Earnest: Interdisciplinary Work Inspired by the Life and Teachings of B. T. Roberts

by Andrew C. Koehl (Editor), David Basinger (Editor)

Overview

B. T. Roberts was born in a small farming community in western New York, on July 25, 1823. By the time of his death in 1893, he had made a profound impact on church and society. Roberts's writing, preaching, and ministry focused on true conversion, the disciplines of the Christian life, and holiness. Rejecting "prosperity theology," he argued for simplicity, generosity, and mission. A prophet of dissent, he vigorously promoted abolition, prohibition, economic justice, and the equality of women. Along the way, he founded Free Methodism and an educational institution that is thriving 150 years later. Roberts exhibited rare and impeccably balanced traits. He displayed the courage and boldness to dissent, as well as the political savvy and communication skills to bring people together. He was a visionary who displayed patience, tact, and pragmatism. His idealism did not obliterate his attention to details and crucial distinctions. He made people feel loved, respected, and challenged; he was authentic. In his dealings in church and world, we see creativity and flexibility grounded in integrity. Earnest settles in to the particularities of this life well lived, showing the human spirit, divine power, and practicalities of progress.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781532606342
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	08/29/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	290
File size:	29 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Andrew Koehl is Professor of Philosophy and Director of General Education at Roberts Wesleyan College. His academic work is in the field of religious epistemology. David Basinger is Professor of Philosophy and Chief Academic Officer at Roberts Wesleyan College. He is editor of Reason and Religious Belief (2013).

David Basinger is Professor of Philosophy and Chief Academic Officer at Roberts Wesleyan College. He is editor of Reason and Religious Belief (2013).

Table of Contents

List of Contributors vii

Introduction ix

Section I Equality, Holiness, Social Transformation

Chapter 1 Fanatical Women: The Struggle toward Public Ministry in the Early Free Methodist Church Douglas R. Cullum 3

Chapter 2 Ordaining Women: Discourse of Dissent at the Intersection of Text and Context Elvera B. Berry 30

Chapter 3 B. T. Roberts as Social Entrepreneur Jack Connell 55

Chapter 4 B. T. Roberts's Real Estate Debts Matthew Dwight Moore Carl C. Moore 73

Chapter 5 Roberts and the Roots of Environmentalism: Contact and Divergence Timothy R. Vande Brake 100

Chapter 6 Religious Reform in Western New York: B. T. Roberts and Walter Rauschenbusch on Revival and Social Change Jeffrey A. McPherson 119

Section II Every Relation of Life

Chapter 7 From Primal Harmony to a Broken World: Distinguishing God's Intent for Life from the Encroachment of Death in Genesis 2-3 J. Richard Middleton 143

Chapter 8 Christian Belief and the Challenge of Threats and Inducements Andrew C. Koehl 172

Chapter 9 Amazing Grace in the Life of the Earnest Christian Rodney L. Bassett 190

Chapter 10 Piety, Virtue, Industry, and Economy: The Habits of B. T. Roberts and Christian Nursing Education Susanne M. Mohnkern Cheryl B. Crotser 208

Chapter 11 Faithful Engagement: The Role of Spirituality and Religion in Social Policy Practice Lori M. Sousa 226

Index 257