Wesley, Wesleyans, and Reading Bible as Scripture
Overview
The theology of John Wesley has proven exceedingly influential in the religious and spiritual lives of Wesley’s followers and his critics. However, Wesley did not leave behind a written doctrine on Scripture. This collection presents an array of diverse approaches to understanding John Wesley’s charge to read and interpret the Bible as Scripture. Contributors move beyond the work of Wesley himself to discuss how Wesleyan communities have worked to address the difficult scriptural and theological conundrums of their time and place. With contributions from William J. Abraham, Justo L. González, Joel B. Green, Elaine A. Heath, Randy L. Maddox, Laceye Warner, and Robert W. Wall, Wesley, Wesleyans, and Reading Bible as Scripture ultimately attempts to underscore what it means to stand in the Wesleyan stream and bring about holiness through—and within—daily occurrences.
Top Highlights
“Bible and knowledge is framed in terms of Scripture’s role within the economy of salvation. Scripture’s authority does not depend on its ability to yield accurate historical or scientific data. Scripture is authoritative because through it God speaks, heals, gives us hope, convicts us of sin, shapes our understanding of the world, and reminds us of God’s saving actions.26 In other words, it is fitting to its soteriological and formative task.” (Page 142)
“The General Rules were Wesley’s ‘rule of life’ for the people called Methodists.7 The first of the two ordinances having to do with Scripture is ‘the ministry of the Word, either read or expounded.’ Thus for Wesley the reading and exposition of the Bible are primary means through which God’s grace is given to human beings, leading them to salvation and holiness of heart and life.” (Page 213)
“And while Wesley adhered to and defended the doctrine of the Trinity as contained in the Nicene Creed, he was also clear that Scripture, and not the creed, was the only true rule of faith.” (Page 151)
“‘the whole of Scripture is not merely God’s address to the believer; it is inspired by the Holy Spirit who in turn inspires the believer’s understanding.’” (Page 34)
“First, the reader should set aside time morning and evening, habitually, to read a full chapter each from both the Old and New Testaments.” (Page 214)
- Title: Wesley, Wesleyans, and Reading Bible as Scripture
- Authors: Joel B. Green, David F. Watson
- Publisher: Baylor University Press
- Print Publication Date: 2012
- Logos Release Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Wesley, John, 1703-1791; Wesleyan Church › Doctrines; Bible › Hermeneutics
- ISBNs: 9781602586284, 9781481314992, 9781602587762, 1602586284, 1481314998, 1602587760
- Resource ID: LLS:WSLYWSLYNSRDNGB
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T04:29:43Z
Reviews
1 rating
Ryan Fomley
4/23/2023
There is good content in this book, but it is bogged down by run on sentences. Another example of how a good book can be a difficult read not because of its content or wording, but its sentence structure. Blame not the author, but the editor. There are better resources out there that are a much more pleasant read, but sustain the same level of depth and interest.
