Methodist religion... sum it up!?

Question

What constitutes a methodist? I'm interested in learning what makes this type of church stand out from the rest. No essays please, just honest summaries.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Methodists tend to be open to the "smaller points" of doctrine, meaning they'll allow women pastors, are flexible on tithe, and work very, very hard to be inclusive to all kinds of people no matter where they are in their walk.

However, they are "sticklers" for the "larger points" meaning grace, forgiveness, and holding teachers to a higher standard as well as a profound outreach into social change (i.e. soup kitchens, medcial missions, etc).

The word "Methodist" came about because of all the "methods of worship" for various types of "rituals" -- this meant that they had a "method for everything" in worship: specific text to read for weddings, funerals, prayers, baptism, etc.

Answer 2

This is a little long, but you asked a big question.

One of the distinctive aspects of Methodism is its emphasis on Grace.

By grace, Methodists mean the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit. While the grace of God is undivided, it precedes salvation as "prevenient grace," continues in "justifying grace," and is brought to fruition in "sanctifying grace."

Methodists assert that God's grace is manifest in all creation even though suffering, violence, and evil are everywhere present. The goodness of creation is fulfilled in human beings, who are called to covenant partnership with God. God has endowed us with dignity and freedom and has summoned us to responsibility for our lives and life of the world.

In God's self-revelation, Jesus Christ, we see the splendor of our true humanity. Even our sin, with its destructive consequences for all of creation, does not alter God's intention for us - holiness and happiness of heart. Nor does it diminish our accountability for the way we live.

Despite our brokenness, we remain creatures brought into being by a just and merciful God. The restoration of God's image in our lives requires divine grace to renew our fallen nature.