Spiritual Literacy in John Wesley's Methodism

Vicki Tolar Burton (Ph.D. Auburn University) is Associate Professor of English and Director, Writing Intensive Curriculum, Oregon State University.

Spiritual Literacy illumines an underappreciated aspect of the Methodist movement--John Wesley's concern for the literary abilities of ordinary citizens. -Randy L. Maddox, Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Duke University Divinity School

• Acknowledgments Preface Abbreviations1. Introduction: John Wesley and the Rhetorical and Literacy Practices of Early Methodism2. John Wesley's Literacy Genealogy: Parental Patterns and Practices3. Writing to Believe: Diaries and Journals as Spiritual Literacy4. Speaking to Believe: Literacy and Rhetorical Practices of Traveling Preachers5. Walking in Light, Walking in Darkness: Methodist Women's Changing Rhetorical Space6. The Mystic and the Methodists: Account of the Experience of Hester Ann Rogers7. Reading to Believe: John Wesley's Book Inventory (1791)8. Climbing Boys and Spinning Girls: School on Sunday for Laboring ChildrenConclusion: The Witness of Their Own SpiritsAppendix A: Samuel Bradburn's Rules for Preaching Appendix B: John Wesley's Book Inventory Compiled at the Time of His Death (1791)Notes Bibliography Index