Don Thorsen

Don Thorsen (born 1955 in Turlock, California) is an American scholar and writer. Thorsen has served at Azusa Pacific Seminary since 1988. In addition to being widely published, Thorsen travels internationally, presenting on various theological topics. He has been a contributing editor to Christianity Today, Light and Life, and Christian Scholar's Review. Thorsen teaches master's and doctoral classes and holds membership in such societies as the American Academy of Religion, Wesleyan Theological Society, and Oxford Institute.

Education

 * PhD, Theological and Religious Studies, Drew University
 * M.Phil., Theological and Religious Studies, Drew University
 * Th.M., Systematic Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary
 * M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary
 * B.A., Religious Studies, Stanford University

Career
Don Thorsen is Professor of Theology at Azusa Pacific University Seminary, located in Azusa, California. He promotes the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a methodological complement—if not alternative—to the Protestant Reformation emphasis on Sola scriptura (Lat., "scripture alone"). Thorsen contrasts TULIP—the so-called five points of Calvinism—with ACURA, a Semi-Augustinian alternative acrostic (e.g., Arminianism, Wesleyanism): A = All are sinful; C = Conditional election; U = Unlimited atonement; R = Resistible Grace; and A = Assurance of salvation.

Thorsen also does ecumenical work with the National Council of Churches on the Theological Dialogue on Matters of Faith and Order Convening Table, and on Interreligious Relations and Collaboration. He also works ecumenically with the Wesleyan Holiness Connection. Thorsen served in editorial positions for Christianity Today and Christian Scholar's Review.

Books
In addition to teaching, Thorsen has lectured around the world, and written numerous articles, book chapters, and books. His books include:


 * What's True About Christianity? An Introduction to Christian Faith and Practice. Claremont, CA: Claremont Press, 2020. ISBN 978-1946230416
 * An Exploration of Christian Theology, 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2020) ISBN 978-1-54-096174-7.
 * Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality (InterVarsity, 2018) ISBN 978-0830849673.
 * Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy: An Introduction to Issues and Approaches (Baker Academic, 2018), with Craig A. Boyd. ISBN 978-0801048234.
 * The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: An Introduction (Emeth Press, 2018). ISBN 978-1609471170
 * Twelve Great Books that Changed the University (Cascade, 2014), with Steve Wilkens. ISBN 978-1498216333.
 * Strength to Be Holy (Emeth, 2014). ISBN 978-1609470739.
 * Calvin vs. Wesley: Bringing Belief in Line with Practice (Abingdon, 2013). ISBN 978-1426743351
 * Unity in Mission: Theological Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Mission (Paulist, 2013), edited with Mitzi Budde. ISBN 978-0809148301.
 * Heart and Life: Rediscovering Holy Living (Aldersgate, 2012), edited with Barry Callen. ISBN 978-1609470357.
 * What Christians Believe about the Bible (Hendrickson, 2012), with Keith Reeves. ISBN 978-0801048319.
 * Everything You Know about Evangelicals Is Wrong (Well, Almost Everything) (Baker Academic, 2010), with Steve Wilkens. ISBN 978-0801070976.
 * The Holiness Manifesto (Eerdmans, 2008), edited with Kevin Mannoia. ISBN 978-0802863362.
 * An Exploration of Christian Theology (Hendrickson, 2008; rpt. Baker Academic, 2010). ISBN 978-0801030901.
 * Inclusive Language Handbook (Wesleyan/Holiness Women's Clergy, 1998), with Vickie Becker.
 * Theological Resources for Ministry (Evangel, 1996). ISBN 978-0916035716.
 * The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience as a Model of Evangelical Theology (Zondervan, 1990). ISBN 978-0310753414