The essays in this volume offer a range of perspectives on the theme of grace.Drawing on the best of contemporary biblical, historical and theological scholarship, the contributors consider the role played by the theme of grace in the Christian tradition, its importance and some implications for today. A number of essays pay special attention to the significance of the theme of grace within Methodism.As a whole, the volume testifies to the diverse ways in which divine grace enables and shapes patterns of graceful living in the world. Topics covered include: Pauline perspectives on grace, the theme of grace in Wesleyan hymnody, grace in the theology of Barth, Rahner and de Lubac, the relationship between Christian understandings of grace, universalism and other religious traditions, the implications of grace for understanding creation care, ministry practice, spirituality and work.Together, the essays honour the life and ministry of Emeritus Professor Norman Young, whose own theological work has been devoted to exploring the 'mystery which we discern as the way of grace' and who offers an account of his own theological journey within the volume's concluding personal reflections.

In 1780 John Wesley issued A Collection of Hymns for the People Called Methodists, containing over 1000 hymns, mostly by his brother Charles. These hymns are organized as follows: Part I. Introductory Hymns I. Exhorting Sinners to Return to God II. Describing ... III. Praying for a Blessing Part II. Convincing I. Formal Religion II. Inward Religion Part III. I. Praying for Repentance II. For Mourners Convinced of Sin III. For Persons Convinced of Backsliding IV. For Backsliders Recovered Part IV. For Believers I. Rejoicing II. Fighting III. Praying IV. Watching V. Working VI. Suffering VII. Seeking for Full Redemption VIII. Saved IX. Interceding for the World Part V. I. For the Society Meeting II. Giving Thanks III. Praying IV. Parting Supplement I. Select Psalms II. Hymns of Adoration III. The Lord Jesus Christ IV. The Holy Spirit V. Penitential Hymns VI. The Experience and Privileges of Believers VII. Christian Ordinances and Institutions VIII. Death and the Future Life IX. Various Seasons and Occasions

Every human being is a theologian. We have a curiosity about the ultimate context in which we exist. Theologians help us spell that out, and examine what faith is all about. The wide-ranging issues and questions this book addresses begin with the differences between Christianity and other religions, examine the relation between the Bible, science, and evolution, explore the role of religious experience in the birth of faith, and consider the contribution theologians like Paul Tillich, Friedrich Gogarten, Teilhard de Chardin, Jurgen Moltmann, and John Wesley can make to our thought today.

Methodism has played a major role in all areas of public life in Australia but has been particularly significant for its influence on education, social welfare, missions to Aboriginal people and the Pacific Islands and the role of women. Drawing together a team of historical experts, Methodism in Australia presents a critical introduction to one of the most important religious movements in Australia's settlement history and beyond. Offering ground-breaking regional studies of the development of Methodism, this book considers a broad range of issues including Australian Methodist religious experience, worship and music, Methodist intellectuals, and missions to Australia and the Pacific.

This volume describes the attitudes towards Gentiles in both ancient Judaism and the early Christian tradition. The Jewish relationship with and views about the Gentiles played an important part in Jewish self-definition, especially in the Diaspora where Jews formed the minority among larger Gentile populations. Jewish attitudes towards the Gentiles can be found in the writings of prominent Jewish authors (Josephus and Philo), sectarian movements and texts (the Qumran community, apocalyptic literature, Jesus) and in Jewish institutions such as the Jerusalem Temple and the synagogue. In the Christian tradition, which began as a Jewish movement but developed quickly into a predominantly Gentile tradition, the role and status of Gentile believers in Jesus was always of crucial significance. Did Gentile believers need to convert to Judaism as an essential component of their affiliation with Jesus, or had the appearance of the messiah rendered such distinctions invalid? This volume assesses the wide variety of viewpoints in terms of attitudes towards Gentiles and the status and expectations of Gentiles in the Christian church.