Revival Rivalry: An Account of the Whitefield/Wesley Rivalry

http://www.christianheritageuk.org.uk/Media/Player.aspx?media_id=81207&file_id=89964

In this fascinating audio lecture, church historian Lee Gatiss sheds light on the behind-the-scene forces and assumptions contributing to the Whitefield/Wesley controversy.

This dispute has significantly affected church history and still affects us today. I highly recommend this audio – as a means to clarify our understanding of this important segment of our history. (… and reflect on how it would affect our own discussions even here!)

This is one message in a series of 16/17/18th C. lectures by Lee Gatiss called "From Reformation to Revival" - found here: http://www.christianheritageuk.org.uk/Media/AllMedia.aspx Christian Heritage (Cambridge UK)

(you'll have to use the "speaker" search box)

Comments?

Diane

Hi Diane,

There is more about this subject in the book "George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century by Arnold A. Dallimore".

The book is a wonderful read, probably one of the top 10 Christian books that I have read. Dr D goes into the subject pretty in depth but the book is a biography on Whitfield's life.

Leonard Ravenhill mentions Dr Dallimore and his writings about Whitfield in a bunch of his sermons on this site, this is the book that he was referencing.

Have a wonderful evening!

There is more about this subject in the book "George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century by Arnold A. Dallimore".

Yes, yes, Learjet! I have this one – and it’s fabulous. I enjoy Dallimore because he has worked hard to unravel history from sensationalism and misconceptions. I think Lee Gatiss quotes from Dallimore actually.

Have you read the two-part comprehensive biography of Whitefield by Dallimore? Apparently it is a good read. (I’m waiting for a bargain).

Anyway – there is more revealing info on this audio than I remember seeing in the book. (That’s likely from the 2-part version) What do you think?

PS I have Dallimore’s Spurgeon and Wesley biographies too. – so refreshing and invigorating!!!

Diane

I'm going to bump this because I suspect this audio recording is of interest here.

diane

Have you read the two-part comprehensive biography of Whitefield by Dallimore? Apparently it is a good read. (I’m waiting for a bargain).

Hi Diane,

Unfortunately I haven't read it for the same reason ;-)

I know that the one that we both have is a condensed version of the larger volume. While reading the book I was disappointed that it ended, I could have read on and on. :-)

Have a great night!

I could have read on and on. :-)

Me too! When you know you've hit something honest and real you are deeply stirred - to the core. This is exactly why I someday hope to read the 1200 page version about Whitefield!

From what I gather Narrimore’s big Whitefield project is the result of careful and intense research including a liberal use of primary documents. It took him years. I think it was needed in order to clarify the besetting confusion. After all, historical re-telling is prone to being shaped according to WHO tells the story. That is certainly so, isn't it, regarding the hot controversy between Whitefield and Wesley.

The insights in this lecture, I believe, help us understand some of the dynamics behind the Calvinist/Armenian dispute in those days – and thus help us come to terms with it in our own minds.

Diane

Hey Roadsign, hope you are doing well. Think it's been a couple years.

I only made it about 25 minutes through the talk. The speaker is very well-studied and articulate, but the majority of what I heard was all about the errors of John Wesley and how great Whitefield was. Theology-wise I am not really Calvinist or Arminian, but I enjoy a Christ-like message on or by either. I don't really like running any brother in Christ living or dead into the ground as I will be judged by my own standard. Recognizing errors is one thing, but I just grew tired of the tone.

I would recommend J. Edwin Orr on the subject!