Wesleyans and the Bible
Papers by Dr. Daryl McCarthy
This collection of papers by Dr. Daryl McCarthy explores how Wesleyans have understood the Bible, focusing on biblical authority, theological identity, and the intellectual legacy of the Wesleyan tradition. From John Wesley, Adam Clarke, and Richard Watson’s views of Scripture to debates over biblical inerrancy within Wesleyan denominations, these papers encourage deeper engagement with Scripture, church history, and Wesleyan theology. All papers on this page are available for download for convenient reading and study.
Author: Daryl McCarthy
The author examines how three foundational Wesleyan leaders understood the inspiration, authority, and trustworthiness of Scripture. Drawing extensively from their writings, sermons, commentaries, and theological works, he argues that Wesley, Clarke, and Watson consistently affirmed a high view of the Bible, including divine inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy. The paper also explores how these convictions shaped their theology, preaching, and ministry, while engaging contemporary debates about biblical authority within the Wesleyan tradition.
“Inerrancy in American Wesleyanism” from Inerrancy and the Church, edited by John Hannah, Chicago: Moody Press, 1984.
Author: Daryl McCarthy
The author examines how American Wesleyans historically understood the inspiration, authority, and inerrancy of Scripture. Tracing developments across denominations, theologians, and theological debates, he argues that a high view of biblical authority played a significant role in shaping Wesleyan identity while also highlighting later shifts in interpretation and emphasis.
“Nazarenes and the Authority of the Bible from 1908 to 1988: Eighty Years of Changing Definitions in the Church of the Nazarene”
Author: Daryl McCarthy
The author traces changing views of biblical authority within the Church of the Nazarene across eight decades. Examining denominational leaders, theological writings, and doctrinal developments, he argues that early Nazarenes strongly affirmed biblical inspiration and inerrancy, while later generations gradually adopted more limited understandings of Scripture and its authority.
Author: Daryl McCarthy
The author explores how Free Methodists understood the inspiration, authority, and trustworthiness of Scripture from the denomination’s beginnings through the twentieth century. Drawing on denominational writings, theological debates, and historical developments, he traces the Free Methodist commitment to a high view of Scripture while examining later discussions surrounding biblical inerrancy. The paper highlights how changing interpretations of biblical authority shaped both theological identity and broader conversations within the Wesleyan tradition.
Author: Daryl McCarthy
The author presents John Wesley not only as an evangelist and founder of Methodism, but as a thoughtful Christian leader who applied biblical truth to the social, political, economic, and cultural issues of his day. Through Wesley’s writings, sermons, and public engagement, the paper explores how his Christian worldview shaped his responses to topics such as justice, education, poverty, politics, and public morality, offering a model for faithful Christian engagement in the public sphere.
Author: Daryl McCarthy
The author argues that John Wesley embraced a holistic Christian worldview that extended far beyond personal piety. Challenging the common perception of Wesley as primarily focused on experience and holiness, McCarthy shows how Wesley applied biblical truth to every area of life, including education, politics, culture, justice, and intellectual inquiry. The paper presents Wesley as a model for faithful Christian engagement, emphasizing biblical authority, Christ’s lordship over all of life, and the integration of faith, reason, and vocation.