Wesley (film)

Last updated
Wesley
WESLEY-MOVIE-POSTER-640.jpg
Promotional poster
Directed byJohn Jackman
Written byJohn Jackman
Carolyn Haywood
Produced byLovinder Gill
Geoff Thompson
Starring Burgess Jenkins
June Lockhart
Kevin McCarthy
R. Keith Harris
Cinematography Arledge Armenaki
Music by Bruce Kiesling
Distributed byVision Video
Release dates
  • November 14, 2009 (2009-11-14)(premiere)
  • July 15, 2010 (2010-07-15)(DVD US)
Running time
117 minutes
LanguageEnglish

Wesley, also titled Wesley: A Heart Transformed Can Change The World, is a 2009 biopic about John Wesley and Charles Wesley, the founders of the Methodist movement. The movie is based largely on the Wesley brothers' own journals, including John's private journal which was kept in a shorthand-like code that was not translated until the 1980s by Richard Heitzenrater at Duke Divinity School.

Contents

The film covers the critical period of John Wesley's life as he struggles with his own doubts and insecurities, leading up to his life-changing Aldersgate experience and the early development of the Methodist movement.

Wesley was filmed in a number of authentic 18th century locations in and around Winston-Salem, North Carolina, including St. Paul's Episcopal Church. [1]

Unusual for a lower-budget independent film, it features an original orchestral score recorded by a full orchestra. [2] The score, composed by Bruce Kiesling, uses snippets of Wesley hymns and portions composed to echo authentic 18th-century style. Kiesling, who has composed scores for a number of other films, is currently conductor of the Tulare County Orchestra in California. [3]

Funded in part by the Christian History Institute and Comenius Foundation, the movie was directed by John Jackman.

Cast

Reception

Jeff Paton from The Arminian magazine called it "Impressive for a religious film;" but criticized the poor effects and overplayed ideas of "a Wesleyan Quadrilateral, which was not a large part of Wesley's emphasis or ministry". [4]

Festivals and awards

Wesley has been featured in numerous international film festivals, including:

The film won several awards, including:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arminianism</span> Protestant theological movement

Arminianism is a movement of Protestantism initiated in the early 17th century, based on the theological ideas of the Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius and his historic supporters known as Remonstrants. Dutch Arminianism was originally articulated in the Remonstrance (1610), a theological statement submitted to the States General of the Netherlands. This expressed an attempt to moderate the doctrines of Calvinism related to its interpretation of predestination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Free Methodist Church</span> Christian denomination

The Free Methodist Church (FMC) is a Methodist Christian denomination within the holiness movement, based in the United States. It is evangelical in nature and is Wesleyan–Arminian in theology.

Methodism, also called the Methodist movement, is a Protestant Christian tradition whose origins, doctrine and practice derive from the life and teachings of John Wesley. George Whitefield and John's brother Charles Wesley were also significant early leaders in the movement. They were named Methodists for "the methodical way in which they carried out their Christian faith". Methodism originated as a revival movement within Anglicanism originating out of the Church of England in the 18th century and became a separate denomination after Wesley's death. The movement spread throughout the British Empire, the United States and beyond because of vigorous missionary work, and today has about 80 million adherents worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Wesley</span> English clergyman (1703–1791)

John Wesley was an English cleric, theologian, and evangelist who was a leader of a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. The societies he founded became the dominant form of the independent Methodist movement that continues to this day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Wesley</span> English Methodist and hymn writer (1707–1788)

Charles Wesley was an English Anglican cleric and a principal leader of the Methodist movement. Wesley was a prolific hymnwriter who wrote over 6,500 hymns during his lifetime. His works include "And Can It Be", "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing", "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today", "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", the carol "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", and "Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hugh Jackman</span> Australian actor (born 1968)

Hugh Michael Jackman is an Australian actor. Beginning in theatre and television, Jackman landed his breakthrough role as Wolverine in the X-Men film series, a role that earned him the Guinness World Record for "longest career as a live-action Marvel character", until 2022. Prominent on both screen and stage, he has received various accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Grammy Award and two Tony Awards, along with nominations for an Academy Award and a British Academy Film Award. Jackman was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Synergism</span> Christian theology concerning the will in salvation

In Christian theology, synergism is the belief that salvation involves some form of cooperation between divine grace and human freedom. Synergism is upheld by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Churches, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Anabaptist Churches, Anglican Churches, and Methodist Churches. It is an integral part of Arminian theology common in the General Baptist and Methodist traditions.

Sanctification literally means "to set apart for special use or purpose", that is, to make holy or sacred. Therefore, sanctification refers to the state or process of being set apart, i.e. "made holy", as a vessel, full of the Holy Spirit of God. The concept of sanctification is widespread among religions, including Judaism and especially Christianity. The term can be used to refer to objects which are set apart for special purposes, but the most common use within Christian theology is in reference to the change brought about by God in a believer, begun at the point of salvation and continuing throughout the life of the believer. Many forms of Christianity believe that this process will only be completed in Heaven, but some believe that complete entire sanctification is possible in this life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas C. Oden</span> American theologian and author (1931–2016)

Thomas Clark Oden (1931–2016) was an American Methodist theologian and religious author. He is often regarded as the father of the paleo-orthodox theological movement and is considered to be one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. He was Henry Anson Buttz Professor of Theology and Ethics at Drew University in New Jersey from 1980 until his retirement in 2004.

Prevenient grace is a Christian theological concept that refers to the grace of God in a person's life which precedes and prepares to conversion. The concept was first developed by Augustine of Hippo (354–430), was affirmed by the Second Council of Orange (529) and has become part of Catholic theology. It is also present in Reformed theology, through the form of an effectual calling leading some individuals irresistibly to salvation. It is also in Arminian theology, according to which it is dispensed universally in order to enable people to respond to the offer of salvation, though it does not ensure personal acceptance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christ the Lord Is Risen Today</span> Christian hymn, Easter song by Charles Wesley

"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" is a Christian hymn associated with Easter. Most of the stanzas were written by Charles Wesley, and the hymn appeared under the title "Hymn for Easter Day" in Hymns and Sacred Poems by Charles and John Wesley in 1739. The hymn eventually became well known for the "Alleluia" sung as a melisma after each line, which was added by an unknown author, probably to fit the commonly used hymn tune, "Easter Hymn". It remains a traditional processional hymn on Easter Sunday.

The Methodist Church of Great Britain is a Protestant Christian denomination in Britain, and the mother church to Methodists worldwide. It participates in the World Methodist Council, and the World Council of Churches among other ecumenical associations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John William Fletcher</span> British Methodist cleric

John William Fletcher was a Swiss-born English divine and Methodist leader. Of French Huguenot stock, he was born in Nyon in Vaud, Switzerland. Fletcher emigrated to England in 1750 and there he became an Anglican vicar. He began to work with John Wesley, becoming a key interpreter of Wesleyan theology in the 18th century and one of Methodism's first great theologians. Fletcher was renowned in Britain for his piety and generosity; when asked if he had any needs, he responded, "...I want nothing but more grace."

Outward holiness, or external holiness, is a Wesleyan–Arminian doctrine emphasizing modest dress and sober speech. It is a testimony of a Christian believer's regeneration, done in obedience to God. The doctrine is prevalent among denominations emerging during the revival movements, including the Methodists, as well as Pentecostals. It is taken from 1 Peter 1:15: "He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wesley's Chapel</span> Methodist church in London

Wesley's Chapel is a Methodist church situated in the St Luke's area in the south of the London Borough of Islington. Opened in 1778, it was built under the direction of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement. The site is a place of worship and visitor attraction, incorporating the Museum of Methodism in its crypt and John Wesley's House next to the chapel. The chapel has been called "The Mother Church of World Methodism".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wesleyan theology</span> Protestant Christian theological tradition

Wesleyan theology, otherwise known as Wesleyan–Arminian theology, or Methodist theology, is a theological tradition in Protestant Christianity based upon the ministry of the 18th-century evangelical reformer brothers John Wesley and Charles Wesley. More broadly it refers to the theological system inferred from the various sermons, theological treatises, letters, journals, diaries, hymns, and other spiritual writings of the Wesleys and their contemporary coadjutors such as John William Fletcher, Methodism's systematic theologian.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church was the majority Methodist movement in England following its split from the Church of England after the death of John Wesley and the appearance of parallel Methodist movements.

<i>Forgiveness</i> (2008 film) 2008 American film

Forgiveness, also known as Esther's Diary, is a 2008 American dramatic Holocaust film written and directed by Polish-American director Mariusz Kotowski, with a screenplay by Allan Knee. The film is marked as being the director's first feature-length film.

Pentecostalism is a renewal movement within Protestant Christianity that places special emphasis on a direct personal relationship with God and experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit. For Christians, this event commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. Pentecostalism was established in Kerala, India at the start of the 20th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnathan Brownlee</span> Canadian–American film producer, director and screenwriter

Johnathan Brownlee is a Canadian–American film producer, director and screenwriter. He co-produced the feature films Decoding Annie Parker (2013), Three Days in August (2016), Occupy, Texas (2016), Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich (2018), The Standoff at Sparrow Creek (2018), and Satanic Panic (2019).

References

  1. "Methodist Man - Winston-Salem landmarks came in handy when the Rev. John Jackman was directing his latest film, Wesley. | JournalNow.com". August 20, 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-08-20.
  2. Decwikiel-Kane, Dawn (June 9, 2009). "Symphony conductor is making movie music". news-record.com. Archived from the original on 2009-07-06. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  3. Decwikiel-Kane, Dawn (June 11, 2009). "Symphony conductor leaving for California". gotriad-news-record.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011.
  4. Paton, Jeff (Fall 2010). "Wesley: A Heart Transformed Can Change the World" (PDF). The Arminian . 28 (2). Fundamental Wesleyan Society: 16. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
  5. 1 2 "BCIFF Jury Awards" (PDF). Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  6. "Official Selections". christianfilmfest.org. Archived from the original on 2010-10-20. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  7. "Gideonfilmfestival.com". www.gideonfilmfestival.com.
  8. "2010 Fexy Awards" (PDF). Francomedia. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  9. "2010 EMPixx Awards" (PDF). EMPixx Awards. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-08-15. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  10. "Entries Open October 2017". Telly Awards. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  11. 1 2 3 "Entries Open October 2017". Telly Awards. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  12. 1 2 "2010 Crown Award Winners". International Christian Visual Media. Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2019-10-23.