Methodist Theology

Preface; 1. Theological Foundations. Bible, Early Fathers, Reason, Tradition and Experience; 2. Mr Wesley and Charles: Preaching and Singing the Faith.; 3. Grace Abounding: The Poor and the Lost.; 4. The World of the Parish.; 5. The Fatherhood of God.; 6. Revolution and Proclamation: Sin and Salvation.; 7. Social Activism: The Servant Community.; 8. The Mind of Faith.; 9. Freed for Life: Confession and Forgiveness; 10. Listening and Hoping: Worship and Prayer.; 11. Celebration and Organisation: Society and Connexion.; 12. Coming or Going? Where Now?

Kenneth Wilson was educated at Cambridge and Bristol Universities and is a Methodist Minister. After chaplaincies to London University and Kingswood School, Bath, held the Rowbotham Chair in Philosophical Theology and Ethics at Wesley College Bristol and taught at Bristol University, (1973-80). 1980-1996 Principal Westminster College, Oxford; 1996-2001 Director of Research Queens Foundation, Birmingham. Currently:- Visiting Research Fellow, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Chichester University. His publications cover: Making Sense of It (Epworth); Focus on God (with Frances Young, Epworth); Freedom and Grace (ed. with Ivor Jones, Epworth); Readings in Church Authority (ed. with Gerard Mannion, Richard Gaillardetz and Jan Kerkhofs, Ashgate, 2003); Learning to Hope (Epworth, 2006).

'A Methodist Theology by Kenneth Wilson is a book that will enlighten, inform and inspire all who pick it up. It comes from one of the most gifted, creative and ecumenically-minded Methodist scholars of his generation. At a time when some Methodists are fearful for their future, it shows the distinctive riches and gifts that the Methodist tradition has bestowed upon the entire Christian family and so it demonstrates that there will always be things old and new which Methodist perspectives and practices can bring to the wider Christian table. With the meticulous attention to conceptual and theological detail that Wilson's readers have come to admire and learn from, just as they have from his application of the open and conversational theology of engagement with the world that represents Methodism at its very best, this book skilfully encompasses within a single volume an articulation and reflective appraisal of the past, enduring present and hopeful future of this truly dynamic and energizing Christian tradition. This work sets Methodism and its distinctive theological and ecclesiological traditions in their wider historical, intellectual and social context and makes the story of how Methodism came into being come alive in a highly accessible manner. Wilson paints rich parallels across the centuries and explains the more complex theological emphases dear to the heart of the Methodist movement with a clarity rarely found in foundational textbooks. He makes the great figures of Methodist history come alive and their passion and joy for service of the gospel and their affirming doctrinal outlook grasps and holds the reader's wonder, attention and admiration. A tour de force of historical and systematic theology alike, this work should be required reading for anyone interested in contemporary doctrinal and ecclesiological currents of thought.' - Gerard Mannion, University of San Diego, CA, USA.--,