n>There is an implicit political theology within John Wesley’s claim that the purpose of Methodism was “to reform the nation, particularly the Church; and to spread scriptural holiness throughout the land.” Being more of a folk theologian (in the medieval sense theology in the vernacular) whose ad hoc writings addressed specific situations, Wesley never fully developed his ideas. Yet his basic Augustinianism created a nonconformist populism that was intent on renewing the people. While Wesleyanism did not always live up to its core commitments, the heart of its political theology resides in a fusion of Wesleyan Augustinianism with nonconformist populism. Read Full Article »