Overview

"In theological discussions about diversity within Methodist Churches, people usually reference a few standard quotes from John Wesley, particularly his sermon ""Catholic Spirit."" However, these references are only a part of the greater whole of Wesley's theology and his understanding of the mission of the Methodist movement; and hence as part of the issue of Methodist identity and holiness. Wesley proposed that the central mission of Methodism was to spread ""scriptural holiness,"" and hence his understanding of the unity and diversity the church must be understood in this context. This book: 1) examines and interprets John Wesley's key sermons ""Catholic Spirit,"" ""A Caution against Bigotry,"" and ""On Schism"" in relation to his other writings and the integrating theme of holiness; 2) understands that Wesley's interpretation of holiness is shaped by eighteenth-century understandings of the human person; and 3)relates this constructive stance of holiness and diversity to the debates around human sexuality and presents it as an opportunity to go forward with a greater love."

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9780938162247

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Deeply needed and well researched, Dr. David Field gives new insight into Wesley's perspective of Church Unity. Spreading Scriptural Holiness over the Land as the core of Wesley's mission is shown in this inspiring book to give birth to a unique understanding of unity and diversity. Wesleyan and Methodist churches still have to discover and embrace it in their conferencing, in becoming agents of God's transforming power, and in embodying love in the midst of present debates.--Patrick Streiff, Bishop of the United Methodist Church for the Area of Central and Southern EuropeFor the reader committed to discerning a Wesleyan way forward to unity amidst current threats of schism, Field offers an approach centered in the doctrine of holiness and the practice of sanctified conferencing. Measured, thoughtful, and thoroughly grounded in Wesley's writings, this timely book should be studied then put into practice by Methodists around the globe. --Priscilla Pope-Levison, Associate Dean for External Programs and Professor of Ministerial Studies, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University

Deeply needed and well researched, Dr. David Field gives new insight into Wesley's perspective of Church Unity. Spreading Scriptural Holiness over the Land as the core of Wesley's mission is shown in this inspiring book to give birth to a unique understanding of unity and diversity. Wesleyan and Methodist churches still have to discover and embrace it in their conferencing, in becoming agents of God's transforming power, and in embodying love in the midst of present debates.--Patrick Streiff, Bishop of the United Methodist Church for the Area of Central and Southern Europe For the reader committed to discerning a Wesleyan way forward to unity amidst current threats of schism, Field offers an approach centered in the doctrine of holiness and the practice of sanctified conferencing. Measured, thoughtful, and thoroughly grounded in Wesley's writings, this timely book should be studied then put into practice by Methodists around the globe. --Priscilla Pope-Levison, Associate Dean for External Programs and Professor of Ministerial Studies, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University

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