Charles Wesley and early Methodist women shaped Wesleyan theology and practice just as much as John Wesley. All these pioneers in the renewal of the church engaged together in a quest for love divine. That journey led them to timeless discoveries related to God's grace, the liberating nature of life in Christ, the joy of Christian discipleship, and the sense of purpose to be found in partnering with God in the celebration of beloved community. The early Methodist people learned their theology by singing it. "Faith working by love leading to holiness of heart and life." "Accountable discipleship." "The rediscovery of a missional church." Discover the meaning of sound bites like these as you explore these themes and more.
Industry Reviews
“Chilcote argues that what the world most needs are disciples of Jesus who are ‘transcripts of the divine’—authentic witnesses to the love and grace of God. This anthology not only exegetes the faith and practice of Charles and John Wesley and of selected early Methodist women, it invites us to allow ourselves to be re-centered by that same love which yearns for the restoration of all things.”
—Jane Leach, Wesley House, Cambridge
“The theology and legacy of John and Charles Wesley is more than just rich academic discussion. It is at heart a transformative experience of worship, mission, and love. Paul Chilcote . . . illuminates and lives this experience in this outstanding collection of essays.”
—David Wilkinson, St John’s College, Durham University
“Chilcote’s collection is a very welcome addition to resources available to Wesleyan scholars eager to explore his insights in the lyrical theology, worship, and spirituality of the people called Methodists. It will greatly help historians and people of faith in the task of understanding and practicing the quest for Christian perfection espoused by the Wesleys.”
—Tim Macquiban, Wesley Historical Society
“Paul Chilcote is one of the greatest scholars of the Wesleyan movement in his generation. His essays illumine the wisdom, beauty, spirit, and depth of the Wesleyan tradition and show how Methodist theology and practices cohere in a seamless whole. This fine volume makes me proud to be a Wesleyan. I recommend it highly.”
—Dana L. Robert, Boston University School of Theology
“Chilcote has the special talent to develop central themes of Methodist theology in a biblically grounded, historically rooted, theologically reflected, ecumenically open, and personally evocative way. . . . This selection of important essays vividly demonstrates the comprehensive love of God, the liberty of faith in a holy life, and the participation in God’s mission.”
—Ulrike Schuler, Reutlingen School of Theology
“This volume contains previously unpublished, or hard to find, public lectures, essays, and addresses, as well as some of Chilcote’s most significant and influential work spanning a period of forty years. . . . I highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in Methodist history, Wesleyan theology and spirituality, and missional practice.”
—Dion A. Forster, University of Stellenbosch
