Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Vision Video
• VHS Release Date: December 1, 2003
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0001F2R6O
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #528,790 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Charles Wesley was one of the most prolific hymn writers of all time, having penned more than 6,500 hymns. Some of them are among the most beloved hymns of Christian history; hymns like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" appear in the hymnals of every Christian denomination.

Congregational hymn singing was a revolutionary idea in England at the time. Anglican churches had marvelous choirs, but the congregations rarely sang, and then only chanted Psalms to three or four simple tunes. When John and Charles Wesley met the Moravians on their way to Georgia, both were very taken with the German hymns that the group sang. The Moravian Church, or Unity of Brethren, published the first hymnal for congregational singing in 1501, so this was a long-standing tradition for them and a vital part of Moravian worship. John Wesley became quite fluent in German and translated many of the Moravian hymns he learned in Georgia. Following his conversion, Charles Wesley often wrote a hymn a day, and the brothers published numerous hymnals. Charles’ poems were often sung to popular tunes of the day, tunes that everyone could sing easily. In some cases, he rewrote popular songs people already knew to give them a spiritual message. Charles’ hymns speak clearly of the theology and belief of the early Methodist movement.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well Done, March 19, 2006

By 

Tim Challies (Oakville, Ontario) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hymns of Praise: Charles Wesley (DVD)

Charles Wesley was a prolific hymn writer who penned a mind-blogging 6,500 hymns over the course of his life, often writing one hymn per day for extended periods of time. Of course only a tiny percentage of these continue to be sung with regularity in today's churches. Among the enduring favorites are the holiday mainstays "Christ The Lord is Risen Today" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." We also continue to sing, among others, "And Can It Be That I Should Gain," "Oh For A Thousand Tongues To Sing," "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," and "Rejoice! the Lord is King." Wesley left an enduring legacy to the church and one that is loved and respected within a wide variety of Christian traditions.

When Wesley began writing hymns, congregational singing was largely unknown, something that might come as a shock to many contemporary Christians. Anglican churches, which represented a majority of British and North American believers, sponsored magnificent choirs, but rarely encouraged the congregation to sing along. Having been inspired by a group of Moravians with whom they shared a journey from England to the United States, Charles and his brother John began to write hymns, and in doing so, changed the church forever.

Hymns of Praise: Charles Wesley, is one man's attempt at allowing today's Christians meet this prolific hymn writer and inspired man of God. John Jackman portrays Wesley in a one-man play. He mixes narrative with song, often leading the audience and his small foundry choir in renditions of his hymns, even occasionally playing the hymns with their original, long-forgotten tunes. Jackman, as Wesley, recounts the history of his life: from the early days of Methodism to his conversion and to his ministry with his brother John. He discusses his growth in understanding biblical theology and even discusses the wedge that existed between himself, an Arminian, and the great George Whitefield, a Calvinist. In short, he provides an interactive, amusing, 90-minute biography of this man of God.

On the whole the results are very good. I enjoyed this film and, to be honest, struggled only with the actor's attempt at singing with a period British accent. Beyond that small complaint, I found the play and production sound and can honestly say that I benefitted from watching it. Hymns of Praise: Charles Wesley is quite a unique idea, and one that Jackman delivers successfully. It woudl be a valuable addition to a church or public library.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and and insightful narrative about the life and times of Charles Wesley, January 3, 2012

By 

Neville Gittens - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hymns of Praise: Charles Wesley (DVD)

I found this DVD very enlightening about the life, music and experiences of Charles Wesley. It is an inspirational video suitable for small or large audiences who love and praise God. I saw it several times and loaned it to others who were equally impressed. Great christian DVD!