CHARLES WESLEY ROCKS!

"Prisoners of Hope" is the title of a new CD of Charles Wesley's hymns recorded by students and alumni of Asbury Seminary and Asbury College, and produced by Jerry Walls. Inspired by the tercentennial of Charles Wesley's birth, this is an eclectic collection of 16 hymns in a variety of contemporary tunes and styles, ranging from folk to rock, from "indie" to electronic. This collection features not only several of his biggest hits such as "And Can it Be" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," but also a number of less familiar ones such as "Prisoners of Hope, Arise," from which the title comes. The sixteen hymns are arranged according to the Church year, beginning with Advent and concluding with the Ascension. All major doctrines of the church, as well as the distinctive Wesleyan account of salvation, are represented in this collection. Listening to the CD is a great way to enjoy a concise and aesthetically appealing summary of Wesleyan theology. The hope of the producer and the musicians involved in the project is that it will allow all of us to hear Charles Wesley afresh and thereby to hear the marvelous news that makes even the lame leap for joy. The CD can be purchased through the seminary bookstore. Profits from sales of the CD will go to a scholarship fund at the Seminary.