The Way of the Wesleys: A Short Introduction

by John R. Tyson

Engaging, accessible survey of major Wesleyan theological themes

The Wesley brothers -- John (1703–1791) and Charles (1707–1788) -- are famous as the cofounders of the Wesleyan tradition and the Methodist family of churches. Their impact and legacy have been what began as the excited outpouring of their conversion experiences grew into a transatlantic revival and became a vibrant and significant theological tradition. But what exactly did they believe and teach?

In this book John Tyson, an acknowledged authority on Methodist studies, offers a helpful introduction to the main teachings and practices of both John and Charles Wesley. The first book to show how Charles, the younger and lesser-known brother, contributed in particular to Wesleyan theology, The Way of the Wesleys takes readers through main theological points thematically. Tyson also includes suggestions for further reading and questions for reflection at the end of each chapter.

Lavishly documented from the Wesleys’ own writings, this engaging, accessible book shows why the Wesleys remain relevant to the faith journey of Christians today.

212 pages, Paperback

First published December 25, 2014

About the author

A life-long United Methodist, John R. Tyson was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He first became interested in the hymns of Charles Wesley as a child, when he sang them in the yellow-brick Center Avenue United Methodist Church, in Pitcairn, PA. He would subsequently become an internationally known expert in the life and work of Charles Wesley.

While trying his hand at Business Administration as a major, at Grove City College, Tyson experienced a call to ministry and switched to majors in History and Religion. He attended seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary, receiving the M.Div. After brief pastorates in Florida and Pennsylvania, he pursed doctoral studies at Drew University, earning the M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies. Desiring to know more about his own theological heritage, he wrote his Ph.D. dissertation on “Charles Wesley’s Theology of the Cross.”

Tyson currently teaches Church History at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and serves as Director of United Methodist Studies. Previous to coming to that post he taught at United Theological Seminary and Houghton College. He has authored more than 80 articles and conference papers, as well as having edited or written eight books. His most recent book The Great Athanasius: An Introduction to His Life and Work was published in 2017.
John is married to Jill Kingdon Tyson. They are raising four children. In his spare time he enjoys reading, writing, and sports. He is an avid Pirates, Penguins and Steelers fan.

Reviews

[Glen O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

This introductory survey of the theology of the Wesleys provides a solid treatment of the subject in fourteen brief chapters. One of the great strengths of the book is the way it takes Charles Wesley seriously. This is to be expected from Tyson as he has done much to bring the youngest Wesley brother to scholarly attention, including the biography Assist Me to Proclaim (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008), Charles Wesley: A Reader (Oxford University Press, 2000), and the important treatment given in his earlier work, Charles Wesley on Sanctification (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986). Charles’ contribution is highlighted not only (as might be expected) by the inclusion of representative hymn texts in each chapter but also by serious discussion of Charles’ own theology. The primary sources include Charles’ published manuscript journals and sermons but not the outstanding critical edition of his letters, the first volume of which was published by Oxford University Press in 2013, under the capable editorial hand of Gareth Lloyd and Kenneth Newport.

Though built on scholarly sources the book is written in an accessible style that the average reader will enjoy. Questions for reflection at the end of each chapter as well as suggestions for further reading invite further exploration. The arrangement of the chapters reflects the typical Wesleyan emphasis on the doctrines of salvation with a hymn text accompanying each chapter title. After a chapter on the Bible as a primary theological source (‘We to the Sacred Standard Fly’), the discussion moves to Sin (‘Purge the Foul Inbred Leprosy’), the New Birth (‘My Chains Fell Off’), Holiness (‘Pure and Spotless Let Us Be’) and so on. Though it makes sense for a Wesleyan theology to follow the shape of ‘the order (or way) of salvation’ the placement of some of the themes seems rather arbitrary. For example, it might have been preferable to have dealt with the theme of ‘Grace’ (‘His Pity No Exception Makes’) earlier than chapter 5 since doctrines such as the new birth and holiness must surely be subsets of the larger theme of grace. There is no apparent reason why the doctrine of the Trinity (‘One Glorious God in Persons Three’) must wait until chapter 10 to be considered. Chapter 13 on Christian service (‘Our Loving Labour’) and 14 on Ecumenism (‘All United in Thy Name’) are welcome additions to the standard systematic categories. One surprising feature of the book is the complete absence of any footnotes or endnotes. While this makes the work ‘user friendly’ for the average reader, those wanting to trace a particular citation will be at a complete loss unless they already have specialist awareness of where to look.

There is of course a difference between the ‘theology of the Wesleys’ (a primarily historical task) and ‘Wesleyan theology’ (a more constructive and exploratory task) and this book achieves the former task very well. Overall, I would recommend this book as an excellent entry level introduction to the theology of the Wesley brothers. It not only provides the reader with reliable information but invites us to consider ‘the way of the Wesleys’ as a particularly vital form of Christian spirituality.

[Ben Smitthimedhin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyson's introduction is mesmerizing, pulling distinctive Wesleyan doctrines from John's sermons and Charles' hymns, combining beauty and reason.

One thing that surprised me about the Wesleys' doctrine is their open invitation for both believers and unbelievers to partake in the Lord's supper. The body and blood become the means of grace for both conversion and sanctification (a means, mind you, not a guarantor). I have always considered the invitation of the table to be an inclusive one; certainly from the parable of the wedding feast, one could gather that Christ is willing to invite all to His table to sup with him. I just didn't know that someone else believed the same thing I did, which was refreshing.

Tyson's explanation of "Christian perfection" as willful perfection helped me understand what the heck J Wesley meant when he preached that Christians could become perfect (he meant willfully perfect, albeit we will still make mistakes because of sin, but we could reach a state of desiring the will of God so much so that we could stop "wilfully" sinning). There were good recommendations throughout for further research, and the chapter on the Wesleyan spirit of ecumenism was a tear-jerker (no, seriously), ending with a beautiful plea for the unification of His church:

"Hasten then the general peace,
Bid Thy people's discord cease,
All united in Thy name,
Let us think, and speak the same:
Then the world shall know and own
God Himself hath made us one,
Thee their Lord with us embrace,
Sing Thine everlasting praise"

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise and helpful review of Wesleyan theology written in a very accessible style. I'm still impressed with the Wesley brothers and their impact in both Britain and America, by their reaching out to those who were being ignored.