One of the most surprising developments in contemporary Methodist theology is the degree to which leading Methodist and Wesleyan systematic theologians are reengaging John Wesley, finding his works instructive, provocative, and stimulating for their own theological reflection. Such a broad and purposeful dialogue with Wesley by theologians of the Wesleyan heritage is unprecedented in this century, and much rarer in the previous century than is popularly believed. This volume presents a set of original essays that represent and embody this new engagement allowing the reader to see how several prominent theologians are self-consciously reexamining and reappropriating their theological tradition.

Synopsis: 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. Endorsements: "Be it in discussing Paul Tillich's philosophical theology, or Teilhard de Chardin's theology of evolution, or the theology of hope or the theology of liberation, it was always worthwhile listening to the spirit of John Wesley coming to us powerfully through Ted Runyon's contributions. This . . . is a collection of ideas for present and future theology, and it is so well written that anyone with interest can understand it. Whoever thinks deeply can write clearly. Professor Runyon is one of them." -Jurgen Moltmann Professor Emeritus of Theology University of Tubingen "This treasure chest of theological gems is a great gift to all students of Christian divinity. The wide range of dialogue partners is impressive; the challenge that any theology is to promote the transformation of human lives is a healthy provocation. Runyon's concept of orthopathy rightly finds a strong resonance. His reflection on the diverse character of feelings and (religious) experience is indispensable for a critical analysis of Pietism, Methodism, and modern subjectivism." --Manfred Marquardt Professor Emeritus of Theology United Methodist Theological Seminary Reutlingen, Germany "Exploring the Range of Theology is a most valuable compilation of articles by distinguished theologian Theodore Runyon . . . This volume demonstrates how the author has been bringing this Wesleyan perspective fruitfully to bear on a wide range of significant themes-biblical, theological, experiential, and ecological. Characteristically, the writing is both scholarly and eminently readable, and will be welcomed alike by colleagues, former students, and the general reader." --Norman Young Professor Emeritus United Faculty of Theology Melbourne, Australia "In this remarkable collection of essays Theodore Runyon . . . shows us the tensions between mystical and revelational theologies as well as European secular theologies and liberation theologies . . . In all of these essays we see what we have come to expect from Runyon: theology on the cutting edge but responsible to the church, and an irenic and fair presence always seeking to create the community of trust in which theology can thrive." --M. Douglas Meeks Cal Turner Chancellor Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee Author Biography: Theodore Runyon is Professor of Systematic Theology Emeritus at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. A graduate of Lawrence University, Drew University, and the University of Gottingen, he is author of The New Creation: John Wesley's Theology Today and editor of five other books.