Schism and the Spirit in Hugh Bourne's Theology

Schism and the Spirit in Hugh Bourne's Theology

By Dr. James E. Pedlar

View profile for Dr. James Pedlar

It is normally argued that theological issues were not at stake in the separation of the Primitive Methodist Connexion from Wesleyan Methodism. While it is true that the flashpoint issues were methodological, there were underlying theological differences that contributed to the schism. Primitive Methodist co-founder Hugh Bourne had a pneumatocentric theology that prioritized the personal work of the Holy Spirit over the Spirit's work through the community. His Spirit-centred perspective led the Primitive Methodists to a more participatory and egalitarian understanding of the church, but offered little reason to resist separation from Wesleyan Methodism when conflict arose.

Read or Buy Online

Peer Reviewed Article

ISBN/ISSN: 2291-1723

Issue #: 2

Pages: 177-196

Volume #: 10

Article in: Wesley and Methodist Studies

Published in: 2018

Publisher: Wesley and Methodist Studies