Kenneth J. Collins

A Tale of Three Cities

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“In a timely and masterfully executed work that is both humbly honest and shockingly truthful, D. K. Matthews deftly lays out the prospects of the three cities over the course of a truly grand, even cosmic, history befitting the saints. I give this engaging and eminently readable work my highest recommendation.”

Called into Communion

Theology

“With a clear prophetic voice, knowledgeable of the nineteenth-century holiness distortions of Wesley's sophisticated theology, as well as its twenty-first-century correctives that plop down on a gradualism that caricatures Wesley's balanced and conjunctive theology, Susan Carole rightly raises several pointed questions that some of the most popular readings of Wesley's theology flatly ignore. This is a bold and badly needed courageous work. I highly recommend it.”

Family Crucible

History & Biography

“Employing the lens of family dynamics and richly informed by psychological theory, especially the work of Adler and Bowen, Anthony Headley has explored the life and ministry of John Wesley in a fresh and engaging way. Portraying Wesley in a very frank and honest fashion, with warts and all, Headley nevertheless demonstrates why this particular life continues to hold such considerable value for pastoral counseling today.”

From Faith to Faith

Theology

“Filling out the covenantal context of Wesley's practical theology (especially in terms of the important distinction of 'the faith of a servant, the faith of a child of God') Rodes is in the proper position to consider, in a way that others have not, Wesley's seasoned reflections on the outworking of the gospel both within the church and well beyond its walls.”

Holy Trinity: Holy People

Theology

“Carefully contextualizing the vital doctrine of Christian perfection in terms of Scripture and church tradition, both Eastern and Western, Noble offers the reader a remarkably balanced assessment of John Wesley's articulation of entire sanctification that is sophisticated, informed by a number of theological streams, and wonderfully trinitarian. Due to its many fresh insights, this engaging book will, no doubt, foster a lively conversation and considerable reflection among all who love holiness.”

Perfecting Perfection

History & Biography

“It is so fitting that the leading British Methodist historian, Henry Rack, is being honored in this eminently readable volume that includes contributions from such key American voices as Heitzenrater, Campbell, Wigger and Watson. Broad in scope, and yet remarkably balanced in its overall composition, this collection of essays makes a splendid and engaging contribution to the field.”

The Almost Mystic

History & Biography

“Steven Tungate has produced a rich, comparative study that explores the similarities between the theologies of John Wesley and the mystics Juan de Avila and Miguel de Molinos. What emerges from such an engaging work is a bold invitation to recognize in a fresh way the undoubted influence of mysticism on Wesley’s theology especially at its lowest depths as well as at its highest reaches. Kudos to Tungate!”

The Limits of a Catholic Spirit

History & Biography

“In this carefully argued and engaging work, Yates not only shows that the sermon ‘Catholic Spirit’ was never intended for easing relations with Roman Catholics themselves but also that Letter to a Roman Catholic was drafted by and large to win their trust so that they would be then open to evangelical conversion. Beyond this, in opposing the lifting of the penal laws, John Wesley’s deeply embedded anti-Catholicism remained despite twenty-first-century revisionist attempts to tidy things up.”

The Renewal of the Heart Is the Mission of the Church

Theology

“Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University After years of careful study Gregory Clapper has produced a very readable and engaging account of the human heart in terms of the religious affections. Not only does he maintain that the heart is the locus of God's action, clearing up some contemporary misunderstandings, but he also demonstrates quite convincingly that the religious affections for Wesley constituted the very substance of true religion, the nature of real Christianity itself.”

Triumphant Death

Theology

“As one of the rising Wesley scholars, Christine Johson has written a lively and engaging work on sanctification and death that masterfully weaves historical, theological, and even philosophical themes that together demonstrate the broad expanse of grace throughout the human journey even at its most serious depth. What emerges from such labor is an eminently readable and challenging work that highlights the uncanny grace of God above all.”

Wesley and the Anglicans

History & Biography

“Challenging the 'standard line' that Wesley's relationship with those evangelicals who remained in the Church of England during the eighteenth century was one despoiled largely by theological considerations, that is, his Arminianism and their Calvinism, Danker has carefully weaved social, political and ecclesiastical threads to offer a far more sophisticated and ultimately convincing picture. This is a splendid book on so many levels: creatively conceived, deftly contextualized and wonderfully executed. I highly recommend it.”

Wesleyan Perspectives on Human Flourishing

Theology

“Smith and Fringer have assembled a number of engaging essays that will undoubtedly challenge readers to think about God, humanity, and the created order in refreshing and holistic ways. The upshot of this effort will be greater awareness of humanity’s considerable responsibilities in the network of vital relationships of which it is ever a part. I highly recommend this book.”

When Women Lead

Women

“In a carefully written and engaging work, Carolyn Moore invites all Christians of whatever tradition to think through the timely issue of women in ministry in terms of both barriers and the strategies to overcome them. Developing a powerful theological argument by going back to the basics of Genesis 1-3, and thereby grounding the dignity and authority of women in ministry in nothing less than the glorious image of God, Moore is able to rightly connect the universal call to ministry from the Old Testament image of God to the New Testament proclamation of the universality of the gospel itself, especially as it is expressed in terms of Galatians 3:28. Moore’s concluding counsel to a discouraged female minister toward the end of the book is poignant, gripping, and full of godly wisdom. I highly recommend this much-needed work.”