Methodist hymnody, USA

Methodist Hymnody, USA       Hymns were used within the Methodist movement for teaching of doctrine, for evangelism (of the unsaved and to revive those who faith was lagging), for praise and confession. Important doctrines for the Wesleyan movement are Arminianism, the understanding that Christ died for everyone, not just the elect; the Christian journey as the way of salvation, on a continuum of God’s prevenient grace (which comes before one is awakened to God’s call), justifying and pardoning grace (forgiveness of sins and help to live more Christ-like), and sanctifying grace (the path to holiness, which dictates that salvation is a life-long process). ‘The interplay of preaching and...