Have you heard this sentiment recently?
“United Methodists can believe anything.”
Sometimes, the proclaimers follows his our her proclamation with, “And I love it that way!”
As a pastor, I hear this “fact” from many members. Even more, I frequently encounter this attitude in the hallways of Duke Divinity School (where I am a student).
While, we (Methodists) are not typically known as theological giants, we certainly do not hold to a theology that allows for anything. We have the Book of Discipline, the Articles of Faith, and orthodox Church creeds. Even more, one might say that the UMC Social Creed and the General Rules also captivate the spirit of Methodist “beliefs.”
As Craig Groeschel points out, and Matt Judkins comments on, Methodists are often commended for their “social consciousness.” While Methodists are to be lifted up for their work in the social sphere, relegating their theological convictions to the background casts aside the other half of the story.
We are Methodists, and we do believe in something…specific…Scriptural.
It’s time we recover (and promote) our theological depths…which are partially the impetus behind our social consciousness.
I agree with you- there is theology that is specifically Methodist, and there are lots of people who would benefit from learning more about it.
One of the things I love about being a Methodist, though, is our wide range of diversity in thought and in practice. When you’re a Methodist, there’s room to respectfully disagree and to do things differently from one another in so many ways, room to grow, learn, and explore for all of us. Participating in my annual conferences has given me so much respect for the fact that there’s no sentence in the Book of Discipline that wasn’t rigorously discussed, debated, and prayed upon by people from a wide range of faith perspectives, all working within the same basic set of beliefs. It’s… it’s kind of beautiful to me, the way God works within that process.
Heather,
Thanks for stopping by, and providing your insightful thoughts. It’s great to hear from you.
You said it very well. While we (Methodists) do have a theology that is uniquely Wesleyan, we also maintain a diversity of views. I find it interesting when talking to other pastors or students that many of the diverse views within our tradition are generally rooted in Wesleyan heritage (intentionally or unintentionally). Somehow, and rather beautifully (as you said), there is a unity in that diversity.