogmatics: a theology implicit in the kerygma of the Methodist church? University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Barth is believed to have considered Methodism devoid of any distinctive theological insight, but, it is possible that Barth lacked a broad enough theological perspective from which to make such a judgement. Methodism has introduced no new doctrines to the Church but the assumption that a lack of a doctrinal distinction corresponds to a lack of theological distinction has never been proven! other theological sources exist, not least the kerygma of a community of faith.

The formation of Christian kerygmata never ceased. Every Christian community formulates its kerygma in response to the imperative to proclaim the gospel. Moreover, kerygma has both form and content and hence cannot be fully defined by either doctrine or dogma. As the articulation and expression of the community’s proclamation of Christ it is inescapably theological.

The British Methodist Church is a kerygmatic church. It both originated out of, and defines itself in terms of, its call to proclaim the gospel. By examining the theology implicit in the Methodist kerygma, it can be shown that Barth was mistaken. Methodism does have a distinctive dogmatic theology, one which is as indebted to the ‘works’ of the Methodist people as it is to the ‘Works of John Wesley.’

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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