As If the Heart Mattered: A Wesleyan Spirituality

by Gregory S. Clapper

As If the Heart Mattered expounds on John Wesley's image of religion as a house by exploring three main the porch of repentance, the door of faith, and holiness (the house itself). Useful study helps include references to John Wesley sermons and Charles Wesley hymns. But this approach to spiritual life transcends Methodism and provides essential biblical truth applicable to all Christians. Questions for reflection or discussion are provided at the end of each chapter.

Genres: Religion

112 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[Tim Littleford · Rating 4 out of 5]

First three chapters are fine, very basic and simple, but it roars home when moving on to talking about the importance of, and how to live, a 'heart religion'.

"Wesley said that we are made for happiness, and that happiness comes only from achieving holiness."

[Mackenzie Johnstone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that Clapper made some really great points throughout the book but his overall argument and purpose behind writing the book was lost on me. I had no idea why I was reading it until the very end and even then I'm still unclear what, if anything, Clapper was trying to achieve from writing it. I don't totally discredit it though, he does do a great job of laying out what Wesley thought and taught and I loved how he incorporated hymns at the end of each chapter!