Theology of Sanctification and Resignation in Charles Wesley's Hymns

Julie Ann Lunn is Lecturer in Practical and Social Theology at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester, UK. She teaches in the areas of Practical Theology, Pastoral Theology, and Christian Spirituality, with a particular interest in Wesley Studies. She is also an ordained Methodist minister.

‘This is an important contribution to study of the Wesleyan tradition and of Christian spirituality broadly. Lunn joins those seeking to help Charles Wesley’s distinctive emphases on the Christian life take their place alongside the emphases of his brother John. Drawing deftly upon his hymns, sermons, letters, and journal, Lunn illuminates the centrality of resignation in Charles Wesley’s understanding of Christian holiness or sanctification—not just as one virtue among others; but as the basic orientation conducive to Christian growth. Highly recommended.’ – Randy L. Maddox, William Kellon Quick Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, Duke Divinity School, USA"This book automatically commends itself to admirers of Charles Wesley, but Lunn’s spirited retrieval of the resignation theme and her success in setting it in its wider context should also bring the subject to the attention of a wider readership in the areas of theology, pastoral work, and spirituality."- Fred Sanders, Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University, USA

• Introduction: Contexts for the Study of Resignation Part I Theological, Historical, and Spiritual Contexts 1 Charles Wesley and Sanctification 2 Resignation in Charles Wesley: historical and spiritual context; Excursus: ‘The Resignation’ Part II Analysis of Resignation Texts 3 The Resignation of Jesus 4 The Resignation of the Believer; Excursus: Funeral Hymn on the Death of Mrs. Elizabeth Blackwell, March 27, 1772 Part III Resignation and Sanctification 5 Resignation: an attitude of being and foundational temper for sanctification 6 Resignation and Sanctification 7 A Contemporary Wesleyan Theology and Spirituality of Resignation and Sanctification; Conclusion