Methodism

American  

[meth-uh-diz-uhm] / ˈmɛθ əˌdɪz əm /

noun

1. the doctrines, polity, beliefs, and methods of worship of the Methodists.

2. (lowercase) the act or practice of working, proceeding, etc., according to some method or system.

3. (lowercase) an excessive use of or preoccupation with methods, systems, or the like.

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Methodism British  

/ ˈmɛθədɪzəm /

noun

1. the system and practices of the Methodist Church, developed by John Wesley and his followers

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Etymology

Origin of Methodism

First recorded in 1730–40; method + -ism

Example Sentences

Generations of missionary efforts brought Methodism across the world.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

On Sunday mornings, a small white bulldog named Wesley, after the founder of Methodism, roams the campus with a handler, greeting admirers.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2023

The school is named for Francis Asbury, a circuit-riding preacher who helped Methodism grow from modest beginnings to the largest Christian group in America during the 1800s.

From Washington Post • Feb. 15, 2023

“We like to call ourselves the cradle of Black Methodism in DC,” she said.

From Washington Times • Oct. 22, 2021

Wesley’s Methodism spread like wildfire through England and America because Wesley was shuttling back and forth among hundreds and hundreds of groups, and each group was then taking his message and making it even stickier.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell