An Introduction To Wesleyan Theology

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The book 'An Introduction to Wesleyan Theology is an attempt to bring the understanding of Wesleyan theology from different aspects and its growth from beginning to the present day context. This is more or less based on the Serampore syllabus for better understanding of the Wesleyan Theology. It tries to survey the earlier and contemporary understanding of Wesleyan Theology and brings its relevance for contextual theological developments. This book is an outcome of much discussions and enormous reading as well as teaching in the classes.

It begins with the discussions on 17 and 18" centuries background, biographical note on John Wesley as well as the major influencing on John Wesley's thinking. It also deals in detail about the Theology of John Wesley which would help towards understanding of the development of Wesleyan theology in the given context. Later, the book deals with the development of Wesleyan theology in 19th and 20 centuries as well as the prominent theologians who have contributed greatly in construction of the Wesleyan Theology. Lastly, it talks about the relevance of Wesleyan Theology in the present context and gives a call to be more people-oriented which would help in the formation of holy and just society.

Rev. Amit Thomas is Vice-Principal of Allahabad Bible Seminary, Allahabad and is also an ordained minister of Evangelical Church of India. He began his theological journey from New Theological College, Dehradun by completing Bachelor of Theology in 1996. He later went to do the Bachelor of Divinity from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune in 2001. He later obtained his Master of Theology (Christian Theology) in 2007 from Senate of Serampore College (University) and thereafter submitted his Ph.D. Thesis at SHUATS, Allahabad. As part of his secular education, he obtained his Masters of Arts (History) from Kashi Vidya Peeth (University), Varanasi.

He has been teaching in Allahabad Bible Seminary, Allahabad since 2001 in the of Christian Theology as Professor. Apart from his numerous scholarly articles which have been published in different journals, his two acclaimed books are Christ in Multidimensional Context and Basics of Christian Theology. He hails from. Northern part of India and lives with his wife Ashita and two sons, Anant and Arman.

"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10).

What a tragic, sad commentary involving drift. A whole generation moved away from the faith of their parents. Drifting from God and his ways, from the spiritual heritage of previous generations. Drifting into moral danger, even into dishonoring and neglecting God. The consequences in ancient Israel were catastrophic.

Critical to the avoidance of drift is one generation stewarding and living out well God's truth, effectively passing it along to the next generation. Apart from this, drift is inevitable. By nature people tend to move away from the moral and spiritual moorings of their parents and other key influencers in their early upbringing. This often begins with small compromises here and there, followed by increasingly larger ones. This has happened repeatedly throughout history with devastatingly painful consequences.

To preclude the repetition of this cycle, champions are needed, people who take what they've learned, practice it well, and teach it through word and example to others. Dr. Amit Thomas is this kind of champion.

Taking John Wesley as a vibrant example of biblical faith from a previous generation, Dr. Thomas compellingly lays out the truth Wesley so warmly embraced and heralded to others. Insights from Scripture, history, and the dramatic impact God made through Wesley are intricately intertwined in Dr. Thomas' writing. He moves from the story of God's work in and through Wesley, and the preaching about holy living Wesley so passionately communicated to his generation, to how this impacted future generations.

Reviewing the lives of several spiritual giants who were deeply influenced by the teaching and preaching of Wesley, Dr. Thomas challenges his readers to learn from their examples. These were people who "caught and taught" Wesleyan theology. God used them to have impact in the lives of countless people around the world.

The study of Wesleyan theology is an Endeavour to systematically analyze the origin and development of Wesleyan thinking as an important area of Christian theological understanding. The study of Wesleyan theology enables to see many facts and discussion which down through the church history had become important thinking in Christian church. Wesleyan holiness had impacted the church greatly and led people to commitment to Christ.

In this book, the attempt has been made to construct Wesleyan theology in the contemporary world. This book begins with the discussion on 17th and 18th century background of John Wesley's time which surveys the socio-political, economical and cultural background and tries to deal with historical development of Wesleyan theology. The Book also deals with the life of John Wesley focusing on the major influencing factors which helped for the development of Wesleyan thought in general.