This Week in Texas Methodist History February 27
Daniel Carl Reports on His Theological Studies February 27, 1841
One of the most significant educational forces in mid-19th century America was the Methodist Episcopal Church. Its publishing enterprises were instrumental in promoting theological literacy in the new nation. Many of the men who came to the ministry had not been fortunate enough to receive formal education. Seminary attendance was out of the question for the circuit riders who were spreading Methodism. How could the church equip its preachers with the theological education that would enable them to "fight the devil on his own ground"? One solution was the development of the Course of Study. Preachers of the first, second, third, and fourth year would be given a reading list. Each year at annual conference those preachers would be examined on the books they had read.
On February 27, 1841 Daniel Carl wrote from Houston County to his colleague in Liberty, John Woolam, and described what he was reading. Fletcher's Appeal, Watson's Wesley, Calvinistic Controversies, Bangs on Episcopacy, and Wesley's Notes.
Carl was also studying Smith's Grammer (sic) . Carl recommends these same books to Woolam, but is careful to add, "But do not let me direct your mind from the fountain of Truth your Bible."
One of the most significant educational forces in mid-19th century America was the Methodist Episcopal Church. Its publishing enterprises were instrumental in promoting theological literacy in the new nation. Many of the men who came to the ministry had not been fortunate enough to receive formal education. Seminary attendance was out of the question for the circuit riders who were spreading Methodism. How could the church equip its preachers with the theological education that would enable them to "fight the devil on his own ground"? One solution was the development of the Course of Study. Preachers of the first, second, third, and fourth year would be given a reading list. Each year at annual conference those preachers would be examined on the books they had read.
On February 27, 1841 Daniel Carl wrote from Houston County to his colleague in Liberty, John Woolam, and described what he was reading. Fletcher's Appeal, Watson's Wesley, Calvinistic Controversies, Bangs on Episcopacy, and Wesley's Notes.
Carl was also studying Smith's Grammer (sic) . Carl recommends these same books to Woolam, but is careful to add, "But do not let me direct your mind from the fountain of Truth your Bible."
posted by texman at 8:02 AM
1 Comments:
hey Bill,
my Father-in-Law, a UM pastor in East Ohio, gave me an 1836 copy of Watson's Wesley for Christmas this year. I think he found it on Ebay.
He came into a nice collection of old Methodism books recently from a retired preacher living in his town.
Post a Comment
<< Home