A Reconsideration of George Whitefield’s Relationship with the Welsh Calvinistic Methodism

Abstract

Generally speaking, Methodism is Wesleyan Methodism, following the pattern and precepts laid down by the eighteenth-century Church of England clergyman, John Wesley. But, it is to note that Calvinistic Methodism predated Wesleyan Methodism and was rooted in the English Reformed Protestant tradition. The Calvinistic Methodists followed the teachings of John Calvin, who in his desires to magnify God’s sovereignty laid great success on the doctrine of divine predestination. While Calvinistic Methodism showed some early signs of success in England, it sustained growth in Wales. Calvinistic Methodism, the smaller, almost forgotten, Methodist sibling, has received considerably less academic attention than Wesleyan Methodism. However, it is very meaningful to know that George Whitefield played a tremendous role in the rise of Calvinistic Methodism in Wales. While he had a much more solid influence on American religious history, Whitefield’s Calvinism has not been fully appreciated by most church historians. In this sense, it is unique to notice that Whitefield's theological viewpoint has had a last effect in Wales. This article tries to explain Whitefield’s visits to Wales and relations with the Welsh Calvinistic Movement, to mention about the sources of Whitefield’s Calvinism, and to investigate the relationship between Whitefield and the Wesleys in the Methodist movement. It was Whitefield’s sacrificing decision to spare the movement from strife and to allow Wesley to be the one head of Methodism. It was Whitefield’s spirit of reconciliation what kept him in communication with the Welseys even when they were bitter about theological matters. Whitefield always felt that they could work and disagree. Through it all, it was Whitefield who kept doing that they might remain friends, be free to disagree, but not to attack each other in personal fashion. In addition to Whitefield’s great impact on the Great Awakening in American colonies, his influence upon the Calvinistic Methodism in Wales is to be highly regarded too.