bibliography
stuff that was useful
A Plain Account of Christian Perfection
John Wesley
Wesley's teaching on christian perfection in the 1700's has led to, among other things, the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements that are still growing rapidly today. His argument for a two stage Christianity has morphed over time into the “second baptism” teaching that distinguishes these movements. I am encouraged by the way Wesley speaks about God, faith, justification and sanctification but disagree with the details of his teachings here.
Perfectionism
Benjamin B. Warfield
The size of this book is formidable until you read that it is extracted from a 1000 page work by Warfield on perfectionism. The work is valuable for gaining insight into the lives of those who have advocated some form of perfectionism, beginning with Charles Finney and his contempories and giving an account of the “Higher Life” movement, the Fellowship movement and the “Victorious Life” movement. Warfield's critique sounds harsh to our post-modern ears—we are not used to people being wrong—he tears down by pointing out inconsistencies with sarcasm, much like the apostle Paul. The heavy historical material makes this an almost impossible read for anyone without a keen interest in the subject. By no means did I get through it, but the parts that I read were very useful in preparing the article on perfectionism.
The Screwtape Letters
C.S. Lewis
A series of brilliant insights into the battle for the Christian mind. You can read what Karen has to say about it here.
Confessions
St. Augustine
An autobiography with a difference, the entire work is a prayer and a startlingly honest one at that. Augustine describes his previous life of sin, his conversion, and his continuing struggles with sin, always giving glory to God for his sovereignty over every situation. Far from being a dull ‘classic’, only C.S. Lewis succeeds in showing me more about myself than this man.
Ben Beilharz is the guy who “read” this stuff. He has a personal site that you can “read”.
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