Description
This study of prevenient grace in the Wesleys opens new ground in understanding the seminal doctrine of prevenient grace in Methodism. He does so by uncovering a diversity of sources used by John Wesley in his exposition of this biblical concept. He also includes an in-depth examination of the complementary role of Charles Wesley’s poetical discourse on the theme, which results in a more comprehensive presentation of its form and function in early Methodism. Finally, Crofford demonstrates major ways in which prevenient grace was deployed in the writings of selected Methodist theologians.
Dr. J. Steven O’Malley –
This definitive study of prevenient grace in the Wesleys by Greg Crofford opens new ground in understanding this seminal doctrine of Methodism by uncovering a diversity of sources used by John Wesley in his exposition of this biblical concept. This study also includes an in-depth examination of the complementary role of Charles Wesley’s poetical discourse on the theme, which results in a more comprehensive presentation of its form and function in early Methodism. Finally, Crofford demonstrates major ways in which prevenient grace was deployed in the writings of selected Methodist theologians.
Dr. Kenneth J. Collins –
Exploring the theological roots of the doctrine of prevenient grace in Anglican, Puritan and Quaker sources as they streamed into the theologies of both John and Charles Wesley, Gregory Crofford has written an engaging account of the significance of this salient grace. In a work marked by careful balance, Crofford ably demonstrates that the doctrine of prevenient grace not only helped the Wesley brothers to integrate diverse elements in their respective theologies but it also enabled them to avoid rigid determinism on the one hand and the “despair of moralism” on the other. This is an important contribution to the field.