Square Peg Chapter Summary

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Eric Jordan UBBL 100 Exodus/Deuteronomy Dr. Mann 18 February 2014 Truesdale Book Review Square Peg: Why Wesleyans Aren’t Fundamentalists is written by a number of venerable educators, pastors, and ministry leaders, but is edited by Al Truesdale. Published by Beacon Hill Press, it is an informative book that showcases the distinct differences between Wesleyan theology and fundamentalism through a variety of biblical, scientific, historical, and theological exposition. This book defines fundamentalism and specifically describes its influence on Wesleyan rituals. It goes in depth about the variances in perspectives on scripture between Wesleyans and fundamentalists. The author also goes on to express the dissimilarities between the Christian…show more content…
The two groups’ backgrounds both highly honor scripture. In the second chapter of Square Peg Robert Mulholland discloses the idea that fundamentalists believe the Bible has “comprehensive and rationally accessible inerrant divine truths or propositions.” Their idea of the Bible is that it becomes a collection of information given vocally or dictated to writers. On the contrary, Wesleyans have the belief that the Bible is the resource by which believers need to focus on the message of God. This message is most definitively given through Jesus Christ coming to earth. However, it appears that the shift in focus can drastically change the interpretations in the Bible. Ultimately, fundamentalists accept as true the inerrancy of the Bible as rationale. However, Wesleyans tend to take away that “the proof of the gospel resides primarily in its being lived, in transformed life, not in logic and argumentation.” Two entirely different understandings of the same Bible, exemplifies another key contrast among fundamentalists and…show more content…
In a wide variety of methods, the book portrays the history of fundamentalism, varying perspectives on scripture, and their relationship with modern science. This book is notably informative and worthwhile to those who study theology. After reading this book, I have gained a deeper understanding on the different views within the Christian church. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has questions about Wesleyans or
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