Lots of Methodists, Maybe a Majority, Don't Care Which Faction They Belong To


While some readers of this blog have passionate views about theology and religion, they do not represent much of Christianity. The Methodist are splitting into one branch which forbids gays from being their preachers. The other side is splitting into several factions. The link says most of those in the pews don't care, ya or nay, about gay or straight pastors. They just enjoy dressing up on Sunday and seeing people they know.

Sometimes this latter group is said to follow "folk religion." Roger E. Olson, a Baptist professor I quote here often told of a personal experience. He was a member in a Baptist church somewhere, he moved several times during his long university career. The church he belonged to was pondering its policy of only allowing members who were baptized full emersion. There was the potential of several new members if they relaxed this standard. 

A committee was named to consider this. Olson may have been the most qualified to advise on the theology of the issue. He requested being on the committee. He was not chosen and was rejected a second time when an opening came along. While he understood why they did not want him on such a committee he inquired directly of one of the pastors. The reply was they did not want to go into the weeds of theology but instead wanted to decide on what was "nice." If that doesn't reflect of the Christian world I don't know what does.

Now, the various factions of Methodism are trying to figure out how to attract these members who are not interested in any of the theological or moral arguments. Is it genuine Starbucks during coffee time? Is it day care with take-home toys every Sunday? Is it catered in instead of potluck on Senior's Night? Each faction needs an income stream from members.

And then there is the name. Instead of Holy Methodists or Reformed Methodists maybe something noncommittal would be better. Perhaps Movin' On Methodists, or, Maybe Methodists?

Two things we can count on: 1.) Most of those in all factions will care little about theology. 2.) Those who care about theology will disagree and splits will continue forever.

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