Humility in the Writings of Charles Wesley and the Early Church Fathers/Mothers

“We should pay attention when a Lutheran who became a leading Eastern Orthodox theologian recommends a contemporary book by a Methodist about Charles Wesley’s theology of humility! Really! S T Kimbrough offers what is to many contemporaries a problematic but consistent aspect of Charles Wesley’s theology: his insistence that we regard ourselves with humility while exalting the work of Christ in us. As Kimbrough shows, this does not allow us to debase ourselves, but rather (as he quotes St Basil), we ‘lower ourselves to exalt ourselves, imitating the Lord.’”


—Ted A. Campbell, professor of Wesley studies and church history, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University





“S T Kimbrough has given us a valuable example of ecumenical methodology, by tracing the single theme of humility in the writings of two traditions vastly removed in historical, cultural, and theological contexts. Humility is a misunderstood virtue in the hard-driving, competitive world that has molded even much of contemporary Christian life. This little book holds some surprising insights and commonalities to be found in reading Charles Wesley alongside spiritual writers of the ancient Church such as Macarius of Egypt, John Climacus, Basil the Great, Mother Syncletica, and many others.”


—John A. Jillions, president, Orthodox Theological Society in America