Review by Bruce Wittern

Dr. Heidinger makes it clear in the preface of the book that United Methodism is suffering problems of a theological nature and what our denomination needs is a renewal of theology. He writes of theological confusion and a defection from our Wesleyan theology in the preface and expands on this throughout the book. Heidinger prays that clarifying some of these issues facing United Methodists will be used by our Lord to help bring our church toward renewal. Certainly Heidinger’s life and work demonstrate his love for our denomination and his desire for it to be renewed.

While Wesley called himself "a man of one book," Heidinger may have put his finger on one of the most serious problems in Methodism today.

He asks, "How about us United Methodists? In fact, we have shamefully little ‘knowledge of God’ today because we are not a people of that ‘one book.’" Then Heidinger continues, "A Gallop Poll commissioned by Christianity Today magazine a few years ago found that United Methodists read the Bible as seldom as the American public in general. In fact, more than 60 percent of United Methodists interviewed said they don’t open the Bile on their own even once a month. If we are people of ‘one book’ today, it is more likely the TV Guide."

Fifty years ago, the well-known British Methodist, W.E Sangster, addressed the decline of both British and American Methodism. Dr Heidinger refers to Sangster’s writing in response to the shallow optimism often expressed concerning our beloved church.

Heidinger emphasizes his belief that lasting renewal is linked to theological renewal. "What a church believes really matters. Our affirmation of faith help make us distinct from civic and fraternal organizations, and United Methodism will see no growth until we address soberly and prayerfully our serious doctrinal problems."

I really appreciated the historical and scholarly approach that Heidinger used in writing this thought provoking book. He wrote about the impact of the social gospel on theology. This, unfortunately, included the loss of many holiness advocates. Back in 1904, Bishop Mallalieu said he hoped Methodism would "become more Wesleyan and Scriptural as the years go by rather than yield to the un-evangelical, un-Wesleyan, and un-Scriptural tendency of the present times." Dr. Heidinger commented, "For a Bishop to use such strong language reflects the intensity of his convictions in the matter."

Relevant issues such as theological pluralism, integrity in doctrine, theological education and misplaced loyalties are issues Jim Heidinger addresses well in this helpful book. The author lays out the facts as he sees them and tries to remain cautiously optimistic about renewal if we are willing to do what is required. I heartily recommend this publication to those who love the United Methodist Church and our Wesleyan heritage.