From SBC to Methodist

[smc]

Hi, all.

I was raised in a family of non-church-goers. I attended a Methodist church now-and-then with my Grandparents, but that was about it.

As an adult, I came to accept salvation through Jesus Christ. My walk has been a slow one, but in the past months I am feeling compelled to break through some of those walls that I think are keeping me from truly enjoying a closeness to our Lord.

For the past few years my wife and I have attended primarily SBC churches. I was fairly ignorant to the doctrines of these churches, mostly because they operated in "stealth" mode as the SBC often does ;). Admittedly, it was more than a bit of laziness on my part not to look into things in more detail.

Now that I have been searching more actively, I feel that the doctrine of the SBC is not a good fit for my own views. I believe in conditionalism, for example, and though in my experience SBC pastors aren't fond of ever mentioning "Hell" in their sermons, they certainly are not open to the idea of conditionalism. I know that the Methodist church does not espouse conditionalism as a doctrine, but from my readings they are at least open to a discussion of this interpertation (please correct me if I am wrong). This is the main point about the Methodist church that appeals to me ... it assumes that we all have brains and can conduct the proper research in order to make a personal and reasonable interpretation of these issues (again, please correct me if I am wrong on this).

I am also not a conservative ... more of a moderate, and the public stance of the SBC on several issues goes against my grain a bit.

So .. I'm blabberin a bit, but wanted to give some background. I feel I am at a fork in the road. We are presently attending an SBC church plant and my brother-in-law is the pastor. I will most certainly be compelled into membership and would be heavily involved in growing the church. I do not feel it would be honest of me to go too far down this path if I have issues with some of the basic tenants of the SBC.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you may have, particularly from anyone who has had a similar experience and found the Methodist church a "good fit".

[Shane Roach]

Is SBC the Southern Baptist Conference?

I am not aware of an official Methodist stance on Conditionalism. I know I do not believe in it, but that there are a wide variety of beliefs on specific doctrine in the United Methodist Church.

Sorry I can't be of more help!

[rj141]

The Methodist Church didn't particularly have any say in their Articles of Religion although The Evangelical United Brethren Church (with whom The Methodist Church merged to create The United Methodist Church in 1968) states in their Articles of Religion:

"We believe all men stand under the righteous judgment of Jesus Christ, both now and in the last day. We believe in the resurrection of the dead; the righteous to life eternal and the wicked to endless condemnation." - Article XII

It is my experience that Methodism is more on the Traditional view of hell rather than Conditional/Open/Annhilationist

[smc]

thanks for the responses.

Yes, by SBC I meant "Southern Baptist Convention" .... sorry for the shorthand.

I recognize that the Methodist church does not support Conditionalism as a doctrine. In fact, the only major denomination that I know of that officially supports this view are the Seventh Day Adventists. There are many prominent theologians across different denominations, however, who have reached this conclusion.

So, I guess my point/question is:

Is the Methodist church traditionally more open to discussion and interpretation of theology than denominations with perhaps more rigid views (such as the SBC)? Reading through their beliefs this would seem to be the case, but I'd love to hear any personal experiences.

I won't go into my reasoning or interests in the conditionalist/annihilationist view (definitely don't want to start a debate here)--but it is important to me to find a church home that is at least open to personal research, prayer and conclusions when it comes to such matters ... (what the Methodist church seems to refer to as "experience" and "reason").

[sinner/SAVED]

Is the Methodist church traditionally more open to discussion and interpretation of theology than denominations with perhaps more rigid views?
Yeah.

But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works.

[catlover]

What exactly is Conditionalism ??

[InHisSpirit]

Being raised and served in a SBC church, I have had many fire and brimstone messages, and many mentions of hell. I'm not sure what SBC churches you have been to, but here in the south it is preached widely. Now, having said that I can give you some of the general differences between the two. I have not been in the UMC long, so please feel free to correct me if I am mistaken. I do so not to start any debate on these theologies, but as information to you.

1. Once Saved Always Saved. This is a strong belief in SBC. SBC believes salvation is a gift from God and He does not take away what He freely gives or it would not be a gift. UMC does not hold to this theology.
2. Infant Baptism. SBC does not support this theology, but the SBC has a Believer's Baptism. The UMC baptises infants as the parent's symbol of raising the child in the ways of the Lord. SBC sees baptism as an outward symbol of an individual's decision to follow Jesus as Lord.
3. Confirmation. The youth who were baptized as infants in the UMC go through confirmation to gain church membership. However, as of the quadrinium of 2004 they are members from birth. In the SBC membership comes only after your public profession of faith and believer's baptism. There is also the old tradition of church letter which basiclly states you have made a public profession of faith and been baptized.

I hope this helps. God bless.

[Diane_Windsor]

So, I guess my point/question is:

Is the Methodist church traditionally more open to discussion and interpretation of theology than denominations with perhaps more rigid views (such as the SBC)?

YES! I grew up SB and have tremendous respect for the denom I grew up in, but in my experience they don't like it when members "rock the boat" by asking tough and challenging questions. I love to question anything and everything from who Jesus of Nazareth was/is to the canon of the Bible. I have been encouraged by my Methodist leaders to ask these questions and come to my own conclusions about such matters.

DIANE
:wave:

[Diane_Windsor]

What exactly is Conditionalism ??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conditionalism

DIANE
:)