An Introduction to Wesleyan Theology

by William M. Greathouse

Greathouse, William M., Dunning, H. Ray

Genres: Theology

136 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Parker C. Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review may be a tad extensive for a normal book review as it is solely for myself to act as “notes.”

First three chapters focus on setting apart the three independent persons (trinity) of the one-being: God.

I’m doing so, it explains the seemingly paradoxical statement of the ‘one being of God known in 3 Independent person’s’

For God, it explains his existence and nature; a few quotes to clarify here are, “God present with His people as the One who is always adequate to every situation.” This is the Hebrew understanding of God, whereas the Greek view would say God is “Changeless,” the “Unmoved Mover.” Wesleyan thought knows God through the Holy Spirit, thus through action that is still working today. It goes on to discuss the unique holiness of God. The unnecessariness of man for God to be sufficient, that leads to the Agape love of God.

Secondly, Jesus Christ. The full filler of all the Old Testament hopes and promises. God became man. The quote that helps clear ambiguity says, “Jesus is so perfectly the same as God in mind, in being that in Jesus we see what God is like... Christ can be God, not the whole Godhead but a person distinct from the God the Father.” Jesus was completely God and completely Human, simultaneously. Until we understand that, it says we do not do the ‘New Testament witness’ full justice.

Thirdly, The Holy Spirit. That is to say the God that works in us. Through a quote, “Every flicker of spiritual interest, every longing for holiness, every move toward God must be attributed to the activity of the spirit.”

Next 3 chapters go on to explain Man’s nature along with Sin and Grace. It discusses Sartre’s existentialism in a Christian viewpoint. Along with “True Freedom” which would be reached through “Entire Sanctification” which is to say to live in the light of Love. Also discusses thing such as: prevenient grace, Atonement, Sanctification, justification, etc.

The last 3 chapters discuss the light of the Christian Life. And what is expected of it.

[James T]

Good overview of Wesleyan theology through a Nazarene lens. I appreciate the balance in the Wesleyan approach. I wish that they had said more about ordination (particularly their view of women's ordination) and about what entire sanctification looks like in a believer's life, but these issues may just stand out to me because they are my main two areas of disagreement with Nazarene doctrine.

[Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great book. Explain many things about prevenient grace from John Wesley.

[Bruce Gumbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good basic introduction to Wesleyan theology. Good explanation of the doctrine of sanctification.