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Practical Divinity: Theology in the Wesleyan Tradition (Volume 1)

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Thomas A. Langford's "Practical Divinity" does an excellent job scanning the history of Methodist theology, among both British and American theologians. The greatest insights of the book, however, are gleaned from Langford's opening chapter, where he spells out with remarkable insight and clarity an over-arching Wesleyan understanding of grace. Dr. Langford's special gift was his ability to see how God's grace touches all of life and all of Christianity, and this short chapter illustrates that gift beautifully, making it worth the cost of the entire book.

Langford's work is an impressive effort. It is the only attempt to do a "History of Methodist theology" and is, thus, a more substantial work than Chile's "Theological Transition in American Methodism."

Still, the work is only a starting point. At times, the theological figures he discusses are fairly arbitrarily put together and substantial points of difference are overlooked. Moreover, the work seems overly reliant on secondary sources. For example, the work, occasionally, exhibits incorrect information. Albert Taylor Bledsoe, for example, is referred to as Albert Turner Bledsoe. While this is an inconsequential mistake, it exhibits some of the over reliance on secondary sources that sometimes characterize the volume.

The next person to look at the history of Methodist theology would do well to examine the Methodist relationship with the theological traditions prominent in America. Also, the importance of figures such as Nathan Bangs, Wilbur Fisk, Daniel Whedon, Albert Taylor Bledsoe and the late 20th century Wesleyan Renaissance needs to be more thoroughly weighed.

Professor Thomas Langford's "Practical Divinity" (revised from 1983 in 1998) narrates John Wesley's applicable theology through Methodist history. Citing the principal, and published, theologians and pastors through its 268-year history, this book speaks to the maturing nature of Methodist theology.

Aware that John Wesley's theological base originated in his early and collegial years, Langford begins his theological exegesis of Methodism's theology with brief glimpses into Wesley's earliest published materials from the late 1720s and early 30s. The character and application of Wesley's theology are explained. Langford understands, correctly, Wesleyan principles to be practical.

Grounded in Wesley, the professor then reviews key theologians (professors and preachers) from Methodism's beginning into the present generation. American and British theologians from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries are reviewed. The nature of 19th century German liberal Protestantism is informatively presented. The Holiness movement and diversity theory are diagnosed. Methodism's adoption of early 20th century Protestant liberalism and rush to social gospel is explained. The denomination's late 20th century emerging conservative awareness is briefly considered. In each review the character and application of Wesley's theology are applied. Wesley remains practical.

This book is thoughtful and thought provoking. Its 288 pages (paperback) are well resourced with 24 pages of endnotes. It is recommended to all seminarians, United Methodist students and pastors, and American history buffs.

This is a dense overview on the history of the United Methodist church. If you are interested in learning more about who the major influences as well as the theological shifts that have occurred within the Wesleyan Tradition since it's emergence. This is a great book to get a basic understanding of those shifts.

This book, however, is strictly an overview. It does not cover any theology positions to any great depth. However, there is plenty of information here that can help you get a basic feel of the causes and effects of these shifts and lead to more in-depth study of each of these points in history.