Practical Divinity

By Thomas A. Langford

Book Overview

This volume is a revision of Langford's earlier work, Practical Divinity: Theology in the Wesleyan Tradition (Abingdon Press, 1983). The major features of this revision include a treatment of the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0687333261
• ISBN13: 9780687333264
• Release Date: March 1983
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Length: 303 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Methodism Matures

Professor Thomas Langford's "Practical Divinity" (revised from 1983 in 1998) narrates John Wesley's applicable theology through Methodist history. Citing the principal, and published, theologians and pastors through its 268-year history, this book speaks to the maturing nature of Methodist theology. Aware that John Wesley's theological base originated in his early and collegial years, Langford begins his theological exegesis of Methodism's theology with brief glimpses into Wesley's earliest published materials from the late 1720s and early 30s. The character and application of Wesley's theology are explained. Langford understands, correctly, Wesleyan principles to be practical. Grounded in Wesley, the professor then reviews key theologians (professors and preachers) from Methodism's beginning into the present generation. American and British theologians from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries are reviewed. The nature of 19th century German liberal Protestantism is informatively presented. The Holiness movement and diversity theory are diagnosed. Methodism's adoption of early 20th century Protestant liberalism and rush to social gospel is explained. The denomination's late 20th century emerging conservative awareness is briefly considered. In each review the character and application of Wesley's theology are applied. Wesley remains practical. This book is thoughtful and thought provoking. Its 288 pages (paperback) are well resourced with 24 pages of endnotes. It is recommended to all seminarians, United Methodist students and pastors, and American history buffs.

Langford and Grace

Thomas A. Langford's "Practical Divinity" does an excellent job scanning the history of Methodist theology, among both British and American theologians. The greatest insights of the book, however, are gleaned from Langford's opening chapter, where he spells out with remarkable insight and clarity an over-arching Wesleyan understanding of grace. Dr. Langford's special gift was his ability to see how God's grace touches all of life and all of Christianity, and this short chapter illustrates that gift beautifully, making it worth the cost of the entire book.