A couple of weeks ago, our L3 Leadership Incubator was meeting in Baltimore when one of our members invited a surprise guest to our dinner table, Brian Mclaren, one the foremost writers and thinkers about contemporary spirituality and the church. In the midst of our conversation he made this rather generous and hopeful remark: "United Methodists have the theology and message that best connects to today's culture." These words have reverberated in my mind since then and it connected with one of the reasons why I wrote 7 Myths of the United Methodist Church along with the many contributors to the book. So picking up on the theme here are a couple of supporting comments:
1. Wesley fought against the concept of pre-destination and embraced free will -- that God instilled in us the ability to say yes or no to faith in Jesus Christ. This is a message that invites searchers for spiritual truth a reason to hear the message of Jesus Christ. It also leaves room for doubt and in turn a desire to go deeper in faith and commitment. If you are born saved or unsaved what reason do you have to pursue a relationship with Jesus? If you have no choice in the matter, just get baptized and hope it sticks. But if you have choice, then all the more reason to seek God and discover the grace of Jesus that forgives and gives life for eternity.
2. The vision of the early Methodist to see personal piety and social justice as two sides of the same coin. As major companies like Starbucks promote a desire to change the world, United Methodists do so at a level that can sustain change. Faith in Jesus and the using of one's spiritual gifts for the greater good is the fuel for transformation.
3. The United Methodist Church is the largest denomination to ordain women. This is one that separates us from Baptists, Roman Catholics, and many other denominations. In a time where women are now leaders in many different fields, its hard for the greater culture to understand why women are not good enough or holy enough or capable enough to pastor and lead congregations. As a denomination we have pretty much answered that question as women are found in all places of leadership throughout the church.
4. The recovery of the spiritual disciplines as a way to shape faith and values. Brian McLaren in his new book, Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices challenges Christians to move away from a belief centered faith to a spiritual practice centered life. Everyone can profess a number of beliefs, the issue is whether anyone can discern you live a Godly life because of them. (see my review on Amazon of McLaren's book -- see link below) As United Methodists we have a long tradition of this -- The Upper Room Magazine has been consistent guide for daily devotions for years and resources like Disciple Bible Study and Companions in Christ have challenged people in our congregations to go deeper in their connection to God and each other.
Why we are far from perfect, and most of us have a great way to go in these areas, by embracing our historic values we find a message that connects to today's world.
I invite you to consider these questions as well: Does being a United Methodist make a difference for you? What about its approach to faith and spirituality attracts and challenges you? Be sure to comment below and share your thoughts on this important topic.
Link to Mclaren's new book: (click customer comments to find the review)
http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Our-Way-Again-Practices/dp/0849901146/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211634131&sr=8-2
Saturday, May 24, 2008
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