Amazing Love! How Can It Be
Studies on Hymns by Charles Wesley
- Preaching & Worship
- History & Biography
- Arts & Literature
- Publisher: Resource Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2020
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
The present collection of essays examines specific texts by Charles Wesley in multiple dimensions (theological, poetical, historical, biographical, etc.), demonstrating both the profound nature of the hymns and their continued relevance for Christians today. The discussions are organized by theological/liturgical topics, and each essay treats us to the hymn in its complete original form (noting significant variants as necessary), explains the historical context of its composition, provides a theological interpretation, and relates it to the life and faith of the believer. In the pages of this book, the reader will find both information and inspiration. Scholars of hymnody and of Charles Wesley will appreciate the depth of inquiry in the chapters. Just as importantly, laypersons and hymn lovers (as well as scholars) will find much spiritual benefit from the study of hymns they know and love, as well as texts with which they may be less familiar. This exploration of these profound hymns will surely lead to a deeper understanding of the "amazing love" responsible for changing the course of Charles Wesley's life, who in turn changed the course of Christian worship. With contributions from: Steve Weaver Jonathan A. Powers Patrick A. Eby Christopher P. McFadden C. Michael Hawn Josh Dear Joe Harrod Paul W. Chilcote Roger D. Duke Michael A.G. Haykin Margaret Garrett Jim Scott Orrick
Endorsements (5)
“This is a place where hymnologists and church historians congregate for fruitful spiritual reflection. And . . . these essays reflectively walk the reader, step by step, down the Christian way from conversion to and through holy living.”
“Amazing Love! How Can It Be is a well-written and informative book—but more than that. With keen insights of history, this collection of studies on the hymns by Charles Wesley is heart-warming, spiritually edifying, and God-glorifying. The themes explored, such as conversion, spiritual struggle, Christ’s incarnation and resurrection, sanctification, and prayer of evangelism, serve the church, musicians, and the academy in new and refreshing ways.”
“This book represents a significant addition to the scholarly literature on Wesley’s hymns. It places twelve hymns in historical context, referring to other religious and literary texts (especially the Bible), events in Wesley’s life, Wesley’s correspondence and journal entries, eighteenth-century hymnbooks, and modern scholarship.”
“One of the best ways of studying the hymns of Charles Wesley is through a detailed commentary on individual hymns. This book will be a very useful contribution to an understanding of his art and his theology.”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem