A Faith That Sings

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This book examines the primary biblical themes in the lyrical theology of Charles Wesley, the master hymn writer and cofounder of the Methodist movement. Methodism was born in song, and it is highly doubtful whether without the hymns of Charles Wesley there could have been a Methodist revival. Charles's hymns have exerted a monumental influence on Methodist doctrine and Methodist people through the years. They are essentially mosaics of biblical texts, in singing these hymns, Methodists have sung the grand narrative of redemption and restoration in the biblical witness. A summary list of key biblical texts drawn from the 1780 Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists serves as a summa of Charles Wesley's theology and points to the doctrinal concerns that shaped his life most fully. Intended as an exploration of Wesleyan theology through the lens of "sung doctrine, " this study demonstrates the world-making and life-shaping effect of hymns, and the way in which they emanate from Charles Wesley's life of prayer and evoke a life of service. "Charles Wesley's hymns are one of the richest resources that have sustained Methodists through the centuries. They are not just vehicles of praise, Wesley crafted them to immerse the singer in the heart of Christian faith, and so embed it in their being. In his typical clear and winsome style, Paul Chilcote highlights the central emphases of Wesley's rich hymnic theology. Highly recommended." --Randy L. Maddox, William Kellon Quick Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, Duke Divinity School "Delightful! A Faith That Sings throbs with the joy and celebration of Charles Wesley's hymns. Lavishly documented with Wesleyan hymns and pertinent secondary literature, this survey of the main elements of Charles Wesley's theology is a much needed addition to the field. From "Incarnation" to "Heaven" most major themes are treated in a tantalizing manner. Particularly important is the attention which Chilcote gives the hitherto unexplored territory of Wesley's theology of prayer. This introductory survey is a must-read for all students of Methodism!" --John R. Tyson, Professor of Church History, and Director of Methodist Studies, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Rochester, NY "In the Wesleyan tradition, hymns have been referred to as 'other prayers, ' and theology has been sung as well as written or preached. Chilcote has mined the hymnody of Charles Wesley, not only showing how hymns were at the core of the early Methodist movement, but how important it is for us always to have a faith that sings." --Steve Harper, retired Professor of Spiritual Formation and Wesley Studies "Affirming that Charles Wesley's theology-rich hymns provide a medium for Christian teaching as well as for praise and prayer, Chilcote selects representative Wesley hymn texts in order to explore nine core biblical and christological themes. The result is an engaging, accessible, insightful--and even inspirational--primer on Wesleyan theology. Each reader, no matter the theological training or place on the spiritual journey, will find this book to be a valuable resource." --Karen B. Westerfield Tucker, Boston University Paul W. Chilcote is Academic Dean and Professor of Historical Theology & Wesleyan Studies at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio.