Customer Reviews

John Wesley (Library of Protestant Thought)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Outler has a thorough knowledge of Wesley's life, teachings, and impact. He does more than present a summary of that, but he gives insight as well. One of the greatest is of Wesley's grasp of both Protestant and Catholic theologies, that creates something new (or old, i.e. in the 'primitive' church).

This book is very readable and provides great insight into the life and thought of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. The editor does an excellent job with introductions and footnotes. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Outler was one of the best Wesley scholars of the mid 20th century. This work gives an easy to understand overview of Wesley's theology and his times. Sadly, most Wesley / Methodist authors are not as easy to read as Mr. Outler. A great addition for laity, seminary students and ordained clergy.

Wesley's ideas are worth reading and considering. Outler's helpful comments help the reader. It could be more helpful, however, by indicating more clearly the changes in his ideas over the years.

This book is something of a sampler of John Wesley's writings. It is not a biography or story of Wesley's life. Rather it contains selected samples of his letters, sermons, etc., with editorial introductions. I found the book to be very useful; but you may wish to read a biography or two or Wesley before you read this book.

For those of us who follow in the footsteps of John Wesley in our theological heritage (mine being Arminian), I have grown to love the works of John Wesley. Sadly, much of what comes from the United Methodist Church here in the United States is liberal and very bias against John Wesley. Too often liberal Methodist try to either misrepresent the teachings of Wesley or they deny what he taught such as inerrancy.

That is why you need this book. While this book is a collection of the writings and teachings of Wesley, the book itself is a very indepth analysis of Wesley's teachings. In the book you will not only see his evangelical teachings such as justification by faith but also his Arminian teachings as well against the Calvinist of his day. Wesley's arguments can still be used today against Calvinism.

My only reason for not giving this a five star rating was that a short work such as this can-not cover John Wesley or his teachings. While this work tries to do so, it simply is not a full view of what Arminians, Wesleyans, or John Wesley himself truly believe. However, this is still a must read for every serious theological student.