Liberalism is generally thought to be first and foremost a political theory. In a specifically historical sense this is correct. Liberalism arrives on the scene in the work of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, with the aim of making societies dependent on social contract theory. Yet, today liberalism has become
Do United Methodist congregations own their buildings? What is a trust? Can the United Methodist trust be revoked? Is there a legal process for disaffiliating from the UM Church separate from what is in the Book of Discipline? When might it make sense to use the legal process, rather than the Discipline’s process? When
19The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, 22and they will be life for your soul
By Heather Hahn A much-trumpeted plan for amicable separation unveiled in early 2020 no longer offers a path forward for The United Methodist Church, say more than a quarter of the agreement’s negotiators. Five of the 16-member mediation team released a statement late June 7 rescinding their support for the
Division is an all-pervasive affliction in the contemporary world. In a country like the United States we are often tempted to admit that we live under no shared dominant cultural model. Instead, we are torn from allegiance to allegiance in a matrix of mutually contradictory partisan groups unhappily mingled under one
Firebrand Magazine: May 1, 2022, was the official launch of the Global Methodist Church. This begins a season of transition for many pastors and churches. UMC Bishop Mike Lowry has stated that, effective on that date, he withdrew from the UMC Council of Bishops to unite to the Global Methodist
11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will
If you’re like me, you often overlook the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Some days, I read my Bible, pray, or go to church without once recognizing the Lord’s presence and power. It’s days like “Pentecost Sunday” that I’m reminded of my constant need of the Holy