Streams of Mercy, Prevenient Grace in the
Theology of John and Charles Wesley
J. Gregory Crofford
Paperback Edition:
ISBN 978-1609470081 Retail:
$41.00
Asbury Theological Seminary Series:
The Study of World Christian Revitalization
Movements in Wesleyan & Pietist Studies
(No. 3)
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This definitive study of prevenient grace
in the Wesleys by Greg Crofford opens new ground in understanding
this seminal doctrine of Methodism by uncovering a diversity of
sources used by John Wesley in his exposition of this biblical
concept. This study also includes an in-depth examination of the
complementary role of Charles Wesley’s poetical discourse on the
theme, which results in a more comprehensive presentation of its
form and function in early Methodism. Finally, Crofford demonstrates
major ways in which prevenient grace was deployed in the writings of
selected Methodist theologians.
-J. Steven O'Malley, Director
Center for the Study of World Christian Revitalization Movements,
Asbury Theological Seminary
Exploring the theological roots of the
doctrine of prevenient grace in Anglican, Puritan and Quaker sources
as they streamed into the theologies of both John and Charles
Wesley, Gregory Crofford has written an engaging account of the
significance of this salient grace. In a work marked by careful
balance, Crofford ably demonstrates that the doctrine of prevenient
grace not only helped the Wesley brothers to integrate diverse
elements in their respective theologies but it also enabled them to
avoid rigid determinism on the one hand and the “despair of
moralism” on the other. This is an important contribution to the
field.
-Kenneth J. Collins, PhD
Asbury Theological Seminary
About the Author:
J. Gregory Crofford, a veteran missionary with the Church of
the Nazarene, is Director of the Institut Théologique Nazaréen. He
received his B.A. in religion from Eastern Nazarene College, the
M.Div. in missiology from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and the
M.A. and Ph.D. in theology from the University of Manchester,
England. He has served cross-cultural assignments in Côte d’Ivoire,
Benin, Haiti, and Kenya, working in ministerial education and church
planting. Dr. Crofford has also taught as an adjunct instructor in
missions, Bible, and theology at several Nazarene universities in
the United States. Prior to missionary service, he was a pastor in
Sedalia, Missouri. Crofford is an ordained elder in the Church of
the Nazarene.
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