Reclaiming a Holy Desperation: John Wesley, Recovery, and the Church Today Open Access

Abstract

Churches searching for renewal in the 21st century can take lessons from

both the Protestant renewal movements of the 18th century and recovery

groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA and the small group focus

in early Methodism (exemplified by the band meetings) are both examples

of an understanding of social holiness. Social holiness is the growth in

holiness that occurs in a social, communal context. In this paper, I

examine the theological and historical connections between early

Methodism, the Oxford Group and AA. Underlying the social dynamic of

salvation and healing in all these groups is the need to come together to

work out one's salvation in the company of others. I seek to answer the

question, "What if the church viewed sin itself as an addiction?" I believe

this shift in perspective may open up space for a holy desperation, leading

to renewal in both the pews and the world.

Table of Contents

No table of contents for this thesis.

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Candler School of Theology
Department	Divinity
Degree	MDiv
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Mental Health Religion, History of Theology
Keyword	John Wesley recovery sin Alcoholics Anonymous addiction band meetings alcoholism social holiness
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Watson, Kevin , Emory University
Committee Members	Elliott, Thomas W, Emory University

Last modified

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	Reclaiming a Holy Desperation: John Wesley, Recovery, and the Church Today ()	2018-08-28 16:36:59 -0400	Press to Select an action Download

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions