Book Review/ Living Our Beliefs the United Methodist Way by Bishop Kenneth L. Carder

Wesley''s ideal was a living, breathing church whose mission was shaped and driven by the idea of "practical divinity" ? which means to live your life in the spirit that Christ lived his ? helping others and especially caring for those who are less fortunate. It is this spirit of holy living that drives the United Methodist Church and its mission. Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced.

Wesley''s ideal was a living, breathing church whose mission was shaped and driven by the idea of "practical divinity" ? which means to live your life in the spirit that Christ lived his ? helping others and especially caring for those who are less fortunate. It is this spirit of holy living that drives the United Methodist Church and its mission. Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced.

While the United Methodist Church shares common Christian doctrine with other religions ? its distinction is that of a church based on a mission and reform movement, not doctrinal reformation. The author is concerned with the idea of waning denominational loyalty ? and it''s impact on the United Methodist Church. He argues that the church at the advent of the next century is facing similar problems as it did in England in the 1800''s. He urges a spiritual and moral revival.

The author discusses the worship of idols vs. God. He states that we in the 20th century are faced with many choices and are negatively influenced by many "ism''s"; sexism, racism, etc. What one believes in really matters ? it shapes the person and their outlook and attitudes. It is the challenge of the United Methodist Church and its members to be aware of these influences and how they affect ones approach to worship and the church and their personal relationship with God.

Wesley knew from personal experience that people act their way into believing as well as believe their way into acting ? he was concerned that Methodists strive to live a holy life and to recognize the relationship between belief and action.

The author focuses on the triune faith as a cornerstone of the United Methodist idea ? a basic foundation for knowing and relating to God. God is before us, God is for us, and God is with us. Faith is principally a relationship with God ? one of loving and reverent and trustful obedience. Of believing that God is with you always, even when you have no sign, or possess doubt.

The United Methodist Church believes that people are created in the divine image and share in the life of God. Wesley saw this image - Imago Dei ? in three manifestations ? the natural image, the political image and the moral image. For Wesley, the image of God denotes the human capacity for knowing and responding to God''s grace. This divine image is distorted by sin. Sin is characterized as succumbing to the temptation to compete with God for dominance and control; missing the mark and not being who God wants us to be. The United Methodist Church believes that you can restore the divine image only with God''s help. Man cannot do this alone.

There is a big focus on Accountable Discipleship ? which involves methodical persistent, discipled and accountable obedience. The validity and authenticity of religious experience are determined by the intensity of ones feelings. "If you don''t feel forgiven and saved then you aren''t."

The doctrinal standards of the United Methodist Church traditionally focus on good works being the manifestations of vital faith. Wesley became convinced that there are degrees of faith: and increased obedience leads to a growth in faith.

In the United Methodist Church obedience to Jesus Christ means to serve as he served. Social service ministries, education, health care involvement in economic issues are but a few ways the church and UMs continue to practice their faith. Growing in faith also requires a nurturing of our spiritual lives through worship, participation on Sacraments, prayer, Bible study and spiritual disciplines such as fasting. Accountability has traditionally been a hallmark of discipleship among united methodist.

The demands of discipleship in the United Methodist Church are great and cannot be met alone. Solitary discipleship is a misnomer ? we cannot be Christian alone. Additionally, discipleship can not be my by our own strength. We must turn to God to provide "food for the journey."

In today''s day and age the church''s influence as a center of the community is waning. The author suggests that "without a memory of what the church is called to be, the church becomes what people want it to be. The self-defined wishes of the people become more influential than God''s mission to the world. Today the church is considered to be something we belong to rather than someone we are. He thinks this is a dangerous movement.

The United Methodist Church is a connectional church. Methodists understand themselves to be people of faith who journey together in a covenant with God and one another. Each part is vital to the whole. No part is independent. Methodist connectionalism is rooted in the biblical concept of covenant.

The church should reflect the image of God and that image is oneness. Openness to diversity, tolerance of differences and ecumenical or cooperative ministries has characterized Methodism since its inception. Wesley affirmed that love for God and neighbor is the heart of religion. A characteristic of Methodism throughout history is this: In essentials, unity, in nonessentials, liberty, and in all things, charity.

The United Methodist Church should embody the power, presence, and love of God and participate in the divine initiative to bring justice, peace, joy and love to all creation. The church, then, is a sign, which points to God''s presence and purpose. The United Methodist Church ideal is that of a "servant church" serving God''s ideals on earth.

Alan L. Joplin