JOHN WESLEY AS A PUBLIC THEOLOGIAN: THE CASE OF THOUGHTS UPON SLAVERY

  • David N Field Research Institute for Theology and Religion University of South Africa Academic Co-ordinator Methodist e-Academy, Switzerland
Keywords: John Wesley, Slavery, Public Theology, Prophetic Theology, Methodist Theology

Abstract

Public theology has become an important mode of theological engagement in secular and pluralistic contexts yet there is debate as to the character of this engagement. This article argues that an analysis of the nascent public theology developed by John Wesley can contribute to the development of a prophetic public theology. This nascent prophetic public theology is best demonstrated in his booklet Thoughts upon Slavery. Wesley’s argument is critically analysed in the context of eighteenth century Britain. On the basis of this analysis eight propositions for a prophetic public theology are developed.

Author Biography

David N Field, Research Institute for Theology and Religion University of South Africa Academic Co-ordinator Methodist e-Academy, Switzerland
Research Institute for Theology and Religion, UNISAAcademic Co-ordinator, Methodist e-Academy, Switzerland 
Published
2016-01-08
Section
Articles