Thunderstruck!

“Challenging the worldview of some Wesleyan historians today, Peter Bellini advocates for a generous and broadly inclusive vision of Wesley’s ministry that confronted the hard realities of radical evil, specifically in the form of demonic oppression and possession. What emerges from this balanced and carefully argued approach is not only a rich appreciation of the multivalent nature of human experience, but also a healing balm for all those who suffer spiritually. I highly recommend this book.”


—Kenneth J. Collins, professor of historical theology and Wesley studies, Asbury Theological Seminary





“Peter Bellini has presented, for the broader Wesleyan tradition, a thorough and masterful account of the theological, historical, and practical aspects of a Christian’s obligation and privilege to minister in the spiritual realm through deliverance. Bellini has recovered neglected aspects of Wesley’s theology and practice, providing a solid basis for the contemporary church, particularly Wesleyan and Methodist adherents, and her ministry of deliverance through Christ for the freedom of the abundant life.”


—Scott Kisker, professor of church history, United Theological Seminary





“While advocacy groups grab the headlines, a quiet revolution is underway in Christian theology. East and West, Protestant and Catholic, theologians are working to renew Christianity by retrieving beliefs and practices once central to Christianity. In this new work, Peter Bellini adds his voice to the chorus in a daring way, grappling with the reality of demon possession and working to recover the practice of exorcism. Drawing primarily on John Wesley, Bellini takes a crucial step toward recovering a form of Christianity that takes evil seriously.”


—Jason E. Vickers, professor of theology and Wesleyan studies, George W. Truett Theological Seminary





“Sometimes it takes a perceptive observer to point out what many of us have missed. This Peter Bellini does in his careful and persuasive account of the deliverance ministry of John Wesley. Not only does this provide a new perspective on Wesley, but it is an invitation to take as seriously as Wesley did (and as many non-Western Christians do today) the presence of spiritual realities in the world.”


—Henry H. Knight III, professor emeritus of Wesleyan studies and evangelism, Saint Paul School of Theology





“Peter Bellini has done the church and academy a tremendous service by addressing an area of John Wesley’s life, ministry, and theology that is grossly neglected. In this very accessible volume, Bellini reminds us that the movement that changed the world was not merely one of abstract theological ideas or ecclesial reform, but a miraculous, supernatural, and powerful movement of God in which entire communities were liberated from the guilt and power of sin.”


—Matt Ayars, president, Wesley Biblical Seminary





“Those in the Wesleyan theological tradition should not think of exorcism as practiced only by Pentecostals. It was practiced by Methodists 150 years before there were any Pentecostals. Peter Bellini makes this clear in Thunderstruck, where he highlights John Wesley’s own experiences with exorcism. This is not just a historical work. It is a book to encourage the return of exorcism ministries to churches in the Wesleyan tradition today.”


—Frank Billman, mentor in supernatural ministry, United Theological Seminary





“A genuine supernatural worldview is required if Wesleyans are to ever become a spiritually potent people again, rather than a ‘dead sect, having the form of religion without the power.’ In Thunderstruck, Peter Bellini offers both a vibrant look into our supernatural heritage and prescription for how to participate in the Jesus-initiated work of deliverance today. This work will serve as an invaluable resource to those longing to see God set people free and once again move in power among the people called Methodists.”


—Matt Reynolds, president and founder, Spirit & Truth





“Early Methodist understandings of supernatural realities and ministry have historically been overlooked in Methodist and Wesleyan studies. In Thunderstruck!, Peter Bellini offers an in-depth analysis of John Wesley’s understanding of the spiritual conflict he believes is at the heart of so much of the human experience. Bellini proposes that Wesley’s practice of engaging the unseen spiritual realm can benefit many Christians today. I recommend Thunderstruck! for any Christian, and especially Methodists, who seeks to understand how their part of the Christian tradition has engaged the powers of evil.”


—Jack Jackson, visiting professor of evangelism and world Methodism, United Theological Seminary





“Thunderstruck! is an exceptional book that focuses on the theological and practical aspects of Wesley’s deliverance. Peter Bellini carefully evaluates Wesley’s positions on deliverance with sharp academic discernment. Like John Wesley, he approaches deliverance from the perspective of both rational theology and superrational practice, finding a harmonious balance between the two. It is a rare gem written by a seminary professor based on his pastoral experience of supernatural exorcism.”


—Andrew S. Park, professor of theology and ethics, United Theological Seminary





“Once again Peter Bellini provides a much-needed resource to the wider Wesleyan movement! Thunderstruck! reintroduces Methodists of all types and stripes to a forgotten aspect of John Wesley’s vital ministry. This exciting work manages to simultaneously offer the reader first-rate scholarship in Wesley yoked to intensely practical help which every pastor can use. I enthusiastically commend Thunderstruck! to all (both lay and clergy!) who seek the renewal of the church in our day and time!”


—Mike Lowry, emeritus bishop-in-residence, United Theological Seminary





“Peter Bellini’s in-depth historical analysis reveals Wesley’s ‘spirit-worldview’ and shows how deeply connected Wesley’s ministry was to exorcism and deliverance from demonization. The result is another layer of Wesley’s holistic understanding of salvation. This is a wonderful historical examination of a neglected feature of Wesley’s theology and ministry that is much needed. It is nothing less than a ressourcement of the Wesleyan tradition for all those engaged in ministry today.”


—Dale M. Coulter, professor of historical theology, Pentecostal Theological Seminary





“Thunderstruck! is the rare book that provides a contribution to both church and academy. Bellini offers a needed contribution to the scholarly study of John Wesley and his underappreciated deliverance ministry in early Methodism. More than this, he offers a call to all who are followers of Jesus Christ to join in the work of releasing the captives and bringing deliverance from bondage to sin and Satan. This book is a gift!”


—Kevin M. Watson, director of academic growth and formation, Asbury Theological Seminary





“Deliverance is a neglected area of research and conversation throughout large segments of the Wesleyan tradition. Peter Bellini here provides an invaluable text for understanding John Wesley’s thoughts on and practices of deliverance. He also gives us practical resources for the work of deliverance ministry and understanding the gifts of the Spirit more broadly. I highly recommend this important book.”


—David F. Watson, academic dean, United Theological Seminary