Taking heaven by storm
Subtitle: Methodism and the rise of popular Christianity in America
By: John H. Wigger.
Series: Religion in America series; Religion in America series (Oxford University Press)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 269
Subjects: Methodist Church -- United States -- History -- 18th century.; Methodism -- History -- 18th century.; Methodist Church -- United States -- History -- 19th century.; Methodism -- History -- 19th century.; United States -- Church history -- 18th century.; United States -- Church history -- 19th century.
Description: Following the Revolutionary War, American Methodism grew at an astonishing rate, rising from fewer than 1,000 members in 1770 to over 250,000 by 1820. In Taking Heaven by Storm, John H. Wigger seeks to explain this remarkable expansion, offering a provocative reassessment of the role of popular religion in American life.

Wigger examines American Methodism from a variety of angles, focusing in turn on the circuit riders who relentlessly pushed the Methodist movement forward, the critical role of women and African Americans within the movement, the enthusiastic nature of Methodist worship, and the unique community structure of early American Methodism.

Under Methodism's influence, American evangelism became far more enthusiastic, egalitarian, entrepreneurial, and lay oriented - characteristics that continue to shape and define popular religion today.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.