A Century of Holiness Theology: The Doctrine of Entire Sanctification in the Church of the Nazarene: 1905 to 2004 [Paperback]

Mark R Quanstrom (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 29, 2003

After a century of study and debate, the doctrine of sanctification, formulated by John Wesley in the 18th century, has resulted in two contemporaneous and competing definitions of entire sanctification in the Nazarene denomination. Mark Quanstom examines the gradual change in understanding this doctrine by focusing on its history and development in a balanced and well-researched perspective.’Quanstrom effectively follows the various understandings of holiness that have shaped and been shaped by the Church of the Nazarene. His engaging style and clear writing makes this work valuable to laymen, ministers, students, and scholars.’-Dr. John C. BowlingPresident, Olivet Nazarene University ’This work is a welcome contribution to the contemporary conversation about Holiness theology. Quanstrom’s thoughtful and careful scholarship produces a balanced study of the historical development of the understanding of holiness. . . It calls us to an awareness of the dynamic character of this tradition and to an active engagement with the doctrine of Christian perfection that remains at the heart of who we are.’-Dr. Carl M. LethChairman Division of Religion and Philosophy, Olivet Nazarene University

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City (December 29, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0834121166
• ISBN-13: 978-0834121164
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #270,320 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Historical Analysis of the Nazarene Church, June 6, 2005

By 

Roy Ingle "The Seeking Disciple" (Lexington, SC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Century of Holiness Theology: The Doctrine of Entire Sanctification in the Church of the Nazarene: 1905 to 2004 (Paperback)

I have often wondered how Nazarene's deal with the "Pentecostal" language (and almost theology) in their churches. The two movements (Wesleyan-Holiness & Pentecostal) are so closely related that the early Pentecostals actually used Nazarene theology books and other Wesleyan texts for their Bible training (see Donald Dayton's THE THEOLOGICAL ROOTS OF PENTECOSTALISM). However, the Nazarenes and other Wesleyan-Holiness groups quickly distanced themselves from the early Pentecostals and even becoming some of the Pentecostals biggest persecutors.

This excellent work by Mark Quanstrom is a well researched and theological look at the changing of the teaching of the doctrine of entire sanctification. Quanstrom shows how the early Nazarenes taught and practiced the doctrine versus modern Nazarenes. Sadly, with time many Nazarenes have dropped much of their distinctive doctrines such as entire sanctification and Spirit-Baptism language for more evangelical terms. Further, many have moved away from their historical roots based strongly on Wesley and Arminian teachings toward more Calvinistic and progressive sanctification views.

A well thought out, well researched, well written overview of Nazarene theology over the past 100 years.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you are a Nazarene--get this book, December 23, 2004

By 

Keith Drury (Marion, IN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Century of Holiness Theology: The Doctrine of Entire Sanctification in the Church of the Nazarene: 1905 to 2004 (Paperback)

An interesting book by Mark Quanstrom for Nazarenes interested in the shifts in holiness theology in the 20th century. He argues that there are two competing theories of holiness today-generally represented by Richard Taylor and Mildred Wynkoop. The book is only what it claims to be--the hundred-year story of the doctrine of holiness among Nazarenes... if you are not a Nazarene you'll be disappointed at how significant matters relating to changes in holiness doctrine that happened outside of the Church of the Nazarene are ignored or treated lightly. If you are a Nazarene buy it, if not wait until someone emerges about 2015 to write about the entire movement and not merely one denomination. (Maybe Donald Dayton?) --Keith Drury, Associate Professor of Religion, Indiana Wesleyan University </I>

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, November 18, 2010

By 

Tyler Brinkman - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Century of Holiness Theology: The Doctrine of Entire Sanctification in the Church of the Nazarene: 1905 to 2004 (Paperback)

This book provides a clear and readable history of holiness doctrine in the Nazarene church. This book highlights the historical development from Wesley himself and up into the contemporary setting of the current debates of how sanctification should be understood. A true scholarly work written in very accessible language.