The development of the Methodist Church is explored.

Pietism, a philosophical movement responding to the dogmatism of the theologians and the rationalism of the philosophers, takes shape in Germany.

Seemingly endless debates on dogma, and the intolerance of Christians among themselves, led many to seek refuge in a purely spiritual religion.

Rationalism during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Rationalism was characterized by its interest in the world and by its confidence in the powers of reason.  This philosophy became influential in Western Europe and the church.

The state of Reformed orthodoxy during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Lutheran orthodoxy during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

A review of Catholic orthodoxy during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The Puritans face struggles both internal and external.  

The Reformation in England led to tension between those who favored maintaining ancient practice and belief and those Calvinist Protestants who believed that the entire life and structure of the church ought to adjust to what they saw as the biblical norm.  This ultimately led to the Puritan revolution