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An exploration of the radical theology found in the sermons, journal, poems and letters of the great Methodist preacher Charles Wesley.
In Radical Grace, Dr Kimbrough brings together the writings of Charles Wesley on the theme of justice for the poor and the marginalized, drawing upon his sermons, manuscript journal, poetry and a few letters. The author studies the theology of these texts (most of which were unpublished at the time of his death) and evaluates its viability both at the time of writing and today. Wesley's views of how Christians may 'use the grace divine' in seeking justice for the poor have radical implications, advocating behaviour that is often quite contrary to generally accepted Christian practise. This volume argues that the radical grace he espouses is consistent with Holy Scripture and should indeed be practised by Christians today. The liturgies and musical settings of some of the hymn texts addressing the poor and marginalized provide a pragmatic means for the worshipping community to integrate the principles of radical grace into their theology and praxis.
In Radical Grace, Dr Kimbrough brings together the writings of Charles Wesley on the theme of justice for the poor and the marginalized, drawing upon his sermons, manuscript journal, poetry and a few letters. The author studies the theology of these texts (most of which were unpublished at the time of his death) and evaluates its viability both at the time of writing and today. Wesley's views of how Christians may 'use the grace divine' in seeking justice for the poor have radical implications, advocating behaviour that is often quite contrary to generally accepted Christian practise. This volume argues that the radical grace he espouses is consistent with Holy Scripture and should indeed be practised by Christians today. The liturgies and musical settings of some of the hymn texts addressing the poor and marginalized provide a pragmatic means for the worshipping community to integrate the principles of radical grace into their theology and praxis.
Price: $29.99
Pages: 170
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: Lutterworth Press
Publication Date:
27 April 2017
Trim Size: 9.02 X 6.02 in
ISBN: 9780718894870
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
RELIGION / Christian Theology / General, Christianity, Theology
S.T. Kimbrough has provided serious Christians with yet another practical and useful work grounded in the Wesleyan heritage. ... Historically grounded, theologically sound, and poetically illustrated, this study fits solidly into the current attempts to apply careful interpretations of the Wesleyan tradition to contemporary life.
— Richard P. Heitzenrater, The Divinity School, Duke University
S.T. Kimbrough has introduced us to Charles Wesley the great lyrical theologian. In this wonderful book, Radical Grace, he introduces us to Wesley the prophetic, poetic friend of the poor and the dispossessed. Here, in the genius of Wesley, we see poetry in service to a just and loving God. This book sings, and the song it sings is justice for the poor!
— Bishop William Willimon, United Methodist Church
[S T Kimbrough] describes how Charles and John Wesley responded in their day and generation, by way of a brief examination of two of Charles' sermons and his journal, followed by a close analysis of the relevant parts of his poetry and verses from his hymns. ... [B]y drawing very close attention to his hymns alone, this book performs a valuable service.
— Peter Murcott
Here is an insightful gathering across all the writings of Charles Wesley's views on justice for the poor and marginalised of the world.... Very readable, scripturally connected, and carefully structured, there is much here to earth our preaching preparation into the radical grace that the gospel calls for in our faith and action to the world. Helpfully included is an extensive bibliography, worship resources, and musical settings for singing that make this both a thoughtful compendium of Wesley's reflection and concern, and practical resource for worship today.
— Mark Pullinger
— Richard P. Heitzenrater, The Divinity School, Duke University
S.T. Kimbrough has introduced us to Charles Wesley the great lyrical theologian. In this wonderful book, Radical Grace, he introduces us to Wesley the prophetic, poetic friend of the poor and the dispossessed. Here, in the genius of Wesley, we see poetry in service to a just and loving God. This book sings, and the song it sings is justice for the poor!
— Bishop William Willimon, United Methodist Church
[S T Kimbrough] describes how Charles and John Wesley responded in their day and generation, by way of a brief examination of two of Charles' sermons and his journal, followed by a close analysis of the relevant parts of his poetry and verses from his hymns. ... [B]y drawing very close attention to his hymns alone, this book performs a valuable service.
— Peter Murcott
Here is an insightful gathering across all the writings of Charles Wesley's views on justice for the poor and marginalised of the world.... Very readable, scripturally connected, and carefully structured, there is much here to earth our preaching preparation into the radical grace that the gospel calls for in our faith and action to the world. Helpfully included is an extensive bibliography, worship resources, and musical settings for singing that make this both a thoughtful compendium of Wesley's reflection and concern, and practical resource for worship today.
— Mark Pullinger
Foreword: Poetry and the Poor, by Stanley Hauerwas
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
I. The Sermons
The Sermon Based on Titus 3:8
The Sermon Based on John 4:41
II. The Manuscript Journal
An Advocate for the Poor
Relating to the Poor and Marginalized
Conversation
Worshipping Together
Prayer
Preaching the Gospel
Invitation
Holy Communion
Charles Wesley's Well-Being
Charles Wesley's Creativity
III. Poetry
God's Chosen People: The Poor
Inclusive Love
A Posture of Justice
The Church
Preaching
The Clergy
A Eucharistic Life
Discipleship
Service to the Poor
Stewardship of Resources
Friendship with the Poor
Mutual Assistance
Oppose War and Advocate Peace
Conclusion
IV. The Church's Response to Radical Grace: Justice for the Poor and Marginalized
Shaping a Theology of Radical Grace
Constant Employment
Acquiring Virtues
Using Divine Grace
Creating Memory
Implementing a Theology of Radical Grace
Labor for the Poor
Sacrifice for the Poor
Be a Just Steward
Feel the Care of Others
Listen to the Poor
Make Friends of the Poor
Preach the Gospel to the Poor
Observe the "Golden Rule"
Welcome Everyone to the Lord's Table
Pursue "Gospel-Poverty"
V. Worship Resources for a Theology of Radical Grace: Justice for the Poor and Marginalized
Liturgy 1: A Summons to Social Holiness
Liturgy 2: A Summons to Stewardship of Resources
Liturgy 3: A Summons to Acts of Mercy
Appendix: Musical Settings for Congregational Singing for Liturgies 1-3
1. "Come, O holy God, and true"
2. "The golden rule she has pursued"
3. "The golden rule she has pursued"
4. "The poor as Jesus' bosom-friends"
5. "The poor as Jesus' bosom-friends"
6. "Which of the Christians now"
7. "Which of the Christians now"
8. "Would you require what cannot be?"
9. "Would you require what cannot be?"
10. "Help us to help each other, Lord"
11. "Help us to help each other, Lord"
12. "You pastors hired who undertake"
13. "Your duty let th' Apostle show"
14. "Your duty let th' Apostle show"
15. "Happy the multitude"
16. "You pastors hired who undertake"
Bibliography
Index of Scripture References
Index of Personal Names
Subject Index
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
I. The Sermons
The Sermon Based on Titus 3:8
The Sermon Based on John 4:41
II. The Manuscript Journal
An Advocate for the Poor
Relating to the Poor and Marginalized
Conversation
Worshipping Together
Prayer
Preaching the Gospel
Invitation
Holy Communion
Charles Wesley's Well-Being
Charles Wesley's Creativity
III. Poetry
God's Chosen People: The Poor
Inclusive Love
A Posture of Justice
The Church
Preaching
The Clergy
A Eucharistic Life
Discipleship
Service to the Poor
Stewardship of Resources
Friendship with the Poor
Mutual Assistance
Oppose War and Advocate Peace
Conclusion
IV. The Church's Response to Radical Grace: Justice for the Poor and Marginalized
Shaping a Theology of Radical Grace
Constant Employment
Acquiring Virtues
Using Divine Grace
Creating Memory
Implementing a Theology of Radical Grace
Labor for the Poor
Sacrifice for the Poor
Be a Just Steward
Feel the Care of Others
Listen to the Poor
Make Friends of the Poor
Preach the Gospel to the Poor
Observe the "Golden Rule"
Welcome Everyone to the Lord's Table
Pursue "Gospel-Poverty"
V. Worship Resources for a Theology of Radical Grace: Justice for the Poor and Marginalized
Liturgy 1: A Summons to Social Holiness
Liturgy 2: A Summons to Stewardship of Resources
Liturgy 3: A Summons to Acts of Mercy
Appendix: Musical Settings for Congregational Singing for Liturgies 1-3
1. "Come, O holy God, and true"
2. "The golden rule she has pursued"
3. "The golden rule she has pursued"
4. "The poor as Jesus' bosom-friends"
5. "The poor as Jesus' bosom-friends"
6. "Which of the Christians now"
7. "Which of the Christians now"
8. "Would you require what cannot be?"
9. "Would you require what cannot be?"
10. "Help us to help each other, Lord"
11. "Help us to help each other, Lord"
12. "You pastors hired who undertake"
13. "Your duty let th' Apostle show"
14. "Your duty let th' Apostle show"
15. "Happy the multitude"
16. "You pastors hired who undertake"
Bibliography
Index of Scripture References
Index of Personal Names
Subject Index