Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology (Kingswood Series)

Rating:
Summary: A Systematic Theology for a Non-Systematic Theologian
Review: In this excellent book by Randy Maddox, we encounter perhaps the finest attempt to systematically portray John Wesley's unsystematized theology. Maddox is suitably humble in his attempt, not claiming to be completely authoritative concerning Wesley, but recognizing that there is a real need to make an honest attempt at the project. Indeed, the greatest praise goes to the author for even attempting such a daunting project. Any portrayal of Wesley's theology must navigate the shoals of innumerable contradictions in Wesley himself, as well as the simple fact that Wesley expressed his theological convictions in writings that addressed specific situations and circumstances. He never wrote a treatise in line with the theological conventions that dominate the Academy.

All the praise I have for Maddox must be tempered, however, by the observation that he was not able to avoid the inevitable -- a Wesleyan systematic theology that spoke as much about him as it did about Wesley. Maddox over does it when he stresses the importance of Wesley's 'connection' to Eastern Church Fathers whose ideas of theosis are said to have shaped Wesley. This is doubtful to the degree that Maddox portrays it. Wesley was shaped more fundamentally, I think, by Pietist notions of holy living (which resemble in many ways Eastern notions of theosis). Likewise, Wesley was well acquainted with other Western writers who shared an interest in finding the 'way to heaven.' To place as much of the weight of his argument on an Eastern connection is not justified by the evidence that the author gives.

All in all, however, this is an excellent resource for those studying Wesley and his theology. But the reader needs to know that they still need to do more reading elsewhere -- though they would want to make sure not to miss this book along the way!

Rating:
Summary: Wesley Rediscovered
Review: Randy Maddox has done a great service for all those seeking to have a more comprehensive understanding of John Wesley's practical theology. He uses the key interpretive lense of "responsible grace," meaning that while grace comes to us as a gift from God, we are the ones who must respond in order to fully incorporate it into our lives. Maddox is a superb student of Wesley, demonstrating the ways that Wesley has drawn on both Eastern and Western Christian traditions in arriving at his theological sythesis. He helps us to understand Wesley's various historical periods in relation to his evolving theology and gives rich citations and footnotes to aid the reader in learning more. As a United Methodist pastor, I return to this book again and again, deeply grateful for the insights Maddox offers into a wholistic understanding of John Wesley's theology. This book is so well-written that it is also accessible to the educated layperson. I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: Integration of Theology
Review: Wesley is such a complicated figure that any attempt to explain him must be a daunting task. Maddox is well qualified to take on the task. One aspect I appreciate in this book is Maddox's input to a growing trend of Wesleyan scholars that see Wesley's theology as more of an attempt at synthesis (Protestant, Roman, Eastern) than blazing new ground. This removes Wesley from the fringe of historic Christianity (much to the chagrine of reform theologians) and places him smack dab in the center.

Does Maddox accomplish his task? You be the judge of that.

ONE WARNING: As you can tell by my review, this is not light reading. If you aren't prepared for it, this book may end up gathering dust on your shelf.