Good News to the Poor: John Wesley's Evangelical Economics

by Theodore W. Jennings Jr.

Book Overview

This provocative volume illuminates a dimension of John Wesley's theology that has received insufficient attention: his deep and abiding commitment to the poor. By focusing on the radical nature of Wesley's "evangelical economics," Theodore W. Jennings, Jr., provides an important corrective to the view that Wesley was concerned with the salvation of souls only, and not also with the social conditions of human beings.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0687155282
• ISBN13: 9780687155286
• Release Date: November 1990
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Good News to the Poor

This book is an excellet review of John Wesley's social and ethical views and actions. The author suggests that Wesley, in many ways, saw injustice as an evil to be combatted by Christians (anticipating more recent Liberation Theology and praxis). Jenning's study should be recommended for any one concerned with social and economic issues of today; he is not just discussing 18th century history.

Grasping for the Heart of John Wesley's Message

Theodore W. Jennings, Jr. has written a superb reflection on a critical -- and often overlooked -- aspect of John Wesley's driving purpose. The pursuit of living the Holy Life was central to everything that John Wesley sought after. Taking his cue directly from Scripture, Wesley held out the interests of the poor as the measure by which Christian living was to be judged. Jennings challenges us to discover what Wesley held so dear, as he pursued his mission of "spreading Scriptural holiness throughout the land."Wesley came to the end of his earthly life convinced that he had failed in his purpose -- to make true disciples for Christ. Why did he think this?Jennings uses Wesley's own writings and comments to show how the poor were central to Wesley's understanding of Scriptural holiness. He shows how by that standard the Wesleyan movements during Wesley's lifetime -- and certainly since! -- have failed to be true to Wesley's vision and method. Indeed, when one comes face-to-face with Wesley's ideas in these pages, one cannot help but note that the actions and inactions of Wesley's followers, then and now, are often more of outright betrayal than fidelity to the purpose.Jennings presents for us a prophetic call to rediscover Wesley. Not the John Wesley of lore -- but the Wesley of relentless and driving compassion for and with the poor. Like all good prophesy, this book both calls us to face our failings, and challenges us to begin anew!