This thesis offers an examination of John Wesley and George Whitefield's theologies of conversion. The thesis is a work of historical theology which utilises the operant theologies of conversion present in these two figures in order to produce a work of espoused theology so as to state, in a way that has not previously been articulated systematically and directly, the theologies of conversion of Wesley and Whitefield. The argument of the thesis is that Wesley and Whitefield's theologies of conversion are best understood as an inaugurated teleology with an emphasis on the telos of salvation rather than the archeĢ of salvation. The thesis argues that one can articulate nine synoptic statements of the espoused theology of conversion by attending to the operant theologies of conversion in the works of Wesley and Whitefield. First, conversion is initiated and sustained by the grace of God. Second, conversion is the experiential correlate to salvation. Third, conversion is a turning from self and to Christ. Fourth, conversion is foreshadowed by a deep sense of sinfulness. Fifth, conversion arrives by faith in an instant. Sixth, conversion is inaugurated instantaneously, but is not always recognisable on behalf of the convert. Seventh, conversion is marked by ongoing good works. Eighth, baptism marks one's entrance to the church but is not chronologically tied to conversion. And finally, ninth, assurance of salvation is available but not required for a genuine convert. It will be suggested that Wesley and Whitefield's accounts of conversion are both accurately understood in a summative way as inaugurated teleology. The thesis concludes with a summary of the argument, the contribution to knowledge, and by noting avenues for further study.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:752663 |
| Date | January 2018 |
| Creators | McGever, Michael Sean |
| Publisher | University of Aberdeen |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=237584 |
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