2.  DEVELOPMENT OF CHARISMATIC CHRISTIANITY’S

THEOLOGY IN THE METHODIST MOVEMENT

CHARISMATISM

1. 1739 John Wesley Methodism, UK, US
2. 1860 Holiness Movement, UK, US
3. 1830 Divine Healing Movement, EU, US
4. 1860 Eschatology  Premillennialism, US, EU
5. End of 19th Century Restauration Latter Rain, US

In this part of the presentation I will focus on the theological arguments of the charismatic phenomena, which were developing during the 19^th century and were preparing the ground for Pentecostalism. I would like to mention especially two books which, in addition to other sources, have been a great help in outlining American Christianity in the 19^th century: Theological Roots of Pentecostalism by Donald Dayton; and The Holiness – Pentecostal Tradition, Charismatic Movements in the Twentieth Century.

The biblical arguments for Charismatism were developing primarily in a religiously free atmosphere, which American society offered. Particularly favourable environments for development were both the Methodist Movement, founded by John Wesley, and the Holiness movement, which separated from the Methodist Church in the latter part of the 19^th century. The holiness doctrine of Methodism had an important role in the development of Charismatic theology. In Europe, holiness principles were spread by the Keswick movement, which began in England 1875.

The teachings and preaching of both the Methodist and Holiness movements promoted the development of Pentecostal terminology. Also, teaching on healing by faith and prayer took shape during the 19^th century. In addition to Charismatic phenomena, eschatology also received special attention as well as the teaching on the second coming of Jesus. By the end of the century, an idea of restoration was shaped in a new way; there emerged a teaching that before the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the millennial kingdom, many signs and wonders would take place in the church of the last days.

In this next part, I intend to explain the birth and the early development of the American Pentecostal movement, as well as focus in on a Pentecostal experience of the Methodist preacher Thomas Ball Barratt who had great influence over the Nordic European countries Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.