Methodist Revolutions: Evangelical Engagements of Church and World
When seeking transformation, how much should we expect?
An international group of Methodist scholars are united in the belief that another church and another world are not only necessary but possible. Holiness traditions, even though at times addressing matters too narrowly and at other times to triumphantly, are in agreement that the status quo in both church and world can be improved upon significantly. The question is not whether but how does this happen and how far does it go. Amidst ongoing discussions of reforms, reformations, and revolutions, this volume argues that comprehensive transformations are afoot.
Our expectations are not built on shallow optimism or wide-spread beliefs in progress; they are built on evangelical expectations and holiness histories as they have shaped up since the beginnings of evangelical holiness movements. Recent decades, in particular, have rekindled broader perspectives that push beyond reductionistic focuses on individuals, closed communities, or particular church bodies. The hope of the gospel that is at the heart of the Methodist evangelical holiness traditions needs to be tested and verified in concrete transformations, which will be spelled out in the chapters of this book.
Contributors
Cliff Bird, Timothy Eberhart, Kisitu Gyaviira, R. Simangaliso Kumalo, Filipe Maia, Keegan Osinksi, Pablo Oviedo, Helmut Renders, Joerg Rieger, Upolu Lumā Vaai
Joerg Rieger is Distinguished Professor of Theology, Cal Turner Chancellor’s Chair of Wesleyan Studies; Founding Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice; and Affiliate Faculty, Turner Family Center for Social Ventures, Owen Graduate School of Management. Dr. Rieger is an elder in the North Texas Conference and author of many books, including Globalization and Theology; No Rising Tide: Theology, Economics, and the Future; and Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times.
Upolu Lumã Vaai is Associate Professor and Head of Theology & Ethics at Pacific Theological College. Prior to coming to PTC, Dr Vaai taught theology and ethics at Piula Theological College in Samoa in 2001 and from 2008–2013 and at the Brisbane College of Theology from 2003–2005. He has previously worked as a board director for the government of Samoa and served in various committees. He is an ordained minister of the Methodist Church in Samoa since 1999. He is the chief editor of the ‘relational renaissance series’, architect of Pacific relational hermeneutics, and co-founder of the Pacific Itulagi Research Network. He is the Pacific ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and Pacific coordinator for the G20 Interfaith Summit. He sits in the editorial board of The Pacific Journal of Theology. He currently reviews curriculums and programs, drafts frameworks, and facilitates various projects for many organizations including the Pacific Conference of Churches, the PTC Institute of Mission and Research, the UNODC, the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies at University of the South Pacific, as well as some theological colleges in the region.
Praise for Methodist Revolutions
Wesley’s Foundery Books is an imprint of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. These books are clearly and accessibly written by Methodist/Wesleyan experts, with an emphasis on church life and ministry. Representing the rich diversity of the church, Wesley’s Foundery Books offer a disciplined and balanced approach. GHBEM Publishing is an affiliate member of the Association of University Presses.
As the leadership agency, the mission of General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is to build capacity for United Methodist lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim, and flourish in Christ’s calling in their lives, by creating connections and providing resources to aid in recruitment, education, professional development, and spiritual formation. GBHEM Publishing produces books that engage, nurture, and advocate for the intellectual life of The United Methodist Church.
