A Perfect Love: Understanding John Wesley's "A Plain Account of Christian Perfection"

by Steven W. Manskar, Diana L. Hynson, Marjorie Suchocki

A Perfect Love is the full text of Wesley's book. What makes this version unique is that the author has edited Wesley's text and updated his language for the contemporary reader. Christian perfection is the doctrine that distinguishes Methodism from other Christian denominations. People who read and study this book will come away with a greater appreciation for this important doctrine. It will change their lives. It may even change their church. A Perfect Love includes in-text definitions and notes that explain names and terms that may be unfamiliar to the reader. It also includes hymns by Charles Wesley that describe the work of grace in human lives that leads to perfection in love. In addition, Dr. Diana Hynson provides a study guide that may be used for individual or small group studies, and Dr. Marjorie Suchocki offers a careful theological and spiritual reflection on Wesley's work. Briefly, the term Christian perfection, as Wesley used and understood it, may be translated as ""Christian maturity."" It is the process of ""growing up"" in the love of God and neighbor. It is ""holiness of heart and life."" It is ""having the same mind in you that was in Christ Jesus"" (Philippians 2:5). Christian perfection is the goal of salvation; it is the outcome of a life lived with and for God in Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Genres: Theology

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Amanda]

This one is so small but takes a lot of thinking and re-reading. Chris, I think you might enjoy this one :)

[Merv Swerv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start for all the babes in Christ like me. Does a pretty good job of translating Wesley's writings on Christian perfection to a more readable modern dialect, though I still got hung up on that pesky word, "perfection." Nevertheless, the extended afterword, which gives a theologian's personal interpretation of Wesley's writings, was useful in helping me steer around that pitfall and consider what else I could derive from Wesley.

[AngelaGay Kinkead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Leaders Guide to help break it down with other folks. Thanks for this great resource, Steve Manskar!

[MaryMargaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource. Can be used as individual study, class study or lecture material.

[Brandon Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really two books in one. The first one is essentially a rearranged and occasionally reworded version of Wesley's "A Perfect Love" and the second one is Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki's study guide on the Wesley's book.

Honestly Wesley was not "plain" and he was so vague on what he meant by perfection that I could never decide what he was really saying. I feel like if I critiqued his book anyone could tear apart what I say simply because what he says is so ambiguous.

At some point in the study guide Suchocki compares perfection to sanctification. Ok. That clear it up a little bit, but even still the level of sanctification that Wesley expects the Christian to obtain at all times is super intense.

Honestly, I just don't think I'm intelligent enough to wade through the confusing writing of Wesley's "plain account". I blame the public school system.