The Heart of Charles Wesley's Theology

The Heart of Charles Wesley’s Theology gives the reader an interesting and informative survey of the central theological theme of the life and thought of poet laurette of early Methodism; the formation “of the life of God in the soul of man.” Known by many names, “purity of heart,” “the one thing needful,” “singleness of eye,” or more commonly “Christian Perfection,” Eby explains this grace-filled restoration of the divine in us, and the growth of five inner attitudes: “Faith, Purity, Humility, Love of Neighbor,” and “Love of God.” Lavishly documented from Wesley’s hymns, letters, sermons and journals, this work expertly charts the development of Wesley’s central theme from its roots in the Theosis doctrine of the ancient, Eastern Church Fathers—whereby Christians become “partakers of the Divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4)—through the many struggles and developments which shaped early Methodism up to Charles’ last days.

John R. Tyson

Professor of Church History and Director of United Methodist Studies

Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School