Beliefs

We believe the Bible, and we recognize that most Christians do.  We celebrate the various understandings everyone brings to the table.

The concepts of Scriptural infallibility and inerrancy refer only to the original texts, not to the subsequent translations, interpretations, and applications. The concepts themselves are interpretations of Biblical passages and derivative theologies, such as the word “inspiration” in 2 Timothy 3:16.

The life and teachings of Jesus are paramount in the Bible. Jesus challenged some Old Testament passages, and he elevated others as having greater weight (i.e., Matthew 5:38-39 and Matthew 22:36-40).

Please see “Theological Guidelines: Scripture” for more about the United Methodist understanding of the Bible, which we affirm to be the Word of God and our primary resource for the Christian faith.

 

A Creed in the Words of St. John
United Methodist Book of Worship, 1968 edition
An affirmation of faith from the writings of St. John

We believe that God is spirit, and they that worship God
must worship in spirit and in truth.

We believe that God is Light,
and if we walk in the light, as God is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another.

We believe that God is Love, and that everyone who loves
is born of God and knows God.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,
and that God has given to us eternal life,
and this life is in God’s Son.

We believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life,
and that all who believe in Jesus,
though they were dead, yet shall they live.

We believe that we are children of God,
and that God has given us God’s own Spirit.

We believe that if we confess our sins,
God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We believe that the world and its desires will pass away,
but whoever does the will of God lives forever.   Amen.