what is the differance between

6/11/2007 9:56:09 PM	what is the differance between
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8/4/2007 9:59:51 AM	what is the differance between
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8/4/2007 11:33:07 AM	what is the differance between
chinatown_girl Oyster Bay, NY age: 18 online now!	Comparing Baptists and Methodists (from a methodist site) When comparing Baptists with Methodists, the first question is, of course, Which Baptists? Not only are there different denominations of Baptist heritage but also individuals can differ greatly, even on matters that some consider to strike at the core of belief. For instance, if I understand recent controversy among Southern Baptists, some who are called fundamentalist have gained control in order to stop what they see as the erosion of... well, fundamentals of the faith. They have sought tighter control of denominational institutions, requiring belief in the inerrancy of scripture. Those who are called moderates argue for what they consider to be the traditional Baptist defense of the individual's right to interpret the Bible without official church creeds. Some former Baptists who have joined our church have explained that part of the reason for their changing was to avoid that struggle over dogma. I developed this brochure in response to their questions. DO I HAVE TO LEAVE BEHIND MY BELIEFS? Many have shared that they appreciated not being asked to abandon "treasures" from their upbringing when they joined us: they weren't asked to 'view their former churches as "wrong." I personally welcome the gifts Baptists bring to the larger Body of Christ. Baptists typically enrich us with their devotion to Bible study, dedication to missions, and an aim toward personal conversion. In the United Methodist Church there is also significant diversity that most of us are very comfortable with. This tolerance of differences is sometimes criticized as apathy: "It doesn't matter what you believe if you're a Methodist," some criticize. But we do hold vital core beliefs (perhaps common to most Christians). It is only that we find nothing essential except that which is found in scripture. Nowhere does any part of the Bible speak of how the whole of the Bible is to be interpreted. Each theory of inspiration relates to unique personal experiences. Peter and Paul were fine Christians despite not having a New Testament. Theories do not save: Jesus does. THEN HOW DO WE APPROACH THE BIBLE? Methodists generally read the Bible in order to encounter THE living Word of God - namely Jesus Christ - and let the theories sort themselves out John 1:14-18: Hebrews 1:1-2. Christianity is more than a list of beliefs: it is a relationship with God through Christ. And that relationship grows and changes. For instance, some quote Bible verses against allowing women to instruct men. But United Methodists ordain women- We do so because of scriptural examples of women deacons and "co-apostles" who worked with Paul Acts 18:26, Romans 16:1, l Corinthians 16:19, Galatians 3:28, and because we have witnessed the gifts of the Holy Spirit for leadership in women. For most Baptists and all Catholics, women pastors are some of the most noticeable differences between us. United Methodists value our evangelical heritage and our Catholic heritage. (We are considered "evangelical Catholics" or "catholic evangelicals." Like many Baptists, we look to the scriptures and our own life experience with God in order to judge what is true. But we also trust (within limits) the workings of reason. The mind is a gift from God and should be used to the fullest for the glory of God. And like our Catholic brothers and sisters, we respect the wisdom represented in the tradition of the Church- Each new generation does not have to "re-invent the wheel" religiously.
8/4/2007 11:33:42 AM	what is the differance between
chinatown_girl Oyster Bay, NY age: 18 online now!	Comparing Baptists and Methodists part 2 WHAT ABOUT BEING "BORN AGAIN?" Many Christians stress, as an absolute need, the "born-again" experience. Methodists welcome that gift from God. But, once again, what we seek is not a particular experience or feeling: what we seek is a relationship. So we include many who cannot point to a particular point in time when they received God's love decisively. And we believe that faith is a continuous process of choosing God's way. If humans are free to choose God - and we do believe in "free will" - then they are also able to reject God. True, we have such a small part to play in our salvation. And yet, no one else can do it for us; it is our part. As opposed to those who believe in predestination, we don't think God makes our decisions for us. That robs all the meaning out of the word "decision" and turns God into a capricious bully. In addition to receiving God's love, we are given the demand to act out of that love through works of piety and mercy. These in turn open us up to more love as we grow in the faith. In other words, we hold together Paul's emphasis on faith (Romans 2:27-28) and James' emphasis on works (James 2:24). HOW ARE THE CHURCHES ORGANIZED? Some differences are due to our two histories. Baptists are descended from various groups who found themselves as persecuted minorities in communities with "official churches." A distrust grew toward central organizations. Therefore an association developed linking independent congregations. Methodists had a different history of persecution. We support the independence of heart and mind of each believer, but we find a strength and correction when we are connected In fact, we are organized very much like the American government - a legislative branch, a judicial branch and an executive branch (the bishops). The bishops appoint pastors to churches. This guarantees the freedom of pastors to preach the truth with love - without fear of dismissal- and guarantees that every church will have a pastor. WHAT ABOUT WORSHIP? Our worship descended from the liturgy of the Church of England (the Episcopal Church) and was adapted to the American frontier during the great revival period. We have "high" churches and "low" churches. But all of us love to sing. We pray spontaneously as well as use the great prayers of Jesus and of the saintly of every age. And we expect sermons to relate the Bible to our every day lives. We also celebrate Baptism and the Lord's Supper, but we view them differently than Baptists. As best as I understand it, Baptists generally do not view the sacraments (or "ordinances") as a new event in the spiritual lives of Christians. They are educational symbols to remind us of Jesus' sacrifice and to give public testimony to our conversion experience. But United Methodists believe we receive a new gift (grace) from God in these special moments. God uses common, material things to convey the holy - as God has always done. It's like this: a kiss is not just a symbol of love, it helps create and sustain love.. Smoke is not just a "symbol" or "reminder" of fire, it is evidence Of fire. The sacraments are not just symbols, they are evidence of God doing something to us and for us and in us. Breaking bread and washing people are actions which speak (louder than words) of the love of God. We at enjoy these special times of grace as often as possible, HOW AND WHEN DO WE BAPTIZE? How much water should one use in baptism? Full immersion is a vivid representation of our "dying and being raised in Christ Romans 6:4)." The old self is "drowned" and the new is born. Pouring water over the head reminds us of how our sins are washed away. And a handful of water on the head represents our anointing "Christ"-ing as a royal priesthood I Peter 2:9-10. Methodists baptize all these ways. And, since baptism is the initiation rite into the Body of Christ, the church is always present - no private baptisms. At what age is it appropriate to baptize? As I understand it, Baptists view baptism as a response to a conversion experience. Therefore, they await a profession of faith and belief before baptizing, This is frequently called "adult" baptism, although each year several thousands of six year-old children are baptized in Southern Baptist churches. Methodists do not think God requires abstract understanding for salvation. Faith is not primarily a mental agreement to certain propositions - for even the demons believe - it is a relationship of trust and loyalty. And even babies can have that. Baptism is not a reward for having "arrived" or a graduation exercise. It is the beginning of your growth in Christ. In fact, God probably sees all people being baptized as "babes in Christ." The church opens its membership to believers and their households, but that is not the same as salvation, There is a need for decisions all along the way of our lives. Moments or seasons of renewal can be celebrated with a "reaffirmation of baptism," but we do not re-baptize. Because infants can be baptized, they are welcome to share in the Lord's Supper - as is anyone seeking to love the Lord and follow his ways. "YOU PREACH IN A DIFFERENT WAY" I'm very unsure about this next part. Some who have joined our church have commented that they were glad to get away from preachers who "yelled" and who try to "scare" people into heaven. I don't know how much that stereotype fits your experience - either Methodist or Baptist - but I do know that we try to bring people into the kingdom through the doors of Hope and Love rather than through Fear and Guilt. If we are only trying to escape hell, then "any port in the storm" will do - God is just the lesser of two evils. We'd rather be drawn by the gift of God’s love presented by Jesus: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom," Luke 12:32.

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