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Methodism, Religious Revivalism, and the American Revolution (David Duggan, USA, 12/19/21 4:48 am)

John E asked whether periods of religious revivalism make war less, or more likely. Here's one example. At least theoretically, the ideas of individual autonomy kindled by Methodism (John Wesley had a preaching mission to the colonies) gave a "Christian" basis to the Revolutionary War.

JE comments:  Typically we think of the American Revolution as inspired (at least informed) by the Enlightenment, but the religious component merits further exploration.  David, perhaps you can help us with the theological connection between Methodism and Enlightenment.  I always understood Wesleyism as a rejection of "pure reason."

To further complicate this discussion, many of the Revolutionary thinkers (such as Jefferson) were Deists of a more secular bent.

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