Would be grateful for your input: Christian Perfection and the Common Good? A Wesleyan Framework for Public Theology in Times of Crisis

Christian Perfection and the Common Good? A Wesleyan Framework for Public Theology in Times of Crisis was delivered as a keynote lecture at Theologische Hochschule Reutlingen on 21 November 2025.

In it I argue that John Wesley’s doctrine of Christian perfection should be understood as a public vocation of “holy love” that seeks the flourishing of neighbours, institutions and creation, rather than as an otherworldly spiritual ideal.   

Drawing on global Wesleyan and majority world voices, the lecture explores how a theology of "salvation as healing" and social holiness may resource Christian engagement with four interlocking crises: democratic fracture, forced migration, ecological breakdown and the normalisation of violence and war.

I propose that a Wesleyan public theology can be assessed by three criteria: protecting the vulnerable, pursuing fairness (justice), and building trust across difference.

I am now revising this material for publication in Theologie für Praxis. I would be very grateful for critical feedback on the content, argument, and structure.

The recording is available here. Thanks for watching and helping!

A blessing - Reconciliation with Justice in South Africa

Today, 16 December 2018, is the commemoration of what is called 'The day of reconcilliation' in South Africa. In the current context of South African social, economic, political, and religious life, I realise just how important messages of reconciliation, and processes of reconciliation with justice, are.

This quote from Walter Wink's 'Engaging the Powers' spoke to me:

‘Any religious message that promises that we can win in the terms laid down by the Domination System is apostate. Any theology that promises success, national supremacy, or victory through redemptive violence is apostate. Any piety that equates the gospel with getting ahead, being number one, or salvation through patriotism is apostate.’

- Walter Wink, Engaging the Powers

I wish a blessed day of reconciliation to my sisters and brothers in South Africa. May we recognize each other’s humanity with love, engage each other’s failings with grace, find ways of unmasking our prejudices with truth, and may we live together in trust, with attentive care, while celebrating our diversity and sharing in our common humanity.

May the King of Peace reconcile us to one another and ourselves.