Enthusiastic Bodies
Erika K. R. Stalcup
September 5, 2023 DOI: 10.4324/9781003374183-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that physicality was central to early Methodist theology and praxis, examining conversion-related bodily manifestations such as fits, convulsions, spontaneous weeping, and out-of-body experiences, and contending that feelings of forgiveness, whether sentiments or physical sensations, were not always easy to interpret. |
Abstract
One of the most controversial facets of early Methodist theology lies in its insistence upon the possibility (and indeed the necessity) of a direct encounter with God. This chapter turns to the remaining physical manifestations that sometimes occurred during conversion—fits, convulsions, spontaneous weeping, out-of-body experiences and the like. Though early Methodists were told that they ought to “feel” their sins forgiven, feelings (both sentiments and physical sensations) were not always easy to interpret. Beyond identifiably physical experiences, early writers employed highly sensorial language, taking their cue from the vocabulary of Methodist leaders. This chapter investigates the importance of physicality in early Methodist theology and praxis.