Description
The Heart of Charles Wesley’s Theology gives the reader an interesting and informative survey of the central theological theme of the life and thought of poet laurette of early Methodism; the formation “of the life of God in the soul of man.” Known by many names, “purity of heart,” “the one thing needful,” “singleness of eye,” or more commonly “Christian Perfection,” Eby explains this grace-filled restoration of the divine in us, and the growth of five inner attitudes: “Faith, Purity, Humility, Love of Neighbor,” and “Love of God.”
Randy L. Maddox –
At long last, Charles Wesley’s distinctive contribution to early Methodism has begun to receive sustained scholarly attention. Patrick Eby offers an important contribution to this growing body of work—an overview of Charles’s most central and consistent theological concern, the renewal of humanity in the image of God. Anyone seeking to understand the convictions at the heart of Charles Wesley’s ministry and message would do well to start here.
John R. Tyson –
Lavishly documented from Wesley’s hymns, letters, sermons and journals, this work expertly charts the development of Wesley’s central theme from its roots in the Theosis doctrine of the ancient, Eastern Church Fathers—whereby Christians become “partakers of the Divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4)—through the many struggles and developments which shaped early Methodism up to Charles’ last days The development of this crucial theological insight is carefully chronicled over and against the larger backdrop of Charles Wesley’s own life as well as the trials and tribulations faced by the early Methodist movement. Highly recommended! This book is an indispensable, accurate and highly readable introduction to the cardinal doctrine and central theme of Wesleyan
theology.