Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision: An Introduction to the Faith of John and Charles Wesley
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Scholar and teacher Paul Wesley Chilcote provides a full and clear introduction to the dynamic faith of John and Charles Wesley. The vital theology of John is skillfully gleaned from his voluminous writings. The corresponding faith of Charles is culled from his enduring hymns.
For students and general readers this book illuminates the vital balance the Wesleys found in Christian teaching that overcomes the often mutually exclusive options presented in other theological traditions. Chilcote shows that such a synthetic faith is not boring or irrelevant but transforming and life-giving, bringing together faith and works, Word and Spirit, the personal and the social, the head and the heart, mission and service.
- Provides examples and grounding for Chilcote's themes
- Contains questions at the end of each chapter make this an excellent individual or small group study resource
- Presents experiences of the Christian life to demonstrate that they are not opposed to each other but are complementary for a mature faith in Christian community
The Message (Kerygma): The Height of Sovereign Grace
- Free Grace (Proclamation): Faith and Works
- Inclusive Love (Preaching): Word and Spirit
The Community (Koinonia): The Depth of Caring Relationship
- Shared Experience (Fellowship): Personal and Social
- Enthused Disciples (Partnership): Form and Power
The Discipline (Paideia): The Length of Christian Pilgrimage
- Holistic Formation (Instruction): Heart and Head
- Spiritual Nourishment (Guidance): Pulpit and Table
The Servanthood (Diakonia): The Breadth of Compassionate Witness
- Transformational Vocation (Mission): Christ and Culture
- Incarnational Ministry (Service): Piety and Mercy
Paul Chilcote writes a highly readable book that focuses and synthesizes the essence of Wesleyan theology. He presents experiences of the Christian life--including personal and social salvation, a person's inner relationship with God and the rituals of the church, and a renewed heart and outward good works--to demonstrate that they are not opposed to each other but are complementary for a mature faith in Christian community. Sermons of John Wesley and hymns of his brother, Charles, provide examples and grounding for Chilcote's themes. Questions at the end of each chapter make this an excellent individual or small group study resource. Both laypersons and professionals in the church who seek to get to the heart of Wesleyan theology--and their own--will find this book useful.
—Rosemary Keller, Academic Dean and Professor of Church History, Union Theological Seminary
Paul Chilcote provides significant insight into the 'creative tensions' that existed in the theology of John and Charles Wesley and which often occur in the church of today. The Wesleys skillfully taught and lived a 'both/and' approach rather than an 'either-or' approach to the issues of faith vs. works, personal vs. social holiness, religion of the heart vs. religion of the head, acts of piety vs. acts of mercy, etc. This book brings to life the Wesleyan genius which strikes a balance between these potentially divisive points. Readers will understand why the Wesleyan movement is alive and growing worldwide today!
—Dr. George H. Freeman, General Secretary, World Methodist Council
Paul Chilcote has given us a wonderfully symmetrical introduction to the Wesleys' theology. Anyone interested in discovering or rediscovering the theology that shaped the heart of the movement known as Methodism would benefit greatly from this clearly written, lively and balanced book. Chilcote covers all the essential themes with grace and brevity. Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision is not only an excellent reminder of what Wesleyan theology was in the past, it is also a powerful plea for embracing the Wesleys' vision of the Christian faith as a reliable guide into the future.
—Kenneth W. Brewer, Assistant Professor of Religion, Spring Arbor University