Introduction
Christianity as a religion has developed into a variety of denominations. Hence, different subgroups of believers have slightly contrasting beliefs established due to historical, political, social, and religious changes. Methodism comprises multiple denominations correlating with Protestantism. The religious connotations derive from the teaching of Charles Wesley, and despite its tumultuous history, it has become a numerous movement with millions of adherents worldwide. The current paper provides an overview of the Methodist Church in terms of its history, theological concepts, and personal reflections.
History
As highlighted prior, Methodism was established as a branch of the Protestant Church of England. John and Charles Wesley concluded that reforms needed to be implemented within the Anglican church (Global Methodist Church, 2023). Despite the relative failure to bring the belief system into America, the brothers started preaching to crowds who did not find a connection with God through the national church at the time. While not formally seeking separation from the religion above, Methodism became a unique establishment after the brothers’ death and its more widely spread influence both in Great Britain and America.
The history of Methodism illustrates the background in which a denomination was established due to the faith of the individuals seeking to create more opportunities for people to find closeness with God. The Anglican Church, which has a response to Catholicism, was the basis of Methodism. While not contrasting in teachings, the various forms that religion takes highlight multiple ways believers choose to worship God and exemplify their beliefs and traditions.
Theology
Methodism is a Christian denomination with teachings established based on the Bible, both the Common English Bible and the New Revised Standard Version. Wesleyan Theology is closely related to the profession of faith in the teachings, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit. One of the teachings is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NIV). Methodists, just as Christians of all denominations, pray and believe in the trinity of God as Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Love for God is central to a believer’s life as it provides a sense of joy, purpose, and hope.
Additionally, like all Christians, Methodists share similar beliefs regarding the life of Jesus and the journey he experienced. An example is the miracles that Jesus performed for vulnerable people, such as those with leprosy he cured, one of them returning to thank and praise the Lord for his recovery (New International Version, 2011, Luke 17:12-19). Methodists do not differentiate from other Christian believers in having faith that Jesus was among men and exercising his power to help those in need. Another example of Jesus’s life is the curing of the blind man at Bethsaida (New International Version, 2011, Mark 8:22-25NIV). Such passages highlight certain aspects correlating with Jesus’s life and teachings illustrated in the bible, which Methodists, alongside other Christians, believe in due to their theological background.
As with every religion based on the New Testament, the Methodist church subscribes to the five main Christian milestones, including Baptism, Transfiguration, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension; based on the New Testament, Jesus’s journey starts with his Baptism by John the Baptist, exemplified in Matthew 3:13-17 (New International Version, 2011).
Methodists believe baptism symbolizes the beginning of ministry and confirmation of religious aims, and Jesus started his path this way to confirm his holiness as the son of God. Transfiguration is another milestone that Methodists associate with Jesus’s first transition and appearance in the complete heaven’s glory. The change in appearance and his portrayal in a divine manner is exemplified in Matthew 17(New International Version, 2011).
Additionally, crucifixion is one of the most essential elements in the New Testament and a prominent message in the Methodist Church. The crucifixion described in Matthew 27:32-56 is a message of love and sacrifice for humanity (New International Version, 2011). Methodists wear crosses that symbolize the highest act of love for humans, which is deeply portrayed through the self-sacrificial act that leads to Jesus’s death.
Resurrection is another milestone following the crucifixion. For Methodists and other Christians, it symbolizes life after death and the final judgment. It is described in Luke 24 when the body of Jesus was nowhere to be found as people realized the Lord had risen (New International Version, 2011). Last but not least, as per Methodist teachings, the milestone of Ascension is the act of Jesus ascending to the heavens. All the teachings and life events exemplified in the bible are sacred for all denominations. Simultaneously, it is essential to determine the differences in denominations to comprehend the individuality of the Methodist church and highlight its unique connotations and elements.
Difference from Other Denominations
As highlighted prior, the Methodist church was based on the Anglican church and its belief system. Anglican theology, on the other hand, is derivative of Catholicism. First and foremost, Catholicism is believed to have been established by Jesus, while Methodism is believed to have been established by Wesley (What are the differences between Catholics and Methodists?).
Additionally, Methodists do not believe in having a Pope figure compared to their counterparts. Additionally, Methodism is, to a certain extent, more centered around the individual experience of God and religion. As illustrated, Catholics and Methodists have similar beliefs and books upon which they base their faith. Nonetheless, the differences above generate a particular contrast between the two theological schools.
As highlighted prior, Methodism did not directly derive from Catholicism but from Anglicanism, which has its roots in Catholicism. Anglicans have a more rigid hierarchy in the church leadership, which is, to an extent, derived from its Catholic background. Furthermore, Methodists emphasize the vitality of personal faith over worshipping without minimizing the second aspect of faith. The significant yet noticeable differences generate opposing opinions, expressed contrastingly depending on one’s school of theology of choice or tradition.
Personal Reflections
The Methodist church was established due to the need for reforms in the Anglican church. To a certain extent, its current popularity, exemplified through millions of followers, is a result of its aims to align with more modern ideas and its inclusivity. Methodists, however, share various similarities with Anglicanism and Catholicism, which was the basis for both schools of thought. In my opinion, the Methodist church has a unique trait of focusing on one’s relationship with God and faith. Hence, the emphasis is on personal growth in religion. This allows individuals to build more profound love for the Lord and the religion that cherishes such understanding.
Furthermore, the faith and relationship established with the higher power helps individuals change and transition. Such changes may be behavioral, perceptional, or moral. Nonetheless, the effort required to study and find a personal connection with God can lead to significant character changes—the path to religious empowerment generates empowerment and motivation in other areas of life.
Despite emphasizing the importance of loving God personally, Methodism has a strong basis in the scriptures. As a derivative of Catholicism and Anglicanism, Methodists follow the same scripture and do not implement revolutionary ideas in traditional beliefs and concepts. Instead, the concepts are given another connotation, such as in the case of personal discovery of the Lord over the eucharist. Despite the focus on independent religious thought, the element of religion does not contradict the importance of community.
The mission to help those in need is also present in all denominations and religious branches of Christianity. The Methodist church does not stray from the importance of charity and is involved in various activities, such as assisting the poor, children, and seniors. Methodism as a denomination is the result of changes in the needs of people, and the answer to such desires was the establishment of a new theological branch. However, incorporating existing dogmas and traditions generates a unique yet religiously traditional context for faith and love for God.
Conclusion
The Methodist church is a relatively large branch of the Protestant church established based on Anglican traditions, which are derivative of Catholicism. The Bible is the holy book and the central source of religious and personal wisdom based on the denomination. Milestones such as baptism, transfiguration, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension are critical to Methodism.
While similarities are present between Methodism, Catholicism, and Anglicanism, the Methodist branch emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship and understanding of god over traditional worshipping in a church. Simultaneously, community and helping those in need are important for all branches and denominations. Currently, millions of Methodists worldwide follow the traditions and beliefs correlating with the denomination through faith, love for the creator, and assistance of others.
References
Global Methodist Church. (2023). What do Methodists believe?: Learn more: Global church. making disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church – The Holy Spirit is reviving the Methodist movement through the Global Methodist Church. We aim to make disciples of Jesus who worship, love, & witness boldly. Web.
Jones, D. (2023). Teaching the who, what and why of the United Methodist Church. ResourceUMC. Web.
New International Version. (2011). Biblica, Inc.
St. Mary’s Catholic Center. (n.d.). What are the differences between Catholics and Methodists? St. Mary’s Catholic Center. Web.