A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology

I have found this book to be very helpful to me. I did not know anything concerning "Wesleyan-Holiness" Theology. Mr. Grider has done an excellent job in putting forth this theology in a way that even someone with no previous understanding of it could follow in a clear way. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand what "Wesleyan-Holiness" is. I have completely enjoyed the way Mr. Grider put forth all the material and especially the arrangement of it. This book is very well done. His section on the attributes of God is well done and I like the fact that he is willing to disagree with others on what those attributes really are. My own faith is more in line with the Arminian thought and I found it refreshing to find a book that makes this theology clear.

I ordered this for my kindle and love the technology of how expeditiously it arrives to the device. It's a great book the only thing I haven't figured out yet is how to get the actual number of the pages. My reading assignments requires certain pages to be read and on the kindle it just gives numbers as in the quantity of words written so I actually need to look at the physical book to find out what pages and chapters I need to be in. That may just be something I haven't figured out yet but I am sitll pleased and appreciate the kindle version since the price of the actual book was alot more expensive.

In this work by one of the great theologians of the (Christian) Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, Nazarene theologian Kenneth Grider shows us that systematics are an important theological discipline, not just for Calvinistic-leaning Baptists, Lutherans, or Reformed/Presbyterian Christians, but for every strand and stream of Christianity, and the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition is no different. Wesleyanism, and the Holiness tradition(s) within it, has an important voice in (Western) Christianity, and a careful reading of their story should give every Christian a deeper desire to follow the Savior, while also challenging the theological framework of that walk with Christ, whether one fully agrees or not. I will give a number of thoughts on what I perceive to be some strengths and weaknesses of this work, then finish with a brief recommendation.A few notes on the strength and tone of Grider’s systematics:1. A Theology of Action & “Becoming”: The opening section on “Biblical Realism” is stirring and moving. It truly captures a Wesleyan theology of action and its method of doing theology. Essentially, Wesleyan theology is “living-theology”. The rhetoric is powerful and rich, and excites the Christian to live for Christ, not tomorrow or next week, but today. It is also a theology centered on the paradigm of “becoming”, typically understood as personal “transformation”. One leaves their reading of Grider with a deep sense of “becoming” more like God, through the “transformative power” of God’s work in Christ and by His Spirit.2. Swift & Accessible: While the book nearly reaches 600 pages, it’s not a laborious read at all. Grider has an effortless prose style that is swift and accessible, and he gets to the point (quite quickly for a systematician in my opinion)! In 20-30 pages, you’ve moved through large surveys on doctrine, while feeling you’ve grasped the point Grider is making. This is one of the marks of a great teacher.3. Irenic: Honestly, I was surprised by how irenic and congenial this book was. When you’re writing from a perspective (Holiness-Nazarene) within a perspective (Wesleyan) within a perspective (Christian-Protestant), you tend to write with a chip on your shoulder. Not so with Grider, as he is very even-handed when engaging various views, either mildly different or completely contrary to his own. His tone encouraged me to read more. However, he was clear when he disagreed, but did so in a way that aimed to use the Scripture to argue on his behalf. Again, a mark not only of a great teacher, but a Godly man.4. Word Studies & Biblical Context: When Grider wanted to talk about a theological issue, he didn’t philosophize it (Niebuhr, Tillich, Hegel), but went to the text. He spent pages breaking down the various words used in both testaments, and spent pages giving context and helping the reader see a scriptural viewpoint. I loved these sections because it showed that a love for God includes a love for His Word. Was he always convincing? I would say no, but he always aimed to be biblical, and bring someone’s ear to God’s voice.A few notes as to the weaknesses of Grider’s systematics:1. Dated: The book was published in 1994, and feels fairly tied to the time period. Every systematic theology (and books in general for that matter), face the issue of feeling dated. I think this issue is more mild compared to the others, but it doesn’t have the same cultural awareness as a more recent work would. Most important for our day, one doesn’t find the necessary engagement on the Imago Dei (image of God) for our current culture, as Grider talks for only one page (in the “The Doctrine of Ourselves”) about Male/Female and “love” as the core characteristic of being image-bearers. The 1 page is great, but only serves as a baby primer to what’s needed to speak into today’s culture, with all the confusion and misdirection of sexuality, identity, and ethics from God’s Word. Therefore, because of its datedness, it feels more like a doctrinal survey (now) than a systematic theology.2. More Local Church Than Universal: As you read, one feels Grider is primarily aiming for his target audience – the Holiness tradition(s). It feels the scope of the book is a little small for a systematic theology. While Grider always touches on other traditions, it feels like there’s always a rush to get to the primary audience. In my opinion, it seems to diminish the scope of the work, and even take away its potential influence. Longer is not always better, but balance in this type of work is important. Which brings me to me next point.3. Uneven in Focus: This is probably the weakest area of the book, as the time and space afforded to the vast teachings of the Christian Faith were largely uneven. At points, the book felt too much like a Bible survey on doctrine than a deep engagement and inter-relationship of the truths for the purpose of cultural apologetics. Then, in the next section or chapter, a much larger piece was dedicated to the Wesleyan-Holiness perspective. A case-in-point: Grider spends 1 page(!) on the Doctrine of Justification, says in a sentence how Justification is important to the Holiness perspective in both Imputed & Imparted Righteousness, then spends 102 pages (!) explaining the various dimensions of the second work of grace. To be fair, the Holiness tradition(s) are defined primarily by this second work of grace. However, the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition(s) are still within the greater Protestant tradition, much of which is born out of “Justification by Faith”. This is unbalanced for sure.Overall, I think Grider’s systematics is a great read of the Christian faith, and better-equips Christians in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, while also giving an irenic challenge to others streams of Protestant thoughts regarding the framework of their faith. While dated, the book is still very helpful as a work of systematics, and sharpens the Christian to live “today” for Christ, while carrying out and proclaiming His life-changing message through a “living-theology”!

It was exactly what I expected. Very good condition, like new. Excellent foundational book for Wesleyan theology.

Very well written for those interested in this genre.

Book in excellent condition.

Sound theology presented in a scholarly, yet easy to understand writing method.

This book gives a good overview of the theological positions taken by Arminius and Wesley, as well as occasionally referencing Pope and some of the other top theoogians in the holiness movement. Grider on occasions takes distinct positions and points this out. A good read for anyone interested understanding Wesleyan/Holiness theology. Easy, non technical style.

This book is just what it advertises. Theology is a heavy read, but this book lays Wesleyan theology out in as clear and concise way. I am finding it very informative and educating.It is not for the casual reader, but for the committed student.