Bücher von D. Stephen Long

Asserts that the theology of the Wesleyan tradition is best understood not as philosophical and applied ethics, but as Moral Theology stemming from the virtue tradition, particularly the work of Thomas Aquinas. Because we have squeezed the Wesleyan tradition in the academic discipline of philosophical and applied ethics, we have distorted the tradition. This distortion has led us into the current ethical impasse, particularly with regard to money, war and peace, homosexuality, and technology.

Keeping Faith offers resources to help Christians reclaim the importance of doctrine and thereby know and love well God and God's creation. Although it gives particular attention to the Wesleyan and Methodist tradition, it is of necessity an ecumenical effort. Neither the Wesleyans nor the Methodists invented Christian doctrine. In fact, the Wesleyan tradition contributes little that is distinctive or unique. This is a good thing, for unlike other disciplines where originality and uniqueness matter greatly, Christian doctrine depends on others and not the genius of some individual. Chesterton once said that Christianity is the democracy of the dead. In other words, doctrine depends on the communion of the saints. They help us speak of God as we should. We need to hear their voice. For this reason, this work is an ecumenical commentary on the Confession of Faith and Articles of Religion found in the Wesleyan tradition that also draws on ancient and modern witnesses to God's glory. It is ecumenical because it brings these doctrines into conversation with the broader Christian tradition. Doctrine unites us in a "communion," which is greater than any single denomination and makes us what we otherwise cannot be: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.