Sanctification is not merely a ""practical"" and isolated doctrine but should permeate the whole horizon of theology: dogmatics, ethics, practics, as well as the sciences and the arts. The essays are collected under the twin convictions that theology can be sanctified and sanctifying. The whole of theology is inflected by holiness, and so theology should aim to share in God's sanctifying work. Sanctifying Theology contributes new possibilities in Wesleyan-holiness theology and explores their contribution to various Christian doctrines and contemporary issues. Written in honor of the work of Thomas Arthur Noble, the essays in this book are attentive to the streams of theology that have most influenced him: the fathers, the Wesleys, and the Torrances. Both constructive and exploratory, the topic of the essays cover, among other things, (1) consideration of how Wesleyan-holiness theologies contribute to ecumenical theological discussions, (2) readings of Wesleyan-holiness theology through the lens of the church fathers and the Torrances, and (3) explorations of how these conversations and sources might shape contemporary practical and ethical concerns. The essays work both for the Wesleyan tradition and from the Wesleyan tradition for the church catholic, showing how recent trajectories in Wesleyan-holiness theology might contribute to broader discussions.
Industry Reviews
“This volume is a fitting tribute to Tom Noble, the most prominent Wesleyan systematic theologian of our time. The essays model Noble’s passion for clarifying and reclaiming traditional convictions in conversation with the sciences, arts, and vital Christian practices. Highly recommended.”
—Randy L. Maddox, professor emeritus of Wesleyan and Methodist studies, Duke Divinity School
“This Festschrift in honor of Professor Thomas Noble is a fitting tribute to his life, churchmanship, and theological contributions to the Catholic and Wesleyan traditions. The range of scholarly essays on Wesleyan theology and its relationship to the wider evangelical and Catholic traditions, with chapters on systematics, worship, the arts, biblical studies, neuroscience, evangelism, and theological research, adds to the value and appeal of this excellent Festschrift.”
—Geordan Hammond, director, Manchester Wesley Research Centre
“Great teachers are among the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church. The truly great ones absorb and pass along the teaching once delivered to the saints in ways that help it live anew and afresh in the lives of their students. Sanctifying Theology witnesses to the work of such a teacher. Professor Noble has inspired a new generation of Wesleyan theologians, and if this volume is any indication, our future is in good hands.”
—Jason E. Vickers, professor of theology and Wesleyan studies, George W. Truett Theological Seminary
“This rich and stimulating collection of essays offers valuable insight into the theology of the Christian life. In seeking to apply the traditions of the church to contemporary concerns, its authors have provided a most fitting tribute to the many achievements of Tom Noble.”
—David Fergusson, regius professor of divinity, University of Cambridge
