Most United Methodist are familar with John Wesley's saying, "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity."
The question is, what are the essentials? The new website I'm in the process of bringing on line includes a "Beliefs" page. What essential beliefs do you think should be included on this page? I'm thinking I want to include 5 - 6 succinct statements of faith. Let me hear from you.
Here's one I'm thinking about: We believe in the sacred worth of all people. Human life is a gift from God and every person regardless of age, race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, and whether they are born or unborn bears the divine spark of the image of God their Creator and should be treated with dignity and respect.
Isn't it obvious? :)
1) Inerrancy of the Scriptures
2) The virgin birth and the deity of Jesus
3) The doctrine of substitutionary atonement through God's grace and human faith
4) The bodily resurrection of Jesus
5) The authenticity of Christ's miracles (or, alternatively, his premillennial second coming)
These have been "the fundamentals" (or essentials) for more than a century.
Posted by: Alan | October 25, 2006 at 09:00 AM
Personally, I believe you can get the essentials from the Apostle's Creed.
I believe one more essential to be that our salvation is not a one time event, but something that we must live out throughout our lives.
Posted by: Greg Hazelrig | October 30, 2006 at 04:04 AM
I would argue that sacred worth is a value, not a belief. I really dislike the word belief. It's currency has been cheapened -- I do believe I'll have red beans and rice for dinner.
I like saying "I will place all of my hope, trust and faith in..." instead of "I believe."
Posted by: rev mommy | November 15, 2006 at 06:34 PM
I would argue that sacred worth is a value, not a belief. I really dislike the word belief. It's currency has been cheapened -- I do believe I'll have red beans and rice for dinner.
I like saying "I will place all of my hope, trust and faith in..." instead of "I believe."
Posted by: rev mommy | November 15, 2006 at 06:34 PM