Abstract
In this volume, Kimbrough puts forward a ‘theology of radical grace’ for the modern church, based on the writings of Charles Wesley concerning the poor and marginalised. Kimbrough rightly identifies that Charles Wesley’s unique theological contributions have mostly been overlooked in favour of his brother John. This work thus serves as a much-needed corrective.
The short volume begins with a brief introduction to the social situation in 18th-century Britain, before moving onto three chapters that together examine Charles Wesley’s theology through his sermons, his manuscript journal, and his poetry. In these chapters, Kimbrough skilfully draws out and dissects the core theological understandings regarding the poor and Christian service that underpinned Charles’ ministry. For example, Charles held the view that both faith and works together were necessary and appropriate responses to God’s salvific action. As such, any action towards those less-fortunate are, in truth, also actions towards Christ. Therefore, ‘one should not think of doing something for someone else per se; rather, all acts of charity should be done as unto God’ (p. 9). Furthermore, these acts should be done freely in love, and not out of obligation. This ‘principle of love’ motivates us to act selflessly for others, and in doing so, we become ‘partaker[s] in God’s own nature’ (p. 11). Kimbrough then explores how the modern church can live out Charles’ theology of radical grace towards the poor and marginalised today, attentively noting that although there are significant changes in context between Charles’ time and our own, there are nevertheless translatable principles that we can adopt. The book ends with a helpful compilation of worship resources and musical settings drawn from Charles’ writings.
This work is particularly commendable in that Kimbrough’s close examination of Charles’ poetry, including his oft-overlooked funeral hymns, highlights the merit of an appreciation and recognition of perhaps less traditional sources of theology. The volume, however, could have benefitted from more concrete and specific suggestions regarding how churches today can respond. For example, Kimbrough argues that like Charles, we must build genuine relationships with the marginalised—a statement that few would disagree with. Kimbrough however, fails to suggest specific strategies or ways in which the church can reorient herself towards such a goal. Nevertheless, this work is an important and timely contribution to the fields of Wesleyan studies, social ethics, and ministry and outreach.