What can I review to get a true Biblical understanding of these issues?
The Division of the UMC
Good News has produced a 6-part video series providing a step by step discussion of the UMC division. It provides information you will not hear elsewhere.
1. The United Methodist Church is Divided and Dividing – YouTube
2. Our Differences Regarding the Bible – YouTube
3. Our Differences Regarding Jesus – YouTube
4. Our Differences Regarding Sexuality – YouTube
5. Why It’s Time for Traditionalists to Leave – YouTube
6. Where Should We Go? – YouTube
METHODIST THEOLOGY GENERALLY
The Rise of Theological Liberalism and the Decline of American Methodism, James V. Heidinger, II (Seedbed 2017). This book provides the reader a Methodist specific understanding of how liberal theology emerged and how it has impacted Methodism in America.
Are We Really Better Together? An Evangelical Perspective on the Division of the UMC, Rob Renfroe and Walter Fenton (Abingdon Press 2018). The authors set out to address the division within The United Methodist Church and contend that remaining united is hurting the church and the proclamation of the gospel.
The Next Methodism: Theological, Social and Missional Foundations for Global Methodism, Eds, Kenneth Collins and Ryan Danker (Seedbed 2022). This 400 page volume is a collection of essays written by leading Methodist scholars and theologians looking back on where we came from and charting a course for the future of the Methodist movement.
Perfect Love: Recovering Entire Sanctification- The Lost Power of the Methodist Movement, Kevin Watson (Seedbed 2021). According to John Wesley, God raised up Methodism in order to spread the central teaching of entire sanctification. This book calls all Methodists back to who we have been at our best, in times when we have been a growing, vibrant, and Spirit-filled movement. There is a leader’s guide and video DVD to be used in small group discussions.
HUMAN SEXUALITY
For the Body: Recovering a Theology of Gender, Sexuality, and the Human Body, Dr. Timothy Tennent (Zonderan/Seedbed 2020). This book presents deep theological issues in a way accessible to lay persons. There is a leader’s guide and video DVD to be used in small group discussions. It is a wonderful resource for Sunday School classes.
The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics, Dr. Robert A. J. Gagnon (Abingdon Press 2010). This is a deeply scholarly analysis of the subject. It is the comprehensive resource to have on your shelf to combat the arguments of those who attempt to twist the Biblical Hebrew and Greek. There is a section which addresses common progressive arguments.
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context, David Instone-Brewer (Eerdmans Publishing 2002). Among the important findings of the book are that both Jesus and Paul condemned divorce without valid grounds and discouraged divorce even for valid grounds; that both Jesus and Paul affirmed the Old Testament grounds for divorce; that the Old Testament allowed divorce for adultery and for neglect or abuse; and that both Jesus and Paul condemned remarriage after an invalid divorce but not after a valid divorce. Instone-Brewer shows that these principles are not only different from the traditional church interpretation of the New Testament but also directly relevant to modern relationships.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe, Dr. Voddie T. Baucham, Jr. (Salem Books 2021). This important book explains the source, history, and progression of the social justice movement and why it is anti-Biblical.
Where can I go online to read leading traditional thinkers and keep myself current when events occur?
Wesleyan Covenant Association
https://wesleyancovenant.org/
Because the WCA has taken the lead in developing a book of Doctrines and Disciplines for a new Methodist denomination, and has already formed task forces to equip local churches in patterns of revitalization, the regular posts on this web-site are essential reads for staying informed in regard to the future of the next expression of Methodism.
Global Methodist Church
Global Methodist Church
The Global Methodist Church launched May 1, 2020 and will be holding a convening conference next year. The GMC is currently being managed by a Traditional Leadership Council and has proposed a Draft Book of Doctrines and Discipline. The GMC webpage is an excellent source of information.
People Need Jesus
https://peopleneedjesus.net/
Dr. Chris Ritter serves as the Directing Pastor of Geneseo First United Methodist Church, and sits on the Global Council of the Wesleyan Covenant Association. As a thought leader related to the possibilities of a new Methodist movement, he shares insightful thoughts through his web-site, PeopleNeedJesus.net. In addition to Dr. Ritter’s insights, the compendium of denominationally wide information is helpful for staying informed and keeping pace with rapidly ongoing developments.
Vital Piety
https://vitalpiety.com/
Dr. Kevin M. Watson was formerly the Assistant Professor of Wesleyan & Methodist Studies at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He is currently on staff at a UMC in Waco Texas. Dr. Watson is one of two Methodist theologians who are on the list because of their regular contributions through writing, speaking and blogging. Dr. Kevin Watson’s website, Vital Piety, contains theological insights, as well as clarion calls for a reawakening to Wesleyan discipleship, and life-giving Scriptural holiness.
David F. Watson, Musings and What Not . . .
https://davidfwatson.me/
Dr. David F. Watson serves as Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Through his blog and podcasts, the reader and listener are invited to think deeply, and to carefully consider topics matters related to Scripture, Spiritual vitality, and the potential future of Methodism.
Art of Holiness
http://artofholiness.com/
The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Moore has inspired many with her gift of preaching and writing. Dr. Moore serves as the founding Pastor of Mosaic United Methodist Church in Augusta, Georgia. She is the Chairwoman of the Global Council of the Wesleyan Covenant Association. Through her web-site, Dr Moore shares insightful thoughts wed with a special gift of shepherding the hearts of God’s people.
Good News Magazine
https://goodnewsmag.org/
With decades of experience and insight, the leaders at Good News are dynamic in keeping the greater church informed. Since 1967, Good News has been the classical evangelical witness and ministry for renewal and reform within The United Methodist Church. Their mission is to lead all people within The United Methodist Church to the faithful and vibrant practice of orthodox Wesleyan Christianity. The resources and information regularly published by Good News is essential for the person who wishes to stay informed at this stage in Methodist history.
Juicy Ecumenism
https://juicyecumenism.com/
Founded in 1981, the Institute of Religion and Democracy has been a voice for transparency, for renewal, and for Christian orthodoxy. In the words of theologian and IRD board member Thomas Oden, we “are not presuming to create new doctrine but hold firmly to apostolic teaching in ways especially pertinent to current circumstances. The theology is orthodox, reliable, stable, beautiful, familiar, and glorious. By it the church has been blessed by God for two thousand years.” The IRD’s historic ties with renewal efforts in mainline denominations along with our connection to the broader evangelical movement give them a unique and comprehensive perspective on Protestant American church life and social witness.
Founded in 1981, the Institute of Religion and Democracy has been a voice for transparency, for renewal, and for Christian orthodoxy. In the words of theologian and IRD board member Thomas Oden, we “are not presuming to create new doctrine but hold firmly to apostolic teaching in ways especially pertinent to current circumstances. The theology is orthodox, reliable, stable, beautiful, familiar, and glorious. By it the church has been blessed by God for two thousand years.” The IRD’s historic ties with renewal efforts in mainline denominations along with our connection to the broader evangelical movement give them a unique and comprehensive perspective on Protestant American church life and social witness.