Theology

United Methodist Distinctives

We believe in the centrality and authority of Scripture.

We believe in free will.

We believe in the grace of God. That grace is

• prevenient - it goes before us, calling us into a relationship with God even before we are aware of God;

• justifying - through Jesus Christ we are transformed, receive pardon from sin and liberation from guilt;

• sanctifying - enables us to live lives of holiness.

Thoughtfully and critically review your sources.

Much popular religious literature is based on the fundamentalist tenet of the inerrancy of Scripture. This concept is not a tenet of United Methodist belief. Teachers need to use discretion and good judgment when accessing such resources.

Much popular literature also contains a determinist slant which is often in direct opposition to our belief in free will. Once again, teachers should use good judgment and discretion with such resources.

A large body of well-known and popular literature deals with Biblical prophecy, end times, rapture, and other beliefs of a dispensationalist nature. These beliefs are not basic to Christian belief and should never be taught as such.

When reviewing material, consider the answers to these three basic questions:

• What does this material say about God?

• What does this material say about human beings?

• What does this material say about the interaction of God and human beings?