Thunderstruck! - by Peter J Bellini (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This book is a historical and theological look into the deliverance and exorcism ministry of John Wesley. It examines how Wesley understood the phenomenon of deliverance and his own practice of it in terms of ordinary and extraordinary gifts. The text looks at how Wesley understood deliverance in general in relation to salvation, and how he understood an aspect of deliverance that involved expulsion of demons. Further, the book assesses how contemporary Wesleyans and Christians in general can apply Wesley's theology and practice to deliverance ministry today. Practices like baptismal vows and the use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are explored in the life of the believer today in terms of deliverance.

Review Quotes

"Challenging the worldview of some Wesleyan historians today, Peter Bellini advocates for a generous and broadly inclusive vision of Wesley's ministry that confronted the hard realities of radical evil, specifically in the form of demonic oppression and possession. What emerges from this balanced and carefully argued approach is not only a rich appreciation of the multivalent nature of human experience, but also a healing balm for all those who suffer spiritually. I highly recommend this book."
--Kenneth J. Collins, professor of historical theology and Wesley studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Peter Bellini has presented, for the broader Wesleyan tradition, a thorough and masterful account of the theological, historical, and practical aspects of a Christian's obligation and privilege to minister in the spiritual realm through deliverance. Bellini has recovered neglected aspects of Wesley's theology and practice, providing a solid basis for the contemporary church, particularly Wesleyan and Methodist adherents, and her ministry of deliverance through Christ for the freedom of the abundant life."
--Scott Kisker, professor of church history, United Theological Seminary

"While advocacy groups grab the headlines, a quiet revolution is underway in Christian theology. East and West, Protestant and Catholic, theologians are working to renew Christianity by retrieving beliefs and practices once central to Christianity. In this new work, Peter Bellini adds his voice to the chorus in a daring way, grappling with the reality of demon possession and working to recover the practice of exorcism. Drawing primarily on John Wesley, Bellini takes a crucial step toward recovering a form of Christianity that takes evil seriously."
--Jason E. Vickers, professor of theology and Wesleyan studies, George W. Truett Theological Seminary

"Sometimes it takes a perceptive observer to point out what many of us have missed. This Peter Bellini does in his careful and persuasive account of the deliverance ministry of John Wesley. Not only does this provide a new perspective on Wesley, but it is an invitation to take as seriously as Wesley did (and as many non-Western Christians do today) the presence of spiritual realities in the world."
--Henry H. Knight III, professor emeritus of Wesleyan studies and evangelism, Saint Paul School of Theology

"Peter Bellini has done the church and academy a tremendous service by addressing an area of John Wesley's life, ministry, and theology that is grossly neglected. In this very accessible volume, Bellini reminds us that the movement that changed the world was not merely one of abstract theological ideas or ecclesial reform, but a miraculous, supernatural, and powerful movement of God in which entire communities were liberated from the guilt and power of sin."
--Matt Ayars, president, Wesley Biblical Seminary

"Those in the Wesleyan theological tradition should not think of exorcism as practiced only by Pentecostals. It was practiced by Methodists 150 years before there were any Pentecostals. Peter Bellini makes this clear in Thunderstruck, where he highlights John Wesley's own experiences with exorcism. This is not just a historical work. It is a book to encourage the return of exorcism ministries to churches in the Wesleyan tradition today."
--Frank Billman, mentor in supernatural ministry, United Theological Seminary

"A genuine supernatural worldview is required if Wesleyans are to ever become a spiritually potent people again, rather than a 'dead

About the Author

Peter J. Bellini is the professor of church renewal and evangelization in the Heisel Chair at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He is the author of The X-Manual (2022), Truth Therapy (2014), The Cerulean Soul (2021), and others.