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Predestination Calmly Considered
John Wesley (1703 – 1791) was an Anglican divine and theologian. Wesley, along with George Whitefield and his brother Charles Wesley, founded Methodism. Wesley’s writings also played an integral part in the Holiness Movement. This edition of Wesley’s Predestination Calmly Considered includes a table of contents.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2012
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About the author
John Wesley
2,701 books252 followersJohn Wesley is recognized as the founder of Methodism. An acclaimed preacher, Wesley travelled extensively on horseback and drew large crowds for his outdoor sermons. A contemporary of William Wilberforce, Wesley was a strong voice opposing slavery in England and the United States. His influence upon modern Christianity can be seen by the large number of Methodist organizations in the Wesleyan tradition all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 24, 2019
A great book by a great man!
In this short book, the great John Wesley makes a compelling case for traditional or Armenian theology. He refutes many of the same doctrinal errors that many of our Calvinist friends make today.
In this short book, the great John Wesley makes a compelling case for traditional or Armenian theology. He refutes many of the same doctrinal errors that many of our Calvinist friends make today.
September 9, 2016
"Predestination Insanely Considered" might have been a better title. One positive was that he recognised that consistent Calvinism should lead one to embrace double predestination.
August 4, 2025
There are two main problems with his arguments.
1) He places Divine Will and human will on equal footing. This is a categorical mistake. Man may be free to choose between good and evil, between right and left, and between salvation and damnation, but that does not mean his choice is inconsistent with God's purpose. To illustrate with an analogy: does the fact that all quantum description of nature is inherently random leave no room for the sovereignty of God over all creation? Divine Will and human will are, so to speak, operating in different dimensions, and they can be orthogonal to each other so that one does not infringe on the other.
2) His theology presupposes exegesis. There are many scriptural proofs which he gives that are just simply taken out of context. It is true that the Reformers likewise had written expositions of a text which modern reformed scholars would refute. But that is to say, we must start with a careful exegesis on a text, and then arrive at a conclusion, not the other way around. It seems like his philosophical considerations heavily influence his reading of many verses of which I have seen better expositions in modern scholarship.
I think "calmly" is just a polite way of saying, "passionately."
1) He places Divine Will and human will on equal footing. This is a categorical mistake. Man may be free to choose between good and evil, between right and left, and between salvation and damnation, but that does not mean his choice is inconsistent with God's purpose. To illustrate with an analogy: does the fact that all quantum description of nature is inherently random leave no room for the sovereignty of God over all creation? Divine Will and human will are, so to speak, operating in different dimensions, and they can be orthogonal to each other so that one does not infringe on the other.
2) His theology presupposes exegesis. There are many scriptural proofs which he gives that are just simply taken out of context. It is true that the Reformers likewise had written expositions of a text which modern reformed scholars would refute. But that is to say, we must start with a careful exegesis on a text, and then arrive at a conclusion, not the other way around. It seems like his philosophical considerations heavily influence his reading of many verses of which I have seen better expositions in modern scholarship.
I think "calmly" is just a polite way of saying, "passionately."
December 13, 2019
Well proven by Scripture
Bro Wesley proves his point against "predestination" by many infallible proofs of Scripture, which is the only Truth we can stand on.
Bro Wesley proves his point against "predestination" by many infallible proofs of Scripture, which is the only Truth we can stand on.
December 28, 2013
John Wesley really shows the bankruptcy of the Calvinist position. Even though the style is a bit antiquated it's easy to follow his arguments.
March 28, 2017
I think John Wesley could be a little snarky. I always have trouble reading his writings, though, so maybe it wasn't intended on his part.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews