Wesley for Armchair Theologians

by William J. Abraham

Publisher:

Westminster John Knox

, 2005

Overview

Wesley for Armchair Theologians engagingly presents the life and theology of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Written by prominent Wesley scholar William Abraham, who aimed to “make Wesley come alive for those who would truly love to become armchair theologians,” the book is an excellent, entertaining, and expert guide to the work of this important Christian figure.

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Key Features

• Highlights the way John Wesley lived his life from beginning to end
• Offers knowledge from field experts in a simple and playful presentation
• Features witty illustrations by Ron Hill

Contents

Top Highlights

“Faith was not just a bare assent to abstract theological notions, nor was it just a reliable trust in Jesus Christ dying for one’s sins; faith was also a direct, experiential encounter with God through the Holy Spirit that brought awareness of the love of God in one’s heart and released new moral energy to gain real victory over evil here and now.” (Page 35)

“Wesley’s course was set. He would have no truck with Calvinism because it undercut the motivation for holiness in the Christian life and because it was contrary to his core conviction that the ruling attribute of God was uncompromising love for all.” (Page 20)

“The fourth theological watershed was the publication of the Conference Minutes of 1770.” (Page 37)

“Wesley’s basic pattern for preaching was simple: Open up with a little of the good news, then switch to the bad news, and then unload the gospel in all its beauty and fullness.” (Page 66)

“The fifth and last theological watershed year was 1784 and is marked by Wesley’s decision to provide for the launching of a new church in North America.” (Page 39)

Product Details

• Title: Wesley for Armchair Theologians
• Author: William J. Abraham
• Series: W. J. K. Armchair
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 208
• Resource Type: Biographies, Introductions
• Topic: John Wesley

About William J. Abraham

William J. Abraham is a United Methodist pastor, theologian, and philosopher. A native of Ireland, he is currently the Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Dr. Abraham is associated with the Confessing Movement in The United Methodist Church and is a proponent of “Canonical Theism” that looks to the canons of the ancient ecumenical Church as a source for renewing Mainline Protestant Churches.