Key United Methodist Beliefs

by William J. Abraham, David F. Watson

Deepen your faith and enrich your life through this study of core Methodist beliefs.
Written by popular seminary teachers, this book will connect you to the life and ministry of John Wesley, demonstrating relevance for the lives of Christians today as it offers an introductory examination of each. In easy-to-understand language, each chapter is divided into five sections:
1. A Wesleyan Faith: an account of the basic ideas under discussion, understood in light of some of John Wesley's insights;
2. A Lived Faith: discussion of the practical, everyday implications for Christian living;
3. A Deeper Faith: gets into some of the more difficult ideas of Christian thinking;
4. The Catechism: shorthand way of learning the basics of Wesleyan Christianity; and
5. In Your Own Words: reflection questions that will help you take the name of Jesus with you.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Religion

ebook

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

William J. Abraham is the Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor at Perkins School of Theology, working as a philosophical and systematic theologian.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointment. I decided to read this after Billy Abraham's recent death, thinking it would be a robust and Biblical defense of UM beliefs. It was not. As another reviewer said, the chapter on the doctrine of God was totally inadequate. In general, throughout the book, there was little citation of Biblical reasons for beliefs; beliefs were just stated but not defended. The "catechism" was a hodge-podge of different sources with no consistency and, again, little "meat." It's no wonder the UMC is mostly apostate if this is the best we have to offer.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This introduction to Methodist beliefs was informative and led me to purchase two additional books for deeper understanding. As an intro, this covered several key topics in an easy to understand manner. It was accessible and companionable in tone and sparked an interest in further study.

[Steve Guendert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent background for the UMC doctrine and belief system

This book provides an excellent background on the doctrine and belief system of the United Methodist Church. Well written, easy to understand and enjoyable to read.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed to me to be incomplete. The points mentioned are included in many Christian denominations. What makes Methodists different? This book was on the UMW reading list under the Spiritual Growth category.

[Zach Waldis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid book and I am glad I have handed it to new United Methodists (probably should have read it first (!) but anyway). My one gripe is that Watson's and Abraham's handling of God the father is quite poor. They only mention the Father in connection with Jesus and give little to no attention to the Old Testament story. Yahweh God who is Creator, Liberator, and King of Israel (and the whole world) is not described in one of the most important chapters. But only a pastor or theologian would make that complaint; otherwise, this is a great entry level introduction to UM beliefs.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be a nice small group study. Seems to be formatted around that assumption.

This is a readable book that doesn't overwhelm. Lots of quotes from the Bible to help explain different concepts. This isn't an in-depth theology book, but an overview.

[Joseph Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the basics of the Christian faith from the UMC tradition.