Catholics and Methodists
The
following information was prepared by Mitchell
Williams, Senior Pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist
Church in Huntsville. He has graciously consented to its
use on this web page.
"Here
is a summary of United Methodist Beliefs as I see them:
WE BELIEVE IN THE LIVING GOD. Christianity is
not merely a set of doctrines, a list of do's and don'ts,
or even profound emotions. The faith is first a vital relationship
with God through Christ made real in us by the Holy Spirit.
This relationship of love transforms us and make us know that
we are worth something.
WE BELIEVE IN GOD'S LOVE. First as a gift that
is free rather than a wage that is earned by being good;"
then as a demand to respond to God's love with love toward
God and everyone else; and finally as a power to become more
like Jesus.
WE BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD. Christ
not only saves us from anything that would enslave or destroy
our inmost selves, he is also our "boss," the one we report
to and the one we want to please.
WE BELIEVE IN A BALANCE OF HEART AND HEAD. The
love of God does touch us deeply and move us emotionally.
At the same time, we do not accept everything that "feels"
right, nor are we asked to believe in nonsense. God gave us
a heart and brains, We strive to use both.
WE BELIEVE IN THE BIBLE AS THE GUIDE AND "MEASUREMENT"
OF OUR BELIEFS AND ACTIONS. We have different ideas about
how the Scriptures are divinely inspired. But whatever we
believe, we are not satisfied until the Bible connects with
THE Word of God -- Jesus Christ. We have found that theories
do not save, Christ does.
WE BELIEVE IN CERTAIN MEANS OF GRACE. That is, we find
that God continually uses some familiar ways to give us gifts
of the Spirit: such as Holy Communion, Baptism, prayer, reading
the Bible, fellowship and the acts of service. Yes, God is
in everything, but we are more likely to encounter God when
we are praying (for instance) than when we are not.
WE BELIEVE IN TRADITION. The Church has learned deep
truths over the centuries and we receive these lessons gratefully.
Meanwhile, we are called to interpret the "old story" in new
ways for today (just as our grandparents did in their day).
WE BELIEVE IN DISCIPLINED LIVING. We "press on" to
ever more faithful and courageous lives. This does not happen
if we pay attention to God only when the whim hits us. If
we fail to be committed, we remain shallow in our personal
lives and fearful in our public witness."
In his
book Why I am a United Methodist, William Willimon
writes: "I find that United Methodism has five great gifts
to offer our troubled, but still blessed and beloved-by-God
world:
"(1)
Stress on the need for a personal, engaging, experienced relationship
with Christ. (We can know Christ, not just know about Christ.)
"(2)
The need for structure, discipline, and form in meeting the
challenges of living a Christian life today. (Some things
are too important to be left to chance.)
"(3)
The importance of lifelong journey and self-exarni nation,
assisted by others, in developing our lives in Christ. (We
can actually grow and be better people than we are right now.)
"(4)
The refusal to separate spiritual needs from human, material
needs. (God loves whole persons, not just detached "souls".)
"(5)
The stress upon the church, its proclamation, sacraments,
and other "ordinary means of grace" against our rampant individualism
and subjectivism. (Religion - the Christian one, that is -
is not a private affair.)