1. In your own words please define Christian Perfection. As well please share any words or phrases that may be synonymous with Christian Perfection.

“Christian Perfection” is “to love God – with soul, heart, and mind” and nothing more. Other terms (to me) are simply variations with particular nuances of meaning or implication.

2. Is it important that the doctrine of Christian Perfection be taught?

Yes! For the simple reason that the doctrine is biblical. Jesus’ teaching confirms it!

3. Within the first 50 years of your Christian experience was Christian Perfection taught in the local church?

Yes! But in a variety of forms and emphases with different terminology. In the earlier days of my Christian experience, Christian Perfection was taught as entire sanctification.

4. From your observations have pastors, professors and laity stepped away from the teaching of Christian Perfection.

Yes and No. Yes, we have stepped away from the terminology of Christian Perfection or Holiness. However, I do not really think that we have abandoned the demands and teaching.

5. What are some practical ways that Christian Perfection can be communicated to today’s Christian?

Here are four practical ways:
A) Clarify the biblical claims
B) Provide brief but articulate examples of Christian classics such as Wesley.
C) Make a place in church life for teaching and dialogue.
D) Place emphasis on “holiness” as essentially spiritual health and wholeness.

6) Have you experienced Christian Perfection within your own life? If yes, could you share your experience?

Yes! However, it has been a seventy year process of maturing steps. All the way from my earliest teaching of entire sanctification to a more profound (and I believe adequate) understanding of what is required total surrender to the will of God.

Mr. Mullen is an ordained minister of the Wesleyan Church. He and his wife Vesta reside in Houghton, New York where he is faculty emeriti. From 1966-93 he severed as professor of Bible and Philosophy and Director of Church Relations.