Authors: Wright, Ronald W.; Diamond, Greg; Budd, Philip.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 23 (2), Sum 2004, pp. 155-164

Abstract:

A psychodynamic psychohistory of John Wesley is offered that assumes a connection between his most crucial Formative experiences and his theological convictions. In particular, the role of new relational and affective experiences around the time of Wesley’s “Aldersgate experience” are viewed as initiating a shift in his unconscious organizing principles and, consequently, his theological emphasis on humanity’s need to experience God’s love. Wesley’s journal entries and letters through 1738 serve as the primary sources utilized to examine Wesley’s life and theology. An examination of Wesley’s life and unconscious organizing principles not only provides a helpful hermeneutic for understanding Wesleys theology, but also provides a case study for which to apply the concepts developed in the other ankles in this issue.