Customer Reviews

John Wesley: A Theological Journey

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"John Wesley: A Theological Journey" is an excellent introduction into the theology of the founder of Methodism. What I most enjoyed about this book is how the author shows the changes in and development of Wesley's beliefs. This alone helps explain why different denominations claim Wesley as their theological inspiration while having strong disagreements from one another.

Collins helps us gain insight into the fact that John Wesley (who was 88 when he died) was always growing and developing his thought. There are times when some of the theological issues that Wesley struggled with may not seem as relevant today (the difference between dispositions and attitudes is just one example). However, what is intriguing is to see first hand through his letters and sermons how Wesley developed.

Collins is also careful to show where some modern interpretations of Wesley either ignore later changes in his thinking or take his views out of context. A good example of this is Wesley's insistence that the Christian life needs to be inward and not solitary. Collins claims some have misquoted Wesley and said that for Wesley the Christian life "was principally, if not exclusively, concerned with public religion and the social order."

Because this book is so well documented, it makes checking the original sources easy! Therefore, the reader can find out for herself/himself the accuracy of each quote. This actually inspired me to read a number of Wesley's sermons so I could determine for myself what Wesley was saying.

This is a must read for anyone wishing to understand who John Wesley was and how his theology developed over his lifetime!

From John Wesley's ancestors, the English political and theological climate, the books Wesley read, and the people Wesley met, we learn how his theology developed. This book reveals the "fire and brimstone" Wesley in his youth turning into the pastorally sensitive older Wesley. The effects of the Anglican Church, German Pietists, Catholicism, and Puritanism all leave their clear mark on this pious and evangelical man.

The concept of the little church within the church is as worthy of consideration today as it was in the 18th century. Christian accountability is needed today. Wesley knew how to make Christian disciples. Today's efforts at forming classes, pale in comparison.

Wesley left us with a fairly detailed, insightful and personal account of his life. Wesley's plain account of Biblical text resulted in his "ordo salutis" which becomes difficult to deny. Collin's book reviews and analyzes Wesley's accounts within their historical perspective. We see Wesley with his warts and his insights.

This book is inspiring in it's historical account of Wesley's evolving theology. Read it and stand on the shoulder's of a giant in the faith.

John Wesley: A Theological Journey was delightful to read. It is reader friendly and yet very thorough. Both the life and thought of Wesley are explored with great depth and yet with remarkable ease, all of which is attractive for all kinds of readers. I appreciated the straightforward comments made in light of an honest regard for the successes and failures in the life of John Wesley. The development of the theme of holy love is artfully composed and well documented. I highly recommend this book to those wishing to grow in their understanding of the founder of Methodism or who are seeking an engaging invitation to a vibrant and enduring theology.

This book by Collins is an approach that I have not read before. He took the history of John Wesley and plugged in the theological insights and problems that Wesley was wrestling with at that period of time. It is a very helpful and inciteful book. Wish I had written it, but the historical is beyond me. The combination of historical insight and theological insight is rare and Collins has found a way to present it that is also readable and helpful. Good job!

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

1. Overall
I was always interested in Rev. John Wesley, although I'm attending Reformed Church. In this 'commemoration of the Three Hudred Anniversay of the bith of john Wesely', Kenneth Collins explained or introduced not only the life of John Wesley, but also the transiton of theological positon of John Wesely. Especially, this 'journey' shows, without any screening, the weakness or follies of John Wesely in such a candid way, so I got so much 'comfort' for this. Even John Wesley DID make mistakes several times just like me, and his 'theological journey' went on all through his entire life.


2. Style
Although this book follows the chronological order, it usually shows five distinct points in 'essential' part of his life : 1) background 2) accident 3) journal written by Wesley at that time 4) the evaluation of the accident by relevant modern books and 5) relevant 'disclaimer' part of journal which was written in later days.
Furthermore, Collins from time to time provide compact summary for the essential or critical theological thesis, so it really help me a lot about understanding Wesley's theology and its TRANSITION. Now I understand, basically although, where is the difference between the Calvinistic view and Wesleyan-Arminian view, and its impact in the context of actual lives in 18th century, and perhaps in 21st century.
Lastly, this book refers the soucing books or sermons so detailed manner, so it helped me acquainted with the works of John Wesley, which enabled me to discern which book to read afterwards.
I felt I'm reading at least two or three books at a time (in this small volume!) : biography, theological book, and devotional book. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this book, to Methodist or even to any 'reformed - minded' person who want to understand Rev. John Wesley.