Holiness Teaching: New Testament Times to Wesley: Volume 1

by Paul M. Bassett

Heart purity, perfect love, entire sanctification--though John Wesley is acclaimed as the chief articulator of the doctrine in modern times, believers have both sought and known its truth in every generation of the Church. Included in this collection of Holiness classics are writings from the Shepherd of Hermas, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Bernard of Clairvaux, and others. The volume editor introduces each writers contributions with pertinent facts and commentary that place them in their proper historical and doctrinal context. Volume I in the six-volume set of Great Holiness Classics, this text is a must for any serious student of holiness or theology. Cloth.

Genres: Religion

344 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had very little understanding of what my church teaches, and sort of figured most denominations just made up their own little spin on the Christian faith to justify their own existence. I've learned a LOT since then, and it's this little book that helped begin that journey.

I first read this book as an undergrad Religion major, and it helped me understand 1) what our church does believe and teach, 2) where it comes from, 3) that we didn't just make it up (nor does any other denomination) but that it comes from a very long tradition of reading and interpreting Scripture as well as reflecting faithfully and reasonably on lived experience. Two things I appreciate most about Wesley's theology are his willingness to obtain truth from wherever it may be found and his respect for and use of ancient sources.

Paul Bassett ended up being one of my profs in seminary, and I was able to share with him what this book has meant to me. I recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the Wesleyan tradition for the first time, or learning more about who we are and where we come from as well the gift we've gained from the whole Church and now offer back.