Do United Methodists believe in sola scriptura?

[Ave Maria]

Do United Methodists believe in sola scriptura? Do you leave any room for Tradition?

 

[Morghaine]

Well, I hesitate to speak for ALL United Methodists, but the majority of United Methodists I know view themselves as more Prima Scriptura - we view Scripture as the primary authority, however tradition and reasoning are important as well.

I was thinking about your question, and remembered a class I took a while back on major United Methodist beliefs. Here are some notes regarding the Bible:

* The Bible, ageless for its stories and events
* The Bible, ageless for its revelation of God's purpose
* The Bible, ageless for its mighty affirmations
* The Bible, ageless for its ministry to human needs

 

[Ave Maria]

Well, I hesitate to speak for ALL United Methodists, but the majority of United Methodists I know view themselves as more Prima Scriptura - we view Scripture as the primary authority, however tradition and reasoning are important as well.

I was thinking about your question, and remembered a class I took a while back on major United Methodist beliefs. Here are some notes regarding the Bible:

* The Bible, ageless for its stories and events
* The Bible, ageless for its revelation of God's purpose
* The Bible, ageless for its mighty affirmations
* The Bible, ageless for its ministry to human needs

Thank you for this response. What exactly does prima scriptura mean? Does it mean that if tradition contradicts scripture then scripture takes precedence?

 

[Morghaine]

Thank you for this response. What exactly does prima scriptura mean? Does it mean that if tradition contradicts scripture then scripture takes precedence?

That's exactly what Prima Scriptura means, the Bible is the final authority. Here's what Wikipedia has to say:

Prima scriptura is a doctrine in Christian theology that says the Bible is "first" or "above all" sources of divine revelation.
Implicitly, this view acknowledges that, besides the Bible, there are other guides for what a Christian should believe, and how he should live, such as the created order, traditions, charismatic gifts, mystical insight, angelic visitations, conscience, common sense, the views of experts, the spirit of the times or something else. Prima scriptura suggests that ways of knowing or understanding God and his will, that do not originate from the Bible, are in a second place, perhaps helpful in interpreting Scripture, but testable by the Bible and correctable by it, if they seem to contradict Scripture.



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

 

[Ave Maria]

That's exactly what Prima Scriptura means, the Bible is the final authority. Here's what Wikipedia has to say:

Prima scriptura is a doctrine in Christian theology that says the Bible is "first" or "above all" sources of divine revelation.
Implicitly, this view acknowledges that, besides the Bible, there are other guides for what a Christian should believe, and how he should live, such as the created order, traditions, charismatic gifts, mystical insight, angelic visitations, conscience, common sense, the views of experts, the spirit of the times or something else. Prima scriptura suggests that ways of knowing or understanding God and his will, that do not originate from the Bible, are in a second place, perhaps helpful in interpreting Scripture, but testable by the Bible and correctable by it, if they seem to contradict Scripture.



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

Interesting! Thanks!

I am just wondering if there has ever been a time in history when Tradition contradicted Scripture?

 

[joyfulthanks]

Hi PeaceLover02,

Wesleyans generally use a quadrilateral in dealing with this issue: scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.

As Morgaine pointed out, scripture is held to be over the other three.

-Grace

 

[Ave Maria]

Hi PeaceLover02,

Wesleyans generally use a quadrilateral in dealing with this issue: scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.

As Morgaine pointed out, scripture is held to be over the other three.

-Grace

Yeah the pastor of a United Methodist Church that I went to for Bible study last night told me about that. He explained it and all. Sounds like good theology to me!

The more I read about the United Methodist Church, the more I like it.

 

[joyfulthanks]

The more I read about the United Methodist Church, the more I like it.

Glad to hear it!

 

[Ave Maria]

Glad to hear it!

Thanks. I intend to start attending a local United Methodist Church and probably even become a member. I've already been baptised. Does anyone know what I have to do to become a member?

 

[joyfulthanks]

You will just need to indicate to the pastor that you want to join. He will bring you in front of the congregation and ask if you will be faithful to the local church (or sometimes to the United Methodist Church) and support it with your prayers, presence, gifts, and service. You will NOT need to be re-baptized.

That's it!

Hope this helps.

-Grace

 

[Ave Maria]

You will just need to indicate to the pastor that you want to join. He will bring you in front of the congregation and ask if you will be faithful to the local church (or sometimes to the United Methodist Church) and support it with your prayers, presence, gifts, and service. You will NOT need to be re-baptized.

That's it!

Hope this helps.

-Grace

Wow thanks! Are there any conversion classes to take?

 

[joyfulthanks]

Not really. The church may offer a new members' class; however, it's not like catechism or anything like that. Usually they go for 5 or 6 weeks on a Sunday morning during Sunday school. They kind of give you an overview of Methodism and of the local church. I don't know of any Methodist churches in which they are actually required for membership, however. They're just meant to be helpful.

-Grace

 

[Ave Maria]

Not really. The church may offer a new members' class; however, it's not like catechism or anything like that. Usually they go for 5 or 6 weeks on a Sunday morning during Sunday school. They kind of give you an overview of Methodism and of the local church. I don't know of any Methodist churches in which they are actually required for membership, however. They're just meant to be helpful.

-Grace

Ah okay. Thanks for the information.

 

[Morghaine]

Keep us updated, and let us know how your journey with the UMC goes! May God bless and keep you!

 

[Ave Maria]

Keep us updated, and let us know how your journey with the UMC goes! May God bless and keep you!

I will certainly keep you updated! Probably in this thread. You can also read my CF blog for updates.

 

[Rhamiel]

Hello, I am a Catholic but my Mom is Methodist and so are a lot of my friends so I like to keep informed about your church, I was wondering about the quadrilateral of scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Do you think some traditions are inspired by God or is it just respect for how your forefathers did things?
Thank you and God bless

 

[Qyöt27]

Hello, I am a Catholic but my Mom is Methodist and so are a lot of my friends so I like to keep informed about your church, I was wondering about the quadrilateral of scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Do you think some traditions are inspired by God or is it just respect for how your forefathers did things?
Thank you and God bless

More than likely both, but I haven't really looked at that aspect much yet. I personally find nothing wrong at all with either Catholic or Eastern/Greek/etc. Orthodox Tradition, I consider those areas open-ended and within possibility, even if I don't necessarily practice them.

I can't speak for every Methodist, though, and I know that on the issue of Communion I'm not entirely in agreement with official doctrine (I do hold to the stated Holy Mystery stance, but I don't exclude Transubstantiation from the realm of possibility like others are apt to do).

 

[Ave Maria]

Well I talked to the pastor today after I thoroughly enjoyed the service and he said that sometimes there are new member classes.