Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Theology

Supervisor

Badcock, Gary

Abstract

The notion of holiness and sanctification are central to most Protestant understandings and expressions of religious life. This thesis explores whether a pragmatic understanding of holiness, particularly in the Wesleyan-Arminian stream, can have a meaningful place in the postmodern world.

This thesis endeavours to establish a theological argument for a non-linear pragmatic understanding of holiness in the Wesleyan tradition. The theological argument is supplemented by a substantial case study of the early Salvation Army, focusing on its missiology and theology.

The argument presented is that a pragmatic understanding of sanctification, as seen in the theology and practice of the early Salvation Army, speaks to three major possibilities for the present day Church. The final chapter explores these three topics: 1) covenantal living; 2) militant peacemaking; and 3) community.

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