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MY
SECOND SHORTEST ARTICLE:
Controversies
in the church are inescapable. In
the 2004 Book of Discipline, you’ll find a major controversy that informs
every past and current debate we have in the church.
Sharp divisions over the trial and conviction of the Rev. Beth Stroud,
domestic partner benefits in West Michigan conference, stances various bishops
take on politics, what groups may receive money and for what purpose, boycotts
against various corporations and environmental terrorism by various
corporations find a home there. Want
to learn more? Read the chapter
entitled DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK.
United Methodists receive support for two divergent tasks.
On one hand, they stand firm on the historic doctrines of the church.
What we believe and core beliefs we hold dear theologically does not
change once affirmed by General Conference.
In sum, “no person, no paper, no organization has the authority to
speak officially for the United Methodist Church, this right having been
reserved exclusively to the General Conference.”
On the other hand, United Methodists can subject those core theological
perspectives to searing scrutiny. Peruse
carefully the section on our Theological Task?
(¶104 Section 4.) Check
out these excerpts. “The
theological task …serves a different function…we test various expressions
of faith by asking: Are they true? Appropriate? Clear?
Cogent? Credible?
Are they based on love? Do they
provide the church with a witness that is faithful to the gospel as reflected
in our living heritage…? You
may ask who can legitimately participate in the theological task. Is it
limited to learned professors in seminary?
According to the Book of Discipline, the dialogue belongs to every
congregation. Laity, clergy,
boards, agencies, theological schools even bishops of the church can foster
this kind of dialogue, legitimately. Diverse
opinions are always welcome. All
this may occur with the Disciplinary understanding that the historic doctrinal
heritage of the church is not sacrificed or changed.
Do you agree? How can this
be? Read and see gentle reader.
(Luke 2:52) And may the
dialogue continue!!
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