· Explain Wesley’s thoughts concerning the “momentous truth” of the “testimony of the Spirit” and how to live in light of it, illustrate one of the dangers that Wesley seeks to avoid (and how it can be circumvented), and compare and contrast Wesley’s perspective with Jonathan Edwards’ thinking. (CLO 1, 3)

/in /by

See below for details and assignment info. This assignment is a discussion post comprising of 300 words, two peer reviewed scholarly sources, textbook source. Citation style is to be Turabian. Due Date: November 14, 2017.

Overview Of This Week’s Readings:

As we continue our Reformation focus this week, we will focus attention on the doctrines of the Church and the Scriptures in the Reformers, looking more specifically at selected writings by John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Thomas Cranmer, and John Wesley (along with one of the most famous theological debate topics: Calvinism and Arminianism). And both the Radical Reformers (Anabaptists) and the British Reformation also will come into view.

By the end of this week, students will be able to:

· Explain Wesley’s thoughts concerning the “momentous truth” of the “testimony of the Spirit” and how to live in light of it, illustrate one of the dangers that Wesley seeks to avoid (and how it can be circumvented), and compare and contrast Wesley’s perspective with Jonathan Edwards’ thinking. (CLO 1, 3)

· Recall, classify and compare the philosophies, theological positions, perspectives and key personalities that influenced the Reformation (particularly Calvin, Edwards, Cranmer, Wesley, Anabaptists and the British Reformation). (CLO 1, 3)

· Compare and contrast the arguments that support Calvinism and Arminianism. (CLO3)

Based on these Readings:

· Lane, A Concise History of Christian Thought, Part IV pp. 169-217. [Reformation: Zwingli – Wesley]

· Bingham, Pocket History of the Christian Church, pp. 121-126. [The Doctrines of the Church and the Scriptures in the Reformers]

· Kerr, Readings in Christian Thought

. Ch. 22: John Calvin pp. 157-162 [Introduction, Necessity of Reformation, Bible and Word of God]

. 165-169 [Christ: Redeemer and Savior, Election and Predestination])

. Jonathan Edwards pp. 196-97, 199–201 [True Religion]

. Ch. 24: Thomas Cranmer pp. 172-174

. Ch. 29: John Wesley pp. 190-196

Assignment:

Respond to the assignment in this week’s Dialogue (Group Discussion) area in Blackboard.

In the excerpt, “Witness of the Spirit” (Kerr, pp. 191-192), John Wesley sets out to find a “middle way” between the twin dangers of “mere formality,” on the one hand, and “wildness of enthusiasm” on the other with respect to the important biblical truth that “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16, ESV).

· Considering the relevant reading in Kerr (along with other sources), briefly elaborate on Wesley’s thought concerning this “momentous truth” of the “testimony of the Spirit” and how to live in light of it.

· Then, provide an illustration/example of one of the dangers that Wesley seeks to avoid and tell how it might be circumvented.

· Finally, briefly compare/contrast Wesley’s thought with an aspect of Jonathan Edwards’ thinking (in the excerpt, “True Religion and True Affections,” Kerr, 199-201).

Write your original post with 300 words, 2 scholarly peer reviewed sources, and a textbook source. Citation style should be Turabian. Due Date, November 14