A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley [Paperback]

Kenneth J. Collins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2000

A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley fills a void in available books in Wesleyan studies by providing a brief, solid biography that focuses on Wesley himself. While exploring Wesley's ancestry, birth, death, and every major biographical and theological event between, Collins also explores the theme of John Wesley's spiritual growth and maturation.

Wesley came to the conclusion that real Christians are those whose inward (and outward) lives have been transformed by the bountiful sanctifying grace of God -- what he termed real Christianity--and this he strove to obtain for himself. Real Christianity, as Wesley understood it, embraces both works of piety and mercy, the person and the social.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (June 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687082463
• ISBN-13: 978-0687082469
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #403,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kenneth J. Collins was born in New York City and was raised in an Irish Catholic family. His grandfather, Lawrence Collins, emigrated from Kilrush, County Claire at the beginning of the twentieth century. After living as a practical atheist throughout much of his college years, he had a life-transforming conversion experience upon reading the writings of John Wesley, eighteenth century British leader and founder of Methodism. He is Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Real Biography of a Real Christian, June 6, 2000

By 

Glen O'Brien - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley (Paperback)

Ken Collins has written a biography of Wesley which may well become a standard text for College level courses on the founder of Methodism (which is the use to which I have put it.) Collins was my church history prof at seminary. He has written several books on Wesley, and is one of the "new lights" in Wesley studies. The book avoids making a stained glass saint out of its subject while at the same time demonstrating a genuine respect and reverence for this great Christian leader. All of the major events of significance are covered but with a readability that is backed up by scholarly research. It is sometimes hard to find a book on a major figure in church history which doesn't give in to the temptation to gloss over the "real" person. Collins has written a book which shows that this "real Christian" was also a "real person." Highly recommended.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Respectful Tribute to an Important Christian, November 17, 2000

By 

David Rumph Jr. (Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley (Paperback)

This is a beautifully written biography of John Wesley. This text presents an accurate history of Methodism's founder, with an emphasis on his life-long striving to be and remain what Wesley himself describes as a "real Christian," as opposed to an "almost" or "nominal" one. It is quite clear Collins brings a passion for Wesley himself and for his theology. His use of language is remarkable. The style and presentation he offers in this biography are both rhetorically satisfying and aesthetically pleasing. Do not be fooled by the size of this well-crafted work - it is only 160 pages - for it contains all the significant people, places and movements of Wesley's life, and is composed and presented in a fashion which is sure to attract a wide reading.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book to make you think, March 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley (Paperback)

I read with great interest this biography, hoping to get an overview of a famous man I knew little about. Kenneth Collins has worked hard to present not just the man with all his flaws and brilliance, but also his thinking and the impact it had on our world. In addition to triumphantly succeeding in these goals, Mr. Collins is an excellent writer and keeps the reader's interest. Days later I am still thinking over some of the points he made and evaluating my own life in light of John Wesley's. I highly recommend this book.