Theology Drives Methodology: Conversion in the Theology of Charles Finney and John Nevin - Paperback

by Karl Dahlfred (Author)

Are evangelistic methods neutral? Or is there a connection between what we believe and how we evangelize? In "Theology Drives Methodology", Karl Dahlfred examines the theology and methods of Charles Finney and John Nevin, demonstrating how the different beliefs of these two men led them to radically different conclusions about the best methods to use in promoting the Gospel. Finney's beliefs led him to use high-pressure revival meetings to induce conversions. Nevin's beliefs led him to emphasize preaching, catechism, and pastoral care as the means that would produce conversions through the everyday ministry of the local church. Which man's methods were correct? Your answer to that question all depends on what you believe about God, man, conversion, and the nature of the Gospel itself. After an historical and theological survey of Finney & Nevin's beliefs and methods, the author draws out implications of each man's views and makes applications for the contemporary church.

Author Biography

Karl Dahlfred (Th.M. Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; M.Div. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; B.A. Colby College) lives in Bangkok, Thailand, where he serves as a missionary with OMF International. Karl teaches missions and church history at Bangkok Bible Seminary, and assists with editing and translation of Thai Christian books at Kanok Bannasan (OMF Publishers Thailand). He is an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).