Call all FREE METHODISTS, I have a question for YOU.

[BryanW92]

Interesting Bryan, I found the term insulting. Conservatives don't like to be called "Bible thumpers" and Holiness folks surely don't appreciate being call "pew jumpers" or "holy rollers." But I've heard them called that.

Can we exchange different ideas about our theologies without insult to someone else's views?

I looked up the word to see if it was a recent invention before I posted. It has been around since the 16th century at least. It's not a liberal vs conservative thing. It's a people of God vs people of the WORLD thing. Check your bible and you'll see that those people get called out in there too.

But, you can call me a bible thumper if you wish. You can't really call me a holy roller since I don't do that, but if you have any good insulting names for people who believe in personal holiness as a primary goal, then go ahead. I will wear that label with great joy!

 

[circuitrider]

You are missing the point Bryan. By your own definition you are saying that United Methodists are people of the world and not people of God. Baloney. When God makes you lord and judge then I'll accept that from you. But not until then.

 

[BryanW92]

Having come from the Holiness Movement, the FMC is not a 'mainline' denomination. There tends to be less division because the worldlings are free to move on and join the UMC or whatever.

I like that term "worldlings". It does accurately describe the people who choose culture over Christ, doesn't it?

You are missing the point Bryan. By your own definition you are saying that United Methodists are people of the world and not people of God. Baloney. When God makes you lord and judge then I'll accept that from you. But not until then.

No. A Rhys said that. I just said that I liked the word. I had never heard it before and it seemed like a word that can apply to some Christians today. I neither agreed nor disagreed with his statement. But as they say, "throw a rock and the dog that gets hit yelps the loudest."

Most United Methodists that I know are not worldlings at all. The politics of the denomination are largely hid from them and it is their fault for not seeking the knowledge on their own, but that doesn't make them a worldling (or "of this world" to quote Jesus). I didn't leave the UMC because of the people. I pray that the people make the same difficult decision that I had to make and go on to other places as they feel led.

Why do you think that I am calling myself a lord and judge?? I made my own decision. I told no one, including my wife, the full reason why I left. I would not try to influence any of them. Judgement implies punishment and I am not punishing the UMC. I lack the power to do that and if you hadn't brought it up, I wouldn't have even mentioned it here again unless someone questioned the change of my faith icon.

 

[A Rhys]

No. A Rhys said that.

True, and I stand by it. The UMC, as a mainline denomination, generally accommodates 'liberal' views on social issues; the Free Methodist Church, being a Holiness offshoot, generally does not.

The FMC does not experience the degree of division over such issues that the UMC does, largely due to the fact that the less conservative members can very easily leave the FMC and join the UMC which, again, is generally accomodating of such views. It is easier, I think, for the worldlings to migrate to the mainlines than it is for conservatives in the mainlines to find a home elsewhere, hence the equilibrium effect.

 

[circuitrider]

Why do you think that I am calling myself a lord and judge?? I made my own decision. I told no one, including my wife, the full reason why I left. I would not try to influence any of them. Judgement implies punishment and I am not punishing the UMC. I lack the power to do that and if you hadn't brought it up, I wouldn't have even mentioned it here again unless someone questioned the change of my faith icon.

I didn't know that you changed denominations actually Bryan.

I said what I said above because some Christians (usually conservative Christians) use language that makes them out to be the only "real" Christians. Some of this is common in charismatic circles using terms like "full gospel" to mean that you don't have the full gospel if you don't agree with us.

Or sometimes certain branches of the holiness movement where the emphasis is on separation. Or groups like Independent Baptists who separate themselves from all other Christians unless you agree with them.

I see this separating the Church up by theologies and implying that others aren't good Christians as a bad thing and I think the term "worldlings" for those who disagree with someone's theology is a term just like "full gospel." It is a "we are holy and you aren't" kind of terminology.

I hope you enjoy your new Church affiliation and that it meets your needs.

 

[circuitrider]

True, and I stand by it. The UMC, as a mainline denomination, generally accommodates 'liberal' views on social issues; the Free Methodist Church, being a Holiness offshoot, generally does not.

The FMC does not experience the degree of division over such issues that the UMC does, largely due to the fact that the less conservative members can very easily leave the FMC and join the UMC which, again, is generally accomodating of such views. It is easier, I think, for the worldlings to migrate to the mainlines than it is for conservatives in the mainlines to find a home elsewhere, hence the equilibrium effect.

Again A Rhys, it is an insulting term which, by the way, violates the rules of this forum. Name calling of other denominations or their members or those who would choose to be members is not Christ-like.

And by the way, we don't "accommodate" liberal views. The UMC actually believes in diversity. Which means liberals and conservatives are both welcome.

 

[GraceSeeker]

Having come from the Holiness Movement, the FMC is not a 'mainline' denomination. There tends to be less division because the worldlings are free to move on and join the UMC or whatever.

I'm amazed at how many NON-Free Methodists have seen fit to answer on their behalf. And now, not only are they not Free Methodists, they are also non-members of the WP, and think that they know Methodism well enough to lob insults at those of us who are.

Sorry, Rhys, since you are not a Free Methodist, you response does not help me with answering the question I am seeking to learn about. But in choosing to stoop to name calling, you show that Pentecostals can behave just a worldly as anyone else. I guess I did learn that from your post.

 

[GraceSeeker]

I like that term "worldlings". It does accurately describe the people who choose culture over Christ, doesn't it?

I like the term itself, Bryan, because it very accurately describes a particular way of living. On the other hand, I find it to be a pejorative term, and to use it as Rhys did projecting a rationale onto a group of people as a whole, most of whom I think we can fairly assume he has not had personal contact with but whom he is still willing to attribute a motivation to is highly insulting (and I would submit unchristian) behavior. Indeed, I would also submit, it is ironically the most worldly of behaviors that I have seen in this forum recently.

 

[Zoness]

Having come from the Holiness Movement, the FMC is not a 'mainline' denomination. There tends to be less division because the worldlings are free to move on and join the UMC or whatever.

As a skeptic who is considering trying church again (but with moderately liberal views) should I assume that the term worldlings is an insult? I'm simply seeking clarification.