Presbyter's Ramblings

Presbyter`s Ramblings

Over the last couple of years, we have had a number of people who have joined the life of the parish. A number have come from religious backgrounds other than Methodism.

Methodism has a history of about 300 plus years. Starting in the 18^th Century the Methodist movement has had several iterations. There exist a variety of Methodist denominations including, the Salvation Army. There exists two main traditions: the British tradition that most Methodist denominations in New Zealand are part of, and the American tradition, as well as various Methodist churches in the US., but also in the Philippines and Korea.

Some of the emphases in Methodism include our music and the centrality of what we term today as the social gospel.  We sing our theology and are active ins ocial concerns such as housing and poverty. Our history commenced in England during the industrial revolution. At the time Methodists were known for their abolitionist views and their support of the emerging trade union movements.

Whilst today Methodism is mainly a middleclass movement – initially one of the significant 18^th Century Methodist concerns was that the church had closed its doors to the working class and marginalized – the early Methodists were evangelical. They began as the evangelical wing of the Church of England (Anglican).

 Like all Christian traditions the Methodist movement of the 18^th century is vastly different from the church in the 21^st century.  What have we gained or lost over this period?

 Methodism struggles, as does Christianity and religion in general with its relevance and place in Western secular societies. Where are we heading? What might the future hold? What have we to learn and what to we have to contribute?

 If you are interested to learn about Methodism, its spiritual emphases and what it might mean to be a Methodist Jesus disciple then maybe some conversations are worthwhile. What do we have in common with Anglicans, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Congregationalists, Roman Catholics and others? How do we differ?

 I’m suggesting that we might start some conversations in the month of September. Let me know if you are interested and what questions you might like to explore.                       

Andrew.