Final answer:
John Wesley is recognized as the great founder of Methodism, which emerged from the religious practices of the Wesley brothers at Oxford, inspired by Martin Luther's writings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The great founder of Methodism was John Wesley. John Wesley, along with his brother Charles Wesley, attended Oxford where Charles founded the Holy Club in 1729. Their methodical approach to religious devotions led to the nickname 'Methodist', the name by which the Protestant denomination they established is identified. The Wesleys were inspired by the writings of Martin Luther, particularly his concept of 'Justification by Faith', which played a significant role in their religious conversion. Their subsequent preaching advocated for a personal and emotional relationship with God, a message that resonated in the colonies as well.
The Wesley brothers were originally Anglicans and their commitment to public service and missionary work was evident when they traveled to the colonies in the 1730s as missionaries. Upon their return, they encountered Moravian passengers and associated with the Moravians in England. This interaction further influenced their theological outlook and prompted them to read Martin Luther's works, culminating in their deeply personal religious experiences in 1738