John Wesley

by Germano Celant (Contributor)

Over the course of 40 years, New York-based Pop painter John Wesley has created a singular body of work with a cast of characters including Dagwood Bumstead, birds and bears all rendered in the same flat sky blue, flesh beige and candy pink palette. Employing a comic strip style and a compositional rigor, Wesley makes warm, sexy paintings with a frequent twist of the bizarre. "When post-global-warming anthropologists begin paddling through the streets of Manhattan in search of visible evidence that this republic was... the cosmopolitan democracy that it purported to be," writes Dave Hickey of this work, "one can only hope that the earnest scientists will stumble across a trove of Wesley's paintings in some tenth-floor loft. If they do, they will almost immediately begin to think better of us. They will think, Hey! These weren't such bad dudes! How could they be? They were cool, generous, and urbane; they encouraged high spirits and valued sex enough to make it elegant and funny."

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

557 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Germano Celant (11 September 1940 – 29 April 2020) was an Italian art historian, critic, and curator who coined the term "Arte Povera" (poor art) in 1967.
Celant was the renowned curator of contemporary art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, and artistic director at the Fondazione Prada in Milan.

On 29 April 2020, Celant died in Milan from COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. He was 79.

Reviews

[Richard Worden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a valuable find for anyone researching John Wesley. Each section begins with an introduction that discusses the history, personalities, and theology of Methodism. The book has an excellent bibliography that covers material up to 1964 when the book was published. Following the introductions the author presents selected writings of John Wesley supported by many footnotes and explanations.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read everything in this book, but enough to get a flavor. This is an excellent and varied collection of Wesley's writings. It includes sermons, letters, the content of meeting minutes, and miscellaneous topics of his day.

This book is probably available in Used Bookstores and the like. Recommended for anyone who wants a good overview of this this astounding man's thoughts and beliefs.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

No idea what to think of this book, other than the vague memory from grade school that John Wesley helped found the Methodist denomination.

I do find a few of his chapter titles interesting.
"The Menace of Antinomianism: A Blow at the Root, or Christ Stabb'd in the House of His Friends" and
"The Struggle with the Calvinists/Predestination Calmly Considered" (Haha, just got through hearing Edwards bashing Arminianism...)

So kids, can anyone tell me what antinomianism means? Guess we'll find out...

*EDIT*

Wesley, I'm really sorry about this, but I seriously can't tell the difference between you and Edwards...although that might be a good thing when it comes to doctrine...but I'm afraid someday I'll cite Edwards as a source when it's really you I'm quoting!

I haven't gotten to the Calvinist chapter yet, so maybe that'll help...

Evidently I am surrounded by Princess Bride fans in class...poor John Wesley would be horrified by the liberties taken with his name...

*EDIT*

Ah ha! I have found differences...mostly in the Calvinist chapter. ;P
Edwards treats the Arminian side as completely ridiculous; Wesley treats the Calvinist side as really, really scary.

Plus, Wesley is more easily excitable. It's rather endearing. ;D

Wesley's financial advice of "Gain all you can, Save all you can, Give all you can" tickles me. I'm not sure why. It just sounds so catchy and cute for a theologian to make up...

*EDIT*

I feel so flaky right now. Edwards says, "Augh, Arminianism is the most absurd, stupid thing ever" and I think, "Yeah, you're totally right!" So when I took a look at Wesley's chapter titles, I thought, "Haha, a silly Arminianist argument..."

Wesley says, "Calvinism is the CREEPIEST THING EVER!!!" And I think, "...huh...yeah, you're totally right!"

It's so awful to be indecisive when you're confronted by Edwards and Wesley. Gosh, I wish those two could've met...what an epic debate match that would've been!

When Wesley says things like "Now, I know what you're thinking", it makes me laugh a little on the inside. It's almost like he's talking to me!

[Kev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Methodist should have to read this to become a member of our Church. It's beautiful, artful & compehensive.

[Jeremy Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Wesley, particularly his thoughts on money.

[+263779806581]

its so nice

[Linda Klager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this great man's life story.