The central aim of this study is to establish Wesley's interpretation of his Aldersgate experience as it developed from its initial impressions on the night of 24 May 1738 to its mature articulation in the 1770s.
"Wesley and Aldersgate is a useful book for Methodist Studies scholars, as well as to Religion scholars and laypeople interested in conversion-for the latter-with the aid of some of the historical and theological works upon which Olson draws to fill in context."- Natalya Cherry, Brite Divinity School, Reading Religion"One of the persistent questions in Methodist Studies is how best to interpret Wesley's Aldersgate experience and its significance for those in the Wesleyan tradition. Olson's Wesley and Aldersgate (revised from his doctoral dissertation [University of Manchester]) provides a welcome addition to the body of literature addressing these questions."- Elaine A. Robinson, Oklahoma City University"This is a persuasive study, based on painstaking research. Olson has made a significant contribution to the literature of the founding narrative of methodism, and has helpfully located John Wesley's experience within the wider setting of eighteen century evangelicalism."- Martin Wellings, Wesley and Methodist Studies