Being Methodist in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, and Other Confused Methodists

by F. Belton Joyner Jr., Belton F. Joyner

This Methodist counterpart to "Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt" is designed to help readers understand their own faith in the light of the dominant forces of evangelicalism and fundamentalism in the Bible Belt.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Molly Tessnear · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very helpful for me in learning about the United Methodist Church and theology. The comparisons between United Methodism and other related denominations helped me understand both the differences and similarities. It also has good information about the history behind the development of the church. The only trouble I had was in following the trajectory of the book - the sidenotes and organization sometimes threw me off from the point. Nevertheless, it is a great beginner's guide to what United Methodism is about.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for those who live in the Bible Belt and want to challenge or question fmore rigid ways of thinking about God, religion, the Bible, etc. It is a small book, not very long, and could be considered a quick read. However, there is much to ponder, and one might find oneself going back and rereading portions. It is a good introduction to Methodist thought, but also very helpful in its juxtaposition to other schools of thought more prevalent in a certain area of the country.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little guide to United Methodism and the Wesleyan tradition for those of us living in the Bible Belt. If you've ever had to describe to your congregationalist neighbor why your pastor moves every 4-6 years, or to your Baptist neighbor why (horror of horrors!) we baptize infants, this is the book for you.

In particular, if you are a United Methodist and have no idea what the heck that means, this book is for you.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't grow up in a church per say, Southern Baptist maybe. I married and became a Methodist because he was. I wanted to know more about what being a Methodist really meant and is the "right" religion for me. I enjoyed this book. Mr. Joyner is funny and made a difficult discussion easy to understand. I am sure it is much deeper than presented here but it gave me direction on where I can find out more about being a Methodist.

[Tupelodan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a a Sunday school class read. Very good look at Methodism, though this is written for the younger set and our class is anything but young. Still, with the controversy currently inside the United Methodist Church, this was a good look at who we are (or should be) and how we’ve gotten to this point. Now, it’s up to us to keep Mr. Wesley’s church alive.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[James Bittle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview on Methodism.

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction to what being United Methodist is about. I am a UM pastor, gone to a Wesleyan seminary, and been part of the denomination for 7 years after transferring from being Baptist, and this book taught me some things I was unaware. I wish I had had this book earlier on!

I would highly suggest this as a book to give new members with an opportunity to go over it in a 4-6 week small group meeting.

[Christine Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as I was expecting. I married into a Methodist family and wanted some insight into the faith. It seemed more like a Methodist brag book more than anything else. I bought it, so I'm sure I'll return to it one day. It's been sitting on my "currently reading" shelf for more than two years, and I needed it off.

[Carla H.]

Very useful for those who are wondering 'why this instead of that'.I also found it very insightful when leading a class; some in the class not only had the 'Bible Belt' understanding of theology, they didn't really seem to feel a need to know the difference.

[Diana Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding the United Methodist Church

I have been a member of the UMC for more than 40 years, and I learned a lot from this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to realize the connectualism of our denomination as well as the things that make us unique.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick answers for Methodists surrounded by fundamentalists. Not an in-depth review of Methodist theology but enough to get by.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and helpful with a little bit of silliness thrown in.

[Micheal Cupples · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I enjoyed the info and the authors humor.

[Janean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for anyone wanting an overview of the United Methodist Church - our doctrines, beliefs, and history are all in here!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and easy to read look at what United Methodists believe.

[Amber Guyton-Baran]

I have been wanting to read this book for several years, finding the idea intriguing, even though I don't live in the Bible Belt. However, I feel as though the influence of the Bible Belt has expanded, and that I am one of a very few United Methodists among a bunch of Bible Belters in my own church. Would this book still be helpful for me?