what can we disagree on and remain together?
Last time, we saw from Scripture that division, while by no means ideal, is sometimes necessary. We must not tolerate false doctrine or sin for the sake of physical unity. But where does that leave us? What are the grounds for division? We've all heard horror stories of church splits over carpet color and other such nonsense. Is that . . .
Posted in: aldersgateumc
is unity the highest good?
or do some things justify a church split?
There is a progressive/liberal group within the Texas Annual Conference called "That We May Be One." On this group's website, they say:
We see divisions within the church as hurting the witness of the biblical unity of the church that Jesus asked for and expected from us. This is why we are deeply committed to . . .
Posted in: aldersgateumc
the marks of a true church
or when does a church cease to be a church?
Have you ever stopped to ask, "What makes the Church the Church?" In other words, what makes the Church unique among the countless gatherings of humanity throughout all time and around the world?
It's not just that we talk about Jesus. Sunday school classes, universities, and seminaries do that. It's not just even . . .
Posted in: aldersgateumc
who is splitting the church?
dividing over one issue...not so fast
Are Methodists really dividing solely over the issue of human sexuality? As I've said before, I think the answer is a resounding 'no.' But let's assume I'm wrong. After all, it happens all the time. Let's assume that human sexuality is the only issue dividing the UMC. Which side made it the issue?
I've . . .
Posted in: aldersgateumc
did God really say?
a progressive hermeneutic of doubt
hermeneutic: noun, a method or principle of interpretation, especially of the Bible
Most liberal / progressive seminaries (and even some evangelical seminaries) teach a form of biblical interpretation known as 'higher criticism.' This approach to studying the Bible, also known as the 'historical-critical method,' came . . .
Posted in: aldersgateumc
how did we get here?
the state of the UMC: a root cause analysis
When you get sick and go to a doctor for treatment, she won't just treat the symptoms but works to treat and eliminate the cause so you don't get sick again. When something breaks on your car, your mechanic doesn't just replace the broken part but tries to determine if there is anything else going on that needs to be corrected to . . .
Posted in: aldersgateumc
dusting off my keyboard
why I'm writing again
Wow. It's been a long time since I've written anything...nearly back in the time of lockdown! In fact, it's been so long that some of you may have forgotten that you subscribed to my blog. If you don't want to receive updates any longer, please unsubscribe via the link in the email that brought you here. You won't hurt my . . .
Posted in: aldersgateumc
