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Manuscript Type
Article
Abstract (For book reviews see instructions below)
This article examines John Wesley’s sermons in order to assess whether his doctrine of God may best be classified in terms of strict classical theism or modified classical theism. His view of God’s nature is informed by his inherited Anglican theology, which is blended with his evangelical proclivities. Of relevance to the inquiry into Wesley’s theism are several key concepts: (1) the interrelated divine attributes of omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience; (2) divine eternity in relation to human time; and (3) divine love. Wesley’s sermons that discuss omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience appear to align closely with classical theism. However, in contrast to classical theism, Wesley’s sermons dealing with eternity seem to indicate some form of divine temporality. His understanding of divine love and providence contains elements of reciprocity. Thus, when Wesley’s view of God’s attributes is coupled with Wesley’s understanding of divine eternity and divine love, they indicate a departure from strict classical theism toward modified classical theism.
Recommended Citation
Gayoba, Francis.
"Classical Theism in John Wesley's Sermons."
Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)
59.1
(2021):
49-69.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/auss/vol59/iss1/3
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