JOHN WESLEY AS A PUBLIC THEOLOGIAN: THE CASE OF THOUGHTS UPON SLAVERY

Abstract

Public theology has become an important mode of theological engagement in secular and pluralistic contexts yet there is debate as to the character of this engagement. This article argues that an analysis of the nascent public theology developed by John Wesley can contribute to the development of a prophetic public theology. This nascent prophetic public theology is best demonstrated in his booklet Thoughts upon Slavery. Wesley's argument is critically analysed in the context of eighteenth century Britain. On the basis of this analysis eight propositions for a prophetic public theology are developed. Methodist Theology Public theology can be defined as the theological engagement in public conversation and debate within a pluralistic society in order to contribute "to the formation of personal decisions and collective policy-making in economic, political, religious and social realms." 1 This definition hides considerable debates as to the nature of the theological contribution, the public that is addressed, and the goals of that contribution. 2 One approach to addressing these issues is to examine examples of pubic witness critically. John Wesley, an eighteenth century evangelist and holiness preacher, may not appear to be an obvious example of a public theologian. Methodism has, however, been characterised by an engagement with society which can in part traced back to Wesley. Moreover, between 1768 and 1778 Wesley published a number of pamphlets addressing public issues such as poverty, the American Revolution, liberty, political power and the slave trade. 3 While these pamphlets use some theological argument they include broader, non religious, arguments. Further the public sphere as a location of discourse and debate emerged in seventeenth and eighteenth century England. Wesley's pamphlets can be interpreted as nascent public theology.