John Wesley's Theology Today: A Study of the Wesleyan Tradition in the Light of Current Theological Dialogue

by Colin W. Williams

A study of the Wesleyan tradition in the light of current theological debate.

Issues of vital importance and interest to contemporary Christians are covered in this complete picture of Wesleyan theology. Colin Williams examines the main beliefs of John Wesley--authority and experience, salvation, original sin, repentance and justification, atonement, the work of the Holy Spirit, doctrine of the church, Christian perfection, and eschatology--in a search for insights which Methodism should share with other Christians concerning issues that divide the churches.

A deeper perspective is added to the study through a comparison of Wesley's views with beliefs of other reformers such as Calvin and Luther and, in many instances, with the Roman Catholic view.

In a world caught up in a new revival of the Spirit, John Wesley's own heart-warming experience and history-making religious reforms continue to inspire and guide Christians of all denominations.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christianity, Church

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1960

Reviews

[Stephen Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful, albeit rather dated volume. Accessible and a good pointer to other secondary sources.

[John Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a systematic, not a historical treatment of Wesley's theology that I studied in my Theology of John Wesley course in seminary along with his 52 standard sermons as well as Wood's The Burning Heart back in 1981.

I see several reviews claiming this is the gold standard. However, his fine scholarship has been surpassed by Oden's 2014 four-volume work.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin W. Williams was one of my seminary professors. He brought out a love for John Wesley's theology while I was in his classes.

This is one of the classic books in the field of John Wesley's theology. He does an outstanding job of it. Even though the book is now aging quite a bit it still is well worth reading for those interested to find that John Wesley really was a theologian of the firstrate.

Also, John Wesley gives us a lot of room, concepts and ideas that are hepful in ecumenical endeavors.

He has highly been overlooked as a theologian but this book shows that he is a great one.

J. Robert Ewbank author, "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[J. Ewbank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a musts read for anyone seeking to understand the order of salvation by John Wesley. It is also written with at least one eye to the ecumenical movement because John Wesley was a very edumenical theologian.


J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"