This book explores the role of sacred song in the development of the Methodist doctrinal heritage from the hymnody of the Wesleys to the sung theology of contemporary global Methodists. It shows primary axial themes of Methodist hymn writers who created a substantial corpus of lyrical material; and offers an historical approach, which includes global voices. Chilcote offers readers a path to better understand the deep connections between theology and what they sing, as they learn about the wide range of hymn and sacred song traditions within the Methodist family.

This volume also expands recent pioneering work in the sub-discipline of lyrical theology by exploring the role of sacred song in the development of the Methodist doctrinal heritage. Beginning with the hymns of Charles and John Wesley, each chapter explores the primary themes of Methodist hymn writers, who created a substantial corpus of lyrical material in the Wesleyan spirit in their own right. Topics include the gospel hymn tradition of Fanny Crosby and her other Methodist contemporaries; Charles A. Tindley and the black music heritage; as well as the more contemporary expressions of sung theology in the work of Fred Pratt Green, Natalie Allyn Sleeth, and Dan Damon.

Given the fact that individual hymns have shaped generations of Methodist singers, attention is paid to how the singular hymns of Mary Lathbury, Frank Mason North, and Georgia Harkness, effectively communicated a concern for biblical Christianity, the Social Gospel, and evangelical liberalism, respectively, at the beginning of the twentieth century. Likewise, global voices, namely, those of song writers such as Federico Pagura, I-to Lo, Patrick Matsikenyiri, and Simei Monteiro reflect the current emphasis on justice, joy, and journey among Methodists today.

Paul Wesley Chilcote introduces the dynamic faith of John and Charles Wesley, showing how they were able to balance faith and works, Word and Spirit, the personal and the social, head and heart, mission and service.

A daily devotional inspired by the hymns of Charles Wesley, this book paves the way for spiritual pilgrimage throughout this sacred period of the Christian year. Wesley's lyrical theology and hymns represent a monumental devotional treasure within both the Anglican and Methodist heritage.

Sacred texts from Wesley's Redemption Hymns and Resurrection Hymns are particularly well suited to the themes of Lent and Easter. Selections from both these collections are featured in the volume, including Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, as well as hymns, such as Christ the Lord is Risen Today, drawn from a wider selection of Wesley's works.

The hymns are arranged around themes tied to scriptural texts proper to each day. Each of the fifty-four meditations includes a biblical text, the Wesley hymn selection (with a recommended tune for singing from the Episcopal Hymnal 1982), a brief meditation, and a prayer for the day. Suggestions are also provided for the use of these materials in a pattern of either Morning or Evening Prayer.

Let Jesus's example of holiness, humility and purity of heart be a companion on your own spiritual journey.

Next to the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is the most widely read devotional work within the Christian community. Thought to be compiled by fifteenth-century cleric Thomas Kempis (c. 1380-1471), this spiritual classic focuses the contemporary God-seeker on a religion of the heart--a vital connection with God in our innermost being. It advocates the cultivation of virtues, like humility and purity of intention, by inviting the spirit of Jesus to dwell richly in our lives. It emphasizes the need to translate that life of love into daily action.

Now you can experience the timeless wisdom of this spiritual classic with no previous knowledge of late medieval Christianity. This SkyLight Illuminations edition, based on John Wesley's popular 1741 abridgment, renders these meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus in a way that is accessible to the contemporary reader. A substantive introduction and facing-page commentary places the work in its original context; clarifies the text's roots in the Bible, the early Church, and medieval mysticism; and explains its influence--spanning five hundred years--on spiritual luminaries from saints to popes and its continuing significance today.

Meditations for each day of Advent and Christmas, based on the well-loved hymns of Charles Wesley, Anglican priest and co-founder of Methodism.

Las mujeres han sobresalido en cada era de avivamiento en la historia de la iglesia. Jugaron un papel vital en el avivamiento wesleyano en Inglaterra, y a lo largo de muchas generaciones mujeres han participado en la asombrosa tradici n metodista de testimonio y servicio. En estos cap tulos nos encontramos con algunas de estas mujeres excepcionales, que tuvieron el valor de ofrecer a Cristo al mundo en que viv an. De esta manera procuramos recobrar el legado de estas mujeres predicadoras, una historia de potencial hecho realidad, de madurez en Cristo y de la presencia del esp ritu de vida en el mundo.

Let Jesus's example of holiness, humility and purity of heart be a companion on your own spiritual journey.

Next to the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is the most widely read devotional work within the Christian community. Thought to be compiled by fifteenth-century cleric Thomas Kempis (c. 1380-1471), this spiritual classic focuses the contemporary God-seeker on a religion of the heart--a vital connection with God in our innermost being. It advocates the cultivation of virtues, like humility and purity of intention, by inviting the spirit of Jesus to dwell richly in our lives. It emphasizes the need to translate that life of love into daily action.

Now you can experience the timeless wisdom of this spiritual classic with no previous knowledge of late medieval Christianity. This SkyLight Illuminations edition, based on John Wesley's popular 1741 abridgment, renders these meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus in a way that is accessible to the contemporary reader. A substantive introduction and facing-page commentary places the work in its original context; clarifies the text's roots in the Bible, the early Church, and medieval mysticism; and explains its influence--spanning five hundred years--on spiritual luminaries from saints to popes and its continuing significance today.