John Wesley and the methodist discourse in the British propaganda during the American Revolution
https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2025-4-28-41
Abstract
The article analyzes the role of John Wesley and the Methodist discourse in the British propaganda during the American Revolution. The study focuses on the relationship between his personal views expressed in the private correspondence and the public pro-government position reflected in the pamphlets. The author examines the key concepts of Wesley’s political theory – the people, freedom, and the republic – and their religious interpretation through the prism of Holy Scripture. Particular attention is paid to the use of the anti-slavery rhetoric as a tool of the anti-American propaganda, as well as the evolution of Wesley’s views as the conflict progressed.
The methodological basis of the article includes a historical-genetic analysis, a discursive analysis of Wesley’s texts and a comparative historical approach. The source base consists of Wesley’s pamphlets, letters, and diaries. The scientific novelty of the research lies in a comprehensive study of Wesley’s religious and political discourse, revealing his role not only as a religious figure, but also as a Tory ideologue. The article contributes to understanding the interaction of religion and politics during the American Revolution, and also demonstrates how the War of Independence influenced the development of Methodism in the United States, despite Wesley’s initial opposition to revolutionary ideas.
About the Author
M. A. Filimonova
Kursk State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Maria A. Filimonova, Dr. of Sci. (History)
33, Radishchev St., Kursk, 305000
References
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Review
For citations:
Filimonova M.A. John Wesley and the methodist discourse in the British propaganda during the American Revolution. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin Series "Political Science. History. International Relations". 2025;(4):28-41. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2025-4-28-41
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