John Wesley: A Biography

by Stephen Tomkins

To celebrate the tricentennial of his birth, Tomkins, a freelance writer with a background in church history, relates the life of Wesley (1703-91) the founder of Methodism. Sources are identified in endnotes, but not indicated in the text. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Genres: Biography, Religion, Christian, History, Christianity, Nonfiction, Church History

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Stephen Tomkins is the author of several books, including biographies of John Wesley and William Wilberforce. He is the deputy editor of Third Way magazine.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short but scholarly account of the personal life of John Wesley, this book is well-written, witty, and objective. Neither a hagiography nor an iconoclastic attack, it is, in fact, surprisingly secular. Tomkins seems to have little interest in his subject's spiritual development, theological thought, or religious legacy. His main emphasis is on Wesley as a human being, on the man that is revealed by the details of his life, by his relationships with others. And that man is not particularly attractive - is quite deeply flawed. He almost embodies the unflattering popular stereotype of a preacher - pious, judgmental, self-centered, a self-righteous "saint" who demands perfection, saintliness, in others. His relationships with others were troubled, were not noted for human warmth. He neither gave loyalty or inspired it in others - was continuously feuding with other Methodist leaders - was ultimately estranged from Wilberforce, even from his brother Charles. His relationships with women, especially that with his wife, were disastrous. Paradigmatic proof of this seemingly harsh assessment is the brief note he wrote to his sister condoling her on the sudden death of her young children in which he tells her that God, perhaps jealous of the time she was spending caring for them, took them away in order to give her more time for religious work. Good grief! And this coldness was not offset by a brilliant mind. He was not a noticeably profound theologian. Whatever was new in his religious thinking, the emphasis on "warmth", on the emotions, on sanctification, seems to have been the result of his early contact with the Moravian Pietists. His theological thinking seems more "ad hoc", more "feels right", than the result of logical reflection or spiritual insight. And it was quite tentative - as exemplified by his continuing indecision about whether or not to leave the established church. He was not a very appealing theologian or man. And yet despite all this, Wesley was a spiritual leader, highly influential, revered then and now, responsible for the revival of Christianity in English speaking countries worldwide. He raised the moral tone of Western Civilization, increased the dignity of the working classes, was a midwife to a denomination that continues to be a force for good in the world. This legacy is slighted by Tomkins - not maliciously, but by his limiting his book to the actual, physical life of Wesley - by his reluctance to analyze, to judge him, to assess his worth spiritually. This is disappointing. Not only is the influence of Wesley left unexplained but the essence of the man does not come into focus. He is left a mystery, his motives never explained. For example, Tomkins provides no explanation for his obsessive missionary zeal - even though this constant travelling, this compulsion to preach, to convert the world, lies at the core of Wesley's being. The reader is left to his own speculations - to wonder whether it was it the result of the humiliating failure of his early ambition to convert the Native-American heathen in Georgia that inspired this obsessive urge to convert the home heathen, the poor, degraded, unchurched masses in the newly industrializing cities of the British Isles? Or whether it was his failure at close relationships, with people who knew him well, that kept him continuously on the road, away from home, finding approval and acceptance among strangers, among people with whom it was much easier to adopt and maintain a persona of holiness? Tomkins provides no answers. Does not consider the questions. And perhaps the questions are unanswerable, the inner man unknowable. Or perhaps, Wesley, like other highly gifted individuals (one thinks of Bach or Mozart) is best understood, his mind revealed, in his work, not his life. He had great oratorical gifts - could win over the most antagonistic audience, the most hardened listeners. His fame was achieved as a preacher. Thousands came to hear he speak. His life was consumed in preaching - the best estimate is that he gave over 40,000 sermons. Perhaps to assess him properly, to know him, one needs to read, not a biography of him, but a book of his sermons.

[Clickety · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best biography on Wesley out there. It's clear and concise, and fairly easy to read.

[Jeff Bettger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has great insight into John Wesleys personal, spiritual, and missional life. It shows him as the paradoxical genius he probably was. I love how this book showcases these extremes and reconciles them pretty well. It left me in awe, and wonder about this man who may be the greatest thing to happen to the western Christian Church, or quite possibly the absolute worst thing. You decide if you can. I'm torn.

[Rapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of any human being is rather complicated, and the life of as great a man as John Wesley can only be greatly complicated. The task of the biographer is also difficult: to describe the achievements of such a man without writing a hagiography, while also describing his contradictions and faults without discrediting the breakthroughs and triumphs. This task Stephen Tomkins pulls off very well.

John Wesley's achievements and breakthroughs are incredible. He preached the Gospel of justification by faith to all classes of English society, but his greatest breakthrough was his open air preaching to the working classes. And his preaching was not in word only, but also in power, visited by supernatural movings of the Spirit. Furthermore, his preaching was daily expressed in his works. This expression of faith in works is twofold. First, while attending to spiritual need, Wesley did not lose sight of the material needs of the poor, and did much to improve them. Some even attribute the absence of a French-style Revolution in 18th century Britain to the Methodist faith. But secondly, Wesley was a bold believer in sanctification and the possibility of sinless perfection in a believers' life. In addition to a preacher, Wesley was also a brilliant organizer, whose Methodist societies, schools and circuit riding lay preachers (including some women), did much to preserve his work.

None of these achievements remove the fact that Wesley also was a man with his personal contradictions and faults. Though glorying in opposition to the Methodist cause, he brooked no opposition within the Methodist movement itself. Indeed, he can come across as rather autocratic and controlling. Though having agreed to disagree with his predestinarian friend George Whitefield, he persisted in taking their disagreement over election to the public, something Whitefield refused to do. Wesley's troubled relationships with women is another thread Stephen Tomkins weaves into his story, setting it within the troubled relationship of Wesley's own parents and Wesley's conviction that marital status should have no impact on his travel and preaching schedule. Tomkins also handles his source material admirably, sharing his analysis with his reader as when Wesley's journal, obviously written for others' eyes, declares his mother died as a Christian should, "without any struggle, gasp or groan," yet in his letter to his brother Charles he confides that she was "struggling and gasping for life" the entire time. Though perhaps a minor example, this vignette illustrates the need to read Wesley's Journals with a grain of salt.

This biography is a good introduction to Wesley's life and times. And it provides good balance to unhelpful hagiographies of notable Christians. John Wesley's life was one with contradictions and faults, but it was one lived in pursuit of God and holiness, and helping others in their own pursuit.

[K.P.B. Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a lively and engaging read, although some of the members of the Church History Book Club thought that it was a hard slog. Tomkins isn't entirely sympathetic to Wesley, and I was left wondering whether I really liked Wesley or approved of his actions. I'm becoming increasingly suspicious of attempts at holiness. Regardless, as a way of understanding the roots and ongoing ethos of the evangelical movement, it's a terrific book.

[Michelle Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an accomplishment to distill the life of a man who died in his late 80s to a biography of 200 pages, especially when that man was as colorful as Wesley. Tomkins has succeeded at this, with the added bonus of doing so in highly-readable prose. His tone is rewarding to read, too, consistently (but not constantly) recounting some of his subject’s more memorable anecdotes with a dry wit and a wink. He has no interest in glossing over Wesley’s less-venerable words and actions, but rather calls out problematic behavior when appropriate—and perhaps even goes a bit further than necessary once or twice in his desire to appear even-handed, such as when he discusses a letter Wesley wrote late in life “confessing” to his brother Charles that he had, nor had ever had, any faith. Surely this should be read as a sign of deep personal struggle at a difficult point in his life rather than an actual truth? As others have suggested, then, this is not the place to find a deep psychological analysis of Wesley’s personality (like the fact that he must have been somewhere on the spectrum) or sometimes head-scratching life choices, but for anyone without the need or wherewithal to read H.D. Rack’s full critical biography /Reasonable Enthusiast/, Tomkins’s short portrait should more than suffice.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a disturbing book. I've been hearing about Wesley for most of my life (4 decades). I heard he was a spiritual giant, great theologian and evangelist. Now I think he's just a nutjob who ran on poor theology and insecure emotions.

It seems that the author (Stephen Tomkins) thinks highly of John Wesley. Yet i find all the biographical information embarrassing and damaging. The notes from Wesley's own writings are horrifying and cruel. He seems to have almost no compassion or empathy for anyone; Especially his wives and friends. The fact that he had numerous X-wives should be a huge redflag to any logical Christian - and this from a man who occasionally insisted marriage was not appropriate for Jesus' followers.

This man had NO theological foundation. I doubt he even understood the Old Testament (did Wesley even bother to read it?). Wesley reminds me alot of Benny Hinn and other Charismatic preachers who abuse the scriptures. Sure Wesley founded a movement - but look at the mess he left it in. I'm glad i'm not a Methodist.

Was John's life exciting? Sure, but did he make a difference for God? I'm not so sure.
Now i'll go back to reading about C.H. Spurgeon: now there was a guy who understood the Bible and ministry.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good review of Wesley's life. Learned a lot about him and the origins of the Methodist Church that I did not know.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a disappointment. I had heard about John Wesley for nearly 30 years (probably longer) and was looking forward to finally reading his life story.

As far as the facts, this book has all of them. In long stretches, it is rather boring with tales of Wesley's travels (several chapters seem to follow this pattern: John Wesley preached at ____, people rioted and threw things at him, but he rode off and went to a different place. Next chapter, same thing.). Interspersed with these stories are descriptions of his disagreements with either his brother Charles (the hymn writer) or various friends. Then, of course, there are John's romantic entanglements, which end with his infamous marriage to Mary "Molly" Vazeille. Finally, there are minute descriptions of theological issues as the Methodists are growing and coming up against the Church of England.

I had two problems with all of this: first: it was just, so, BORING. I suspect this book was based on a dissertation or possibly a course the author offers at a university somewhere. If this is the case, I will assume he is better in person than on the page.

Secondly, there were so many statements the author made throughout the book that seemed to take the negative when he could have offered an alternative to balance it, or could have left it our entirely: for example: on p. 168, he quotes from a letter Wesley wrote (ONE letter) where he seems to have no faith at all. Yet the author freely admits this is only one letter out of thousands Wesley wrote. Why quote THIS letter, and then go on to say Wesley was as much as a fraud (p. 169)? Perhaps Wesley was having a bout of depression?
He then uses the words "graft and thrift" in referring to Methodists who climbed the earnings ladder, and then Wesley encouraged the phrase, "voluntary redistribution" (p.195). "Graft?" And since when is "giving alms" called "voluntary redistribution?" Unbelievable.

These are just a couple of examples of this author's perspective seeping into this book. While it may be decently researched, I do NOT recommend it.

[Bruce Fogerty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good biography of the man, passions, strengths, and warts.

This book could have been improved by having a few recap and analysis sections to put the man in an historical context, both within the UK and internationally. While author does do some of this, I feel this aspect of this work was not as developed as it might have been. The book does do a good job describing Wesley's life in a "blow-by-blow" manner. Tomkins is also unflinching in how he describes Wesley's very significant personality flaws. It also describes the man's tremendous energy. For instance, he could ride up to 90 miles in a single day on horseback. He did this as a man in his mid to late 70s. The book also describes, in a somewhat incomplete fashion, of the tension between the Methodist movement within the Church of England. It also spends little time of placing the Methodist movement within the Great Awakening which was a concurrent phenomenon.

Still a good narrative. Any member of the Methodist Church should read a biography of John and Charles Wesley.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Tomkins has written a highly engaging and thoroughly informative book that shines a shimmering spotlight on the man who was the founder of Methodism and one of the greatest religious reformers in Western history. Linear, concise, and lively, Tomkins's book takes the reader from Wesley's fiery near-death as a child through his formulation of a stringent code of self-discipline (which, strict as it was, failed to protect Wesley from a string of unfortunate romances) and tireless days and nights of hard riding and preaching through his death and far-reaching influence. The Wesley who emerges is a fascinating individual, flawed as all men inevitably are but one who answered the unique call God had upon his life with an admirable resolve. Tomkins has a clear command of the facts and his analysis is uniformly logical and not without humor. Highly recommended not only to Methodists but to any student of Christian history.

[Matt Hemmerlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good and very honest biography of Wesley's life. It moves quickly and at may points is very hard to put down. This should serve as a great introduction to Wesley's life and ministry but not the end. Tomkins can be blunt at times, and I would also say at other times shows that he really isn't the biggest Wesley fan, but I wouldn't say this effected the authenticity of the book and it's still a great primer on one of God's greatest preachers.

[David Glick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best biography of John Wesley I’ve read so far. Short, accessible, and Tompkins is a very engaging writer.

Not a hagiography, as others have noted. Tomkin’s critical take on Wesley borders on cynicism at times. It’s also quite strictly historical - and covers only minimally the spiritual and devotional parts of Wesley’s life and ministry, an odd choice given the subject.

[Isabella Marin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book, i came to the realization that this author picked up every weakness at John Wesley had. I found very few good traits that the author exposed and a lot of scandal. I am not sure if this was true information or false

[Jesse Jost · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and informative book, although the author seemed to delight just a little much in dwelling on Wesley's (considerable!) faults, and was sparse with the praise for his strength.

[Micah William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring

[Keenan Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and laid out book telling the story of John Wesley and the rise of Methodism under him as guided by God.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up with John Wesley's philosophy, "earn all you can, be as frugal as you can, give all you can...", but it was nice to meet the man who had so influenced my parents. He had a horse, 2 changes of clothes, and ate rice and beans cooked by his own hand over an open fire, even when he reached the zenith of his popularity and could easily have afforded a comfortable road house, easier lifestyle, and rich food. The most important thing to him was his relationship to Jesus Christ and bringing that relationship message to the States, United.

[J. Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically readable bio of a fantastically interesting and divisive guy. So much about his life, ministry, and theology seems wiggly ('wiggly'; of or pertaining to wiggliness, as in a tooth that needs to come out) but, to quote from my favorite hymn writer who does not happen to be Wesley's brother (Charles was also a strange one, apparently) "God moves in a mysterious way."

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a John Wesley novice, I found this to be pretty much the ideal introduction to his life and work. Concise (200 pp.) and somewhat breezily written, it nonetheless seems to have a firm grasp of both the history and the religious/theological issues at stake. Wesley comes across as a very impressive, but flawed, figure. This is neither a hagiography nor a debunking.

[Dexter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, John Wesley was an interesting fellow. He had some very strange ideas, but on the other hand, he did a lot of cool stuff as well.

Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of the way this book was written. It mostly left me with a lot of questions or just left me feeling unconvinced about several of the facts.

[Garland Vance · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this biography of Wesley. I had to stop reading the book for several months because our family had a new baby. So I am not sure whether it was a 3-star biography or whether I was a 3-star reader. Sorry to not be much help!

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read and an even more extraordinary life. A true testament to commitment and perseverance. The man had many faults (as I do..and all) but his undying work ethic, vision, passion, and dedication gives us a blueprint of something we should all aspire to.

[Benjamin Kittleson]

Also just picked this one up...

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well researched, well written book. If looking for information about Wesley the man, it is honest and sticks to the facts. However, it seemed a little one dimensional at times.

[Seth Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very accessible and full of great anecdotes.

[Shawn Thrasher]

John Wesley's life did not engage me a wholly as I wanted it to. Or the author's writing did not. Either way, I put this aside about half way through.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.

[Greg Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but fascinating look at Wesley's life. The author brings a skepticism that makes this book even more intriguing.