Wesleyan theology (requesting book suggestions)

[thomas15]

Can anyone here suggest a systematic theology book that is popular or useful for understanding modern Wesleyan theology?

Thanks in advance
Tom

 

[Dave-W]

Perhaps Wesley’s Parish would be a better place to ask.

 

[thomas15]

Thank you for your time Dave-W.

 

[Daniel Marsh]

Systematic Theology (3 vols.) by Oden, Thomas C.

Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology by Thomas C. Oden

 

[thomas15]

Hi Daniel

I have Oden's 3 volume systematic theology, Orton's set and also Carter. I was looking to see if any of these are considered useful for modern thought.

 

[A Shield of Turquoise]

You would have to define "useful for modern thought." Oden was a well-respected modern Methodist pastor and professor, so presumably he is useful for understanding how some Methodists think. Like any large group Methodists have a range of tendencies, from creedal, patristically minded Christians like Wesley and Oden, to more modern/ generic evangelical tendencies. But I would argue that the Wesley/Oden approach- a popular, evangelical Christianity deeply informed by church history and the fathers- best represents what sets Methodism apart from other strains of Christianity. Insofar as Methodists stray from this path they are not especially different from other modern Protestant groups.

Having said that, Oden's Classic Christianity is not specifically Methodist- in that work he is laying out a broader scope of Christian doctrine from the first millennium. For specifically Wesleyan/ Methodist theology, he has a shorter book, John Wesley's Scriptural Christianity. This is basically a collection of paraphrases and quotes from Wesley's writing (all clearly referenced) organized into a systematic theology. I'm in the middle of reading it right now and it's quite good.