"The Supernatural Thread in Methodism" by Dr. Frank H. Billman

Newly Revised Edition now available from Amazon

        I first learned of "The Supernatural Thread in Methodism" while listening to a lecture by Dr. Billman. In his lecture, he spoke about early Methodist history and the supernatural events experienced by Methodist believers.

        Dr. Billman's lecture and my subsequent reading of his book provided an interesting look into the story of early Methodism. For me, learning that Methodists once moved in signs and wonders was akin to discovering an ancestor had come to America on the Mayflower. The book cites the journals and diaries of many early Methodist leaders, pastors, and pioneers, including John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield.

        I have studied editions of John Wesley's journals found in my church or public library but never had seen references to any of his supernatural experiences, save his heartwarming conversion. When I heard Dr. Billman quoting specific examples from John's diary, I had to see the citations for myself. It appears that for whatever reason, history has been "cleansed" of the mysterious for the protection of the reader.

        I have often heard the following John Wesley quote:

"I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power." (John Wesley, "Thoughts Upon Methodism", 1786)

When I heard this quote, it was often repeated in the context of reminiscing about the Methodist glory days and how it was one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world; having schools, universities, hospitals, and missions everywhere. Yet somehow, I think that every time this quote was repeated, the speaker had no idea that John had experienced the tangible and physical power of God. Reading "The Supernatural Thread in Methodism" gave a new perspective for me regarding this quote. The church once moved in the power of the Holy Spirit and John was worried, not that Methodists would disappear, but that they would stop moving in Holy Spirit power and simply become a shell of dead religion.

        Dr. Billman also writes about the quenching influences that caused the signs and wonders to stop flowing through the Methodist church. Two of these influences arose in the 19th century. The first being the spread of a liberal theology which emphasized morality over spirituality. The second was a doctrine of cessationism. Cessationism came in two flavors. First, that the church never moved in the spiritual powers and that the biblical description of supernatural power was nothing more than a story-telling device. Second, that the supernatural powers were only for the Apostles, and not for the modern church. Since we have the Bible, we have no need of a physical and demonstrative power of God in order to believe in God.

        This is a well researched and documented book. If you are curious about the real history of the Methodist church, I highly recommend it. If you're curious about a Charismatic experience within a denominational context, I highly recommend it.

[UPDATE - 10/4/2018: This book is currently out-of-print. The author presents a lecture with similar content on YouTube. Enjoy ~~K]

[UPDATE - 9/18/2019: I contacted the author and he assured me that the book is being rewritten and should be published in the spring of 2020. At that time, I may post an updated review. If you can find a used copy that doesn't cost a fortune, I still recommend reading this book. ~~K]

[UPDATE - 6/22/2021: The author has published a revised and updated edition. Is available on Amazon. I have a copy and will read it and provide an updated review. ~~K]

[UPDATE - 10/26/2022: The original YouTube lecture has been removed. Here is an alternate video of the author teaching similar content on YouTube. ~~K]

My GoodReads.com rating: 5 stars - ★★★★★ - "It was amazing!"

~~Ken

Title: The Supernatural Thread in Methodism

Author: Dr. Frank H. Billman

Genre: Christian non-fiction
ISBN13: 978-1621364061