When someone asks, “what do Methodists believe about [fill in the blank],” it could be they are simply asking for information. In that case, I would direct him or her to the Articles of Religion*. The Church of England has thirty-nine statements of faith. In 1784, John Wesley (our founder) cut it down to twenty-four. So, I guess you could say we believe in simplifying things!
Usually, when someone asks what do Methodists believe about …. He or she is asking a deeper question: What does it mean?
As folks read through statements about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, faith, sin, grace, etc., they will ask, “How do you know this is true? How do I apply this? What difference does it make in my life?”
Ah! And there you have a true mark of a Methodist! We believe that our beliefs are evident in our living. It is called practical divinity. What I believe about God makes a difference in how I live and how I interact with the people around me. Methodists believe that we put faith and love into action.
Beginning in August, our worship will focus on our Methodist Beliefs.
August 6th – What United Methodists Believe about Communion
August 13th – What United Methodists Believe about Baptism
August 20th – How United Methodists Interpret Scripture
August 27th – What United Methodists Believe about Salvation
You probably have specific questions.
What about heaven?
What about divorce?
What about creation?
Do pets have souls?
What about …..?
If you have specific questions, send them to cnance@1stchurch.org or sslack@1stchurch.org or leave them in the comments section of this post. You can also ask questions through our social media channels, but be sure and use #UMCBelief when you do. Throughout the month of August, Pastor Sarah and I will answer as many questions as we can in a variety of ways on our online channels and here on the church blog.
You may also write them down and send them to us at:
804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, TN 37803.
Our umc.org has a wonderful section called Our Beliefs and there is a Frequently Asked Questions tab that may answer your question.
Pastor Sarah and I look forward to sharing with you What United Methodists Believe. It will be more of a conversation – and not just reading through twenty-four articles of religion! That’s just how Methodists are!
Rev. Catherine Nance
*The Articles of Religion can be found online at umc.org. Or, you can look them up the old-fashioned way
by going to our church library and finding a Book of Discipline and turning to the front.
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