Wesley, Wesleyans, and Reading Bible as Scripture

by Joel B. Green (Editor), David F. Watson (Editor)

The theology of John Wesley has proven exceedingly influential in the religious and spiritual lives of Wesley's followers and his critics. However, Wesley did not leave behind a written doctrine on scripture. This collection presents an array of diverse approaches to understanding John Wesley's charge to read and interpret the Bible as scripture. Contributors move beyond the work of Wesley himself to discuss how Wesleyan communities have worked to address the difficult scriptural--and theological--conundrums of their time and place. With contributions from William J. Abraham, Justo L. González, Joel B. Green, Elaine A. Heath, Randy L. Maddox, Karen B. Westerfield Tucker, Jason E. Vickers, Laceye Warner, David F. Watson, Kenneth J. Collins, Robert W. Wall, Reginald Broadnax, Meesaeng Lee Choi, Hunn Choi, Douglas M. Koskela, D. Brent Laytham, Steven J. Koskie, and Michael Pasquarello III, Wesley, Wesleyans, and Reading Bible as Scripture ultimately attempts to underscore what it means to stand in the Wesleyan stream and bring about holiness through--and within--daily occurrences.

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction

350 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2012

About the author

Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament interpretation and associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Prior to moving to Fuller, he taught at Asbury Theological Seminary for ten years. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Theological Interpretation and has authored or edited numerous books, including the Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics.

Reviews

[Charles Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really enjoy this book, or agree with it in a lot of places, but the objective is to share Wesley’s ideologies and the practices of the Wesleyan and Methodist faith. The objective was completed thoroughly, but considering I am neither Wesleyan nor Methodist, I differ fundamentally from their views. One annoying aspect was the constant patronizing of those who remain belief in inerrancy and the elevation of critically approaching Scripture. I refuse to approach Scripture with a framework of doubt, but I rather presuppose faith in God’s faithfulness to inspire and preserve His Word.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found 8 out of the 17 essays that I would like my students to read. Also I enjoyed thinking through the different ways Scripture can be conceived of in the UMC. Really I think they all come down to a means of grace to participate in a life of love in community and in the world.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for school. It was ok. It did give a good overview of the Wesleyan approach to Scripture, but I don’t know that I’d recommend it to the average ministry leader.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good resource, with several really important articles.

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

The essays in this book range from easily accessible to almost incomprehensible. The range of topics explored is very broad, but all of them are concerned with what it means to call the Bible scripture within the Wesleyan tradition. The book shows unity within the broad diversity of Wesleyan thought about Scripture.