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Wesleyan Theology and Fundamentalism

The Wesleyan tradition in Christianity, with its high view of Scripture, has a fair number of people in its ranks tempted by fundamentalism. A new book should help Wesleyans resist that temptation.

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The Bible Tells Me So

I'm happy to announce the publication of The Bible Tells Me So: Reading the Bible as Scripture. This book, which Richard Thompson and I co-edited, is now available in print form and kindle edition.

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John Wesley: Theologian of Love

Love reigns as John Wesley's supreme theological and ethical category. It enjoys pride of place, he says, because love reigns supreme in the biblical witness. Admirers rightly call Wesley a theologian of love par excellence.

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RE: Great Days for Wesley Studies

Studies in John Wesley and the Methodist movement have increased in quantity and quality recently. Two new journals, Wesley and Methodist Studies and Methodist Review, expand and deepen this important domain of scholarship.

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Wesleyan Spiritual Formation

“Spiritual formation” is a contested label these days. In a new book of essays edited by Diane Leclerc and Mark A. Maddix, contributors offer a Wesleyan take on ideas and practices of spiritual formation.

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John Wesley on Freedom

I’ve been thinking lately about the relationship between God’s love and creaturely freedom. Some people say we are free to do just about anything. Others don’t think we’re free in any genuine sense.

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Greathouse and the Future of Theology

With the recent passing of William Greathouse, I’ve been thinking anew about the future of theology in the Church of the Nazarene.

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Greathouse Passes to Glory

William (Bill) Marvin Greathouse passed from this life to the next Thursday evening, March 24. Bill was a giant of a leader and theologian in the Church of the Nazarene.

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Bible Conference Wrap-Up

The Bible Tells Me So conference was a powerful step forward in articulating a Wesley approach to the Bible. Here’s a conference wrap-up essay. It includes the consensus statement and links to photos, DVDs, and more info.

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John Wesley and the Bible

It makes sense to ask a world-class John Wesley expert to give a keynote address at an event exploring a Wesleyan approach to the Bible. Here’s a sneak preview of Randy Maddox’s thoughts on Wesley and Scripture. He presents more at The Bible Tells Me So conference.

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Holiness for a Postmodern World

I am excited about Diane Leclerc's new book, Discovering Christian Holiness. She does a good job of addressing key issues in the postmodern attempt to understand and live holiness.

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Five Questions of the Bible

Most present-day Christians treasure the Bible. I know I do. But differences of opinion exist among Christians about how best to understand and engage Scripture.

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Wiley on the Bible

I have been thinking a lot about the Bible lately. I’m preparing for the upcoming NNU Wesley Center c­­­onference, “The Bible Tells Me So.” H. Orton Wiley has been helpful for my preparation.

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The Bible and the Inspiring God

The older I get, the more I appreciate the Bible. Scripture is my principle authority on matters of Christian faith and practice. God uses it to encourage and teach me.

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Why I Love the Church—and (usually) Like it Too

Not long ago, author Ann Rice said she has decided to “quit being a Christian.” Her decision prompted many to ponder the current state of Christianity and the church.

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Implications of Inerrancy

In anticipation of the 2011 conference, The Bible Tells Me So, I recently blogged about errors and inconsistencies I’ve discovered in the Bible. My main point was that the Bible doesn’t have to be in all ways inerrant for God to use it when offering us salvation.

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Problems with Biblical Inerrancy

The Bible functions as key resource for helping me understand something about God and about life in general. But the errors I have discovered in the Bible prompt me to take care in how I think and talk about Scripture.

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Top Ten Wesleyan Books

I’ve been thinking about the influence John Wesley’s theology has on my life. Here is my list of books that have been most influential in shaping my understanding of Wesleyan theology.

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New Ministry Mag Out!

A new magazine has published its inaugural issue. This denominationally oriented publication is a harbinger of deeper and more creative ministry in the Church of the Nazarene.

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The First Emergent Nazarene

I’ve noticed that many who self-identify as emerging or emergent Christians emphasize following Jesus, pursuing Jesus’ way, or living a life that imitates Jesus. I like this emphasis.

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About this website

You’ve reached the online home of Thomas Jay Oord, a professor, author, and theologian from the Pacific Northwest. Read more