The Holiness Manifesto

Does the concept of holiness hold any relevance for Christians in the twenty-first century? Or is it rather a relic of the past, with little to offer in today's postmodern world? The contributors to this book firmly insist that holiness is indeed relevant, no matter the age in which we live. Moreover, it is essential to following Christ in the twenty-first century. The essayists are all members of the Wesleyan Holiness Study Project, a gathering of scholars and leaders who have met since 2004 to explore the mission of the churches of the Holiness movement. The book begins with two compelling ecumenical statements articulating the holiness message for today's church: "The Holiness Manifesto" and "Fresh Eyes on Holiness." These are followed by a dozen penetrating essays grouped in three parts: (1) the understanding of holiness in Scripture, (2) holiness in historical and theological perspective, and (3) holiness in relation to various practical aspects of ministry. The book concludes with appendixes offering five considered descriptions of holiness. The fastest-growing segments of the church worldwide have their roots in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Catholic, Orthodox, and other Protestant denominations are discovering its relevance to their own traditions and practices. The Holiness Manifesto offers an ideal overview to those wishing to understand more about this extremely influential movement. Contributors: Jim Adams Barry Callen Lisa L. Dorsey Roger Green Jon Huntzinger Cheryl Bridges John Craig Keen David W. Kendall William Kostlevy Diane Leclerc Kevin W. Mannoia James Earl Massey George McKinney Thomas A. Noble Jonathan S. Raymond C. Stevens Schell Howard A. Snyder Don Thorsen Lynn Thrush Kenneth L. Waters Sr.

This Manifesto is about spiritual warfare; it is about being Christian in the midst of an anti-Christian world. It is about exposing not only the sins of those around you but exposing your own sins, too. It is about recognizing one’s real enemy, the devil, and not treating others you don’t agree with as enemies.

RECOMMENDATIONSA HOLINESS MANIFESTO is a good climax title for a book prepared by C. W. Butler in life's evening, and I can hardly think of any one's leaving it out of his library, after having witnessed the nationwide ministry of the Author. I am quoted as having referred to him in the earlier days as the Martin Luther of the Holiness Movement. It is a miracle the way the Lord has strengthened him to write and preach for revivals and camp meetings. The Publisher has been asked to send me my copy, as soon as The Holiness Manifesto comes off the press.John PaulI have known Dr. C. W. Butler for many years. He is a tower of strength in the holiness movement. He has been honored and respected by those who have known him, and his preaching and writings have been a mighty power for God. I am sure that this new book, A Holiness Manifesto, will have a large sale and be the means of blessing many.Stephen S. White, Editor HERALD OF HOLINESSDr. C. W. Butler has had a long and fruitful life in promoting Biblical truth--especially that of scriptural holiness. His virile mind, logical habits of thought, keen insights into truth, sensitivity of spirit and loyalty to the highest standards of God's Word have made him an outstanding leader in Arminian-Wesleyan circles in America.I know of no man who has kept the passion for a sound theology and a soul-saving ministry in closer union across the years than has Dr. Butler. He has maintained a perennially fresh approach to the Word of God, to the Throne of Grace and to the souls of men. His sermons by voice and pen have been both intellectually stimulating and soulfully satisfying. He is eminently qualified to give us instruction on the "central idea of Christianity," namely, "true holiness." I heartily commend his Holiness Manifesto to all who would know God and his power through Christ, by the Holy Spirit, to cleanse from all sin.Delbert R. Rose, Ph.D. Prof. of Biblical Theology Asbury Theological Seminary Wilmore, KentuckyFor something over forty years Reverend Charles W. Butler and I have worked side by side in school, tabernacle, and camp meetings. We have had remarkable agreement in our views on all vital matters of doctrine and general policies. When he is called to a camp meeting I know the camp will get great preaching, sound teaching, and rugged truth. His messages come from a rugged personality. A man thoroughly and conscientiously in earnest saturated with truth, shot through with experience and mastered by sober thought, tugging at the mind to lead man to God and holiness of heart and life. Possessing strength without arrogance, faithfulness with charity for all that is good, and unbending opposition to all that is evil or scripturally unsound, his preaching is under the light and anointing of the Holy Spirit. He has continued as long, if not longer in years of full salvation evangelism than anyone of our time. A cedar of the mountains, a strong oak of the valley, a gleaming pine of the hills. May the sun linger on him here until it dawns upon him from the skyline of the everlasting tomorrows.His friend--John Lakin Brasher

It is much harder to define a religious movement than it is to define a religion or denomination. That applies especially when that movement almost defies definition as the Holiness Movement does. The Holiness Movement is a Methodist religious renewal movement that has over 12 million adherents worldwide. Perhaps the most familiar public manifestation of the holiness movement has been its urban holiness missions, and the Salvation Army_noted for its service ministries among poor and people suffering the dislocations that accompany war and disaster_is the most notable example. In the second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Holiness Movement, important new developments in the Holiness Movement_such as the widely discussed 'Holiness Manifesto'_are thoroughly discussed, and the content has also been expanded to include information on figures from Asia and Africa to reflect the continued growth of the Holiness Movement. With a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 400 cross-referenced dictionary entries, this reference has information that cannot be found elsewhere.

It is much harder to define a religious movement than it is to define a religion or denomination. That applies especially when that movement almost defies definition as the Holiness Movement does. The Holiness Movement is a Methodist religious renewal movement that has over 12 million adherents worldwide. Perhaps the most familiar public manifestation of the holiness movement has been its urban holiness missions, and the Salvation Army-noted for its service ministries among poor and people suffering the dislocations that accompany war and disaster-is the most notable example. The A to Z of the Holiness Movement relates important new developments in the Holiness Movement—such as the widely discussed "Holiness Manifesto"—are thoroughly discussed, and the content has also been expanded to include information on figures from Asia and Africa to reflect the continued growth of the Holiness Movement. With a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 400 cross-referenced dictionary entries, this reference has information that cannot be found elsewhere.

From the Founding Fathers through the present, Christianity has exercised powerful influence in the United States—from its role in shaping politics and social institutions to its hand in inspiring art and culture. The Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States outlines the myriad roles Christianity has played and continues to play. This masterful five-volume reference work includes biographies of major figures in the Christian church in the United States, influential religious documents and Supreme Court decisions, and information on theology and theologians, denominations, faith-based organizations, immigration, art—from decorative arts and film to music and literature—evangelism and crusades, the significant role of women, racial issues, civil religion, and more. The first volume opens with introductory essays that provide snapshots of Christianity in the U.S. from pre-colonial times to the present, as well as a statistical profile and a timeline of key dates and events. Entries are organized from A to Z. The final volume closes with essays exploring impressions of Christianity in the United States from other faiths and other parts of the world, as well as a select yet comprehensive bibliography. Appendices help readers locate entries by thematic section and author, and a comprehensive index further aids navigation.

Be holy because I am holy. Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. The Christian life includes many demands, but perhaps none are as challenging or as misunderstood as the biblical command to "be holy" (Leviticus 11:44 and 1 Peter 1:16) or to "be perfect" (Matthew 5:48). How should we understand these charges? In this volume, three scholars from the Wesleyan tradition offer a collective treatment of the theme of holiness that includes: exegesis of key biblical passages a survey across church history theological reflections on the relationship between entire sanctification and other doctrines In addition, the coauthors constructively argue for a "neo-holiness" model that encourages the pursuit of Christian perfection but avoids the pitfalls of Pelagianism by incorporating historic understandings of grace and the work of the Holy Spirit with the best of the Wesleyan tradition. Here, the commands to "be holy" and to "be perfect" take on new meaning. What may have been a burden becomes a blessing.