Originally founded by John and Charles Wesley, Methodism has its roots in the Anglican Church. Consequently, it is built on a doctrinal foundation that bears a strong resemblance to Anglican doctrine. This includes the belief in the doctrine of the Trinity, the Incarnation, the resurrection of Jesus, the writing of the Bible, the authority of the Church and the assurance of salvation through faith. Methodists also believe in a social gospel, in which individual needs are placed at the center of their ethical and spiritual life.
While there may be differences in opinion as to some of the finer points of doctrine and practice between Methodists and other Christian denominations, the basic tenets of the faith remain the same: the belief in one God, the understanding of Jesus as the only way to salvation, and the acceptance of the Bible as the true and authoritative Word of God. Therefore, it can be said that Methodism is a valid and valid form of Christianity, albeit with certain distinct features.
In theological terms, Methodists believe in the doctrine of sanctification. This is the idea that, through belief in and acceptance of Jesus, a person can be made holy and set apart from the world. This is a fundamental belief of Methodists, though there are differences among denominations about exactly how sanctification is achieved. This is exemplified in the famous Holiness Movement of the 19th century, which proposed a belief in the power of the Holy Spirit to effect this transformation.
Methodists also emphasize the importance of practical holiness and service. Methodists are known for their emphasis on works-based salvation, which involves doing work for others, in the spirit of serving one’s neighbor. Works-based salvation is not a commonly held belief among all denominations, but it is a fundamental tenet of Methodism.
Finally, despite some of the differences in doctrine, Methodism remains firmly rooted in the Christian tradition. From its foundation to its present-day form, Methodism has held onto the same basic beliefs as other branches of Christianity and continues to have a strong presence in the United States and other parts of the world. This is a testament to the fact that Methodism is indeed a form of Christianity.
Theology of Sanctification
Justification is the step in which sinners confess their own guilt and God changes their legal standing before Him, forgiving them of all of their sins. In sanctification, believers deepen their allegiance to the Lord and dedicate their lives to Him. As part of sanctification, believers should strive to live according to God’s commands and to deny their own fleshly desires. The final step of sanctification is glorification, which is the spiritual growth process that leads to the ultimate union of the Christian with God, where believers become more and more like Him.
In summation, Methodists believe that — through justification, sanctification, and glorification — an individual can be transformed into a new creation, cleansed from sin, and made fit for eternal life with Christ.
Preaching and Worship
In Methodist worship, the main focus is on hymns and hymn singing. Hymns are sung in an informal and spontaneous style, often in response to a sermon. Singing is often accompanied by a chorus of clapping and “amen”-ing. Worship services also involve a call to conversion, with Methodists emphasizing the importance of responding to God’s call with a sincere commitment to live a life of faith.
Worship services may also involve shouts of hallelujah, spontaneous prayer, and responsive readings from Scripture. All of these elements combine to produce a holistic approach to worship that focuses on the individual believer’s relationship with God. As such, it can be said that Methodist worship seeks to engage people’s minds and hearts in order to draw them closer to God.
The Church of the Laity
The Church of the Laity has been described as a sort of spiritual democracy, where all baptized people have a voice in the direction and workings of the Church. Methodists believe that a healthy Church requires the involvement of lay people in the decisions about their local church and even the denomination as a whole. Consequently, Methodists view the Church as an egalitarian community where all baptized people are equal and called to serve.
At the same time, Methodists recognize the need for organization and structure in the Church. Methodist churches are often ruled by an elected layperson or a bishop. These leaders provide guidance and direction to the Church, allowing its members to serve in whatever capacity they are called to do.
Stewardship and Social Justice
This notion of human dignity is embodied in the practice of stewardship, which preaches the importance of sharing our time, talents, and resources with others to serve the needs of the world. Stewardship is essential to the practice of religious devotion and is at the heart of the social gospel.
Methodists also emphasize the importance of social justice, which encompasses the notion of acting for the benefit of those less fortunate than ourselves. The Church has taken on a prominent role in initiatives and activities devoted to the alleviation of poverty and the pursuit of a more equitable society.
Methodists also continue to be committed to the protection and promotion of civil and human rights. As part of this commitment, Methodists frequently engage in political and social activism to effect positive change in society.
Spiritual Disciplines
Prayer is seen as the foundation of spiritual growth and is a daily part of Methodist life. Fasting, although not required of all Methodists, is encouraged, as it is seen as a way to strengthen one’s spiritual life. The reading of Scripture is also emphasized and is seen as a way to stay connected to the heart of the Christian faith.
The practice of keeping religious records is also seen as a way to nourish and strengthen one’s spiritual life. This may include maintaining a religious journal or prayer list. Through these practices, Methodists seek to deepen their relationship with God through a greater awareness of His presence and grace.
Conclusion
Methodists embrace the doctrine of sanctification, emphasize the importance of spiritual disciplines such as prayer and fasting, and stress the importance of social justice and the Church of the Laity. The distinctive features of Methodism serve to make it a unique and valid tradition, clearly demonstrating that Methodism is a form of Christianity.
