No, John Wesley was not a Calvinist. In fact, he was a prominent figure who actively argued against Calvinist doctrines, championing a theological perspective that diverged significantly from the teachings of John Calvin.
Wesley's Distinct Theological Stance
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, developed a theological framework that stood in stark contrast to Calvinism. While he may not have been a systematic theologian in the traditional sense, his writings and sermons consistently challenged core Calvinist tenets. A central tenet of Wesley's theology was the concept of Christian perfection (or entire sanctification), which posits that believers can attain a state of perfect love for God and neighbor in this life. This belief was so fundamental to his understanding of God's work that he felt God "raised up" the Methodist movement specifically to spread this message and encourage such spiritual growth among believers.
Key Differences Between Wesleyanism and Calvinism
The theological disagreements between John Wesley and Calvinism primarily revolved around the nature of salvation, grace, and human free will. Here's a comparison of some fundamental points:
| Feature | Wesleyan-Arminianism (Wesley's View) | Calvinism |
|---|---|---|
| Predestination | Conditional election; based on foreseen faith. | Unconditional election; God chooses independently. |
| Atonement | Unlimited atonement; Christ died for all. | Limited atonement; Christ died only for the elect. |
| Grace | Resistible grace; humans can reject God's calling. | Irresistible grace; the elect cannot resist God's call. |
| Free Will | Emphasizes human free will in responding to grace. | Emphasizes God's sovereignty over all human actions. |
| Perseverance of Saints | Believers can fall from grace. | Once saved, always saved (Perseverance of the Saints). |
| Christian Perfection | Attainable in this life through God's grace. | Progressive sanctification, perfection not in this life. |
Wesley's emphasis on free will and the universal offer of salvation directly countered Calvinist doctrines such as unconditional election and irresistible grace, which he viewed as potentially leading to spiritual complacency or despair.
The Purpose and Rise of Methodism
Wesley's strong theological convictions were intrinsically linked to the emergence and growth of the Methodist movement. He perceived Methodism as a divine instrument, raised by God to promote true holiness and spread the message of God's universal love and the possibility of Christian perfection. This mission was deeply rooted in his departure from Calvinist theology, as he believed that the call to holiness and the offer of salvation were available to all who would respond by faith.
For more in-depth information about John Wesley's life and theological contributions, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
