What do you think?
Rate this book
Unafraid and Unashamed: Facing the Future of United Methodism
Nothing is needed more in the contentious dialogue surrounding human sexuality that threatens the unity of the United Methodist Church than a resource created to nurture the souls of all United Methodists. Through an unflinching look at the challenges facing United Methodism, Unafraid & Unashamed by Wil Cantrell, cultivates faith, respect for disparate opinions, appreciation for the Wesleyan means of grace and commitment to the church. Unafraid & Unashamed has been developed to aid local pastors in effectively communicating the issues facing the denomination in a manner that strengthens the church. It is a great resource for any United Methodist seeking a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities before us.
- GenresNonfictionChristianity
164 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2017
24 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 23, 2018
Tomorrow, my small group will complete a two-month study of this book. The discussion, dialogue, and even disagreement has all been done surrounded by a beautiful spirit of love. We entered into this not expecting to change minds but expecting to find a truth on which we could all agree. The truth we found was this: Our differences pale in comparison to the power of the One Spirit who can teach us to love alike even when we do not think alike, to see His presence in those we do not understand, and to trust in Him to make a way for the future of United Methodists.
I, personally, am comfortable not having all the answers; in fact, I am uncomfortable around those who think they do. I find the liminal space to be a peaceful and sacred place where I don't have to defend or abdicate my theology and/or ideology. Apart from taking up so much time and energy, debating morality keeps us all from doing what we were called to do - love God, and love one another. I hope I will always find myself in that space of grace out of which newness comes.
As for the church, the only thing that "can prevent the people currently called United Methodists from continuing to work together for the cause of Christ in our world...is our own pride and sinfulness." (p. 134) "The local church is the most significant disciple-making arena because it is the primary arena through which we learn to love one another." (p. 130) Let's do that.
I, personally, am comfortable not having all the answers; in fact, I am uncomfortable around those who think they do. I find the liminal space to be a peaceful and sacred place where I don't have to defend or abdicate my theology and/or ideology. Apart from taking up so much time and energy, debating morality keeps us all from doing what we were called to do - love God, and love one another. I hope I will always find myself in that space of grace out of which newness comes.
As for the church, the only thing that "can prevent the people currently called United Methodists from continuing to work together for the cause of Christ in our world...is our own pride and sinfulness." (p. 134) "The local church is the most significant disciple-making arena because it is the primary arena through which we learn to love one another." (p. 130) Let's do that.
May 28, 2017
Will outlines succinctly the current contention regarding LGBTQ within the United Methodist Church. First, I believe this should be required reading before annual conference regardless of your position. Also, I think if many of the churches and people looking to pull out of the denomination would have led their leadership and congregation through this book before doing anything else we'd also be in a better spirit. I highly recommend leading a group through each section slowly and prayerfully.
Small quibbles:::: Will presents a poor Wesleyan description of both the Traditionalist and Progressive side around the issues. He basically puts ink to pen enough to generate buzz forward, which is what moves the book in a better pacing than fleshing out the full hoopla. Sidenote: I know folks across theological spectrums differing greatly on the topic, and I wonder if a better description of the current situation is 1) full inclusion; 2) partial inclusion; 3) full exclusion, and 4) don't give a damn.
Small quibbles:::: Will presents a poor Wesleyan description of both the Traditionalist and Progressive side around the issues. He basically puts ink to pen enough to generate buzz forward, which is what moves the book in a better pacing than fleshing out the full hoopla. Sidenote: I know folks across theological spectrums differing greatly on the topic, and I wonder if a better description of the current situation is 1) full inclusion; 2) partial inclusion; 3) full exclusion, and 4) don't give a damn.
April 13, 2019
The worldwide United Methodist Church is in crisis. At issue (for those who haven’t heard) is the full inclusion of LBGTQ people in the life and ministry of the church. Pastor Wil Cantrell’s book Unafraid and Unashamed appeared a full two years before the March 2019 General Conference (GC2019) called to deal solely with this issue. It sought to provide clarity and spiritual guidance for the denomination’s leaders and members, as they worked through the impasse toward an amicable resolution. One might hope that such a book would soon become happily out of date. But alas!
Many United Methodists had high hopes for the “One Church Plan” recommended by the Commission on a Way Forward and favored by roughly two-thirds of the US bishops. This plan would make room for all at the table but allow individual clergy and congregations to act according to their consciences without coercion. But instead GC2019 stunned progressive congregations across the US by adopting the so-called “Traditional Plan,” which not only retains the exclusionary language in the church’s Book of Discipline but adds teeth to it in the form of enforcement provisions. The vote was close and certain details of the plan are under review. Meanwhile, passionate and prayerful public responses from US clergy and laity show that the matter is far from resolved. Thus Cantrell’s book will remain a helpful resource for United Methodists for some time to come.
Cantrell begins with a brief history of the controversy and the change in direction that occurred largely as a result of shifting demographics — a decline in US membership coupled with rapid growth in more conservative areas, primarily Africa and East Asia. Then comes an overview of the diverse views found within United Methodism, roughly grouped as “traditional,” “progressive,” and “centrist.” Here the author cites the valid scripture-based Wesleyan teachings that underlie each viewpoint and challenges us to truly listen to sincere Christians whose views we disagree with. Our interlocutors may be at the opposite end of the progressive–traditional continuum from us and bent on “winning” everything they want, or somewhere in the broad centrist range. Many may lean one way or the other but regard our common mission to make disciples as more important than any issue that may divide us.
In view of the very real possibility of schism, or at least departure of people on the “losing” side, Cantrell encourages us to reflect: “How would you want the denomination to act if you found yourself to be in the minority concerning one of the great social issues of the day?” We should also consider whether our disagreement makes the church a toxic place or only an uncomfortable one, and whether it might not be better to remain as a part of the loyal opposition. “There is nothing to fear in remaining united or splitting in a loving way,” says Cantrell. “There is much to fear about remaining together or splitting with competition, jealousy, and resentment in our hearts.”
The last full chapter, “Church Unity,” bears the subheading “All I ever needed to know about church unity, I learned from a nondenominational pastor,” and the story behind it is well worth reading. In his conclusion, Cantrell expresses his belief that the issues will become clear one day and that in the meantime we must “courageously hold fast to the one needful thing, even as our church structure bends and shakes in this historic storm.” For “Christ is with us. We need not be afraid. Nor should we be ashamed.”
Many United Methodists had high hopes for the “One Church Plan” recommended by the Commission on a Way Forward and favored by roughly two-thirds of the US bishops. This plan would make room for all at the table but allow individual clergy and congregations to act according to their consciences without coercion. But instead GC2019 stunned progressive congregations across the US by adopting the so-called “Traditional Plan,” which not only retains the exclusionary language in the church’s Book of Discipline but adds teeth to it in the form of enforcement provisions. The vote was close and certain details of the plan are under review. Meanwhile, passionate and prayerful public responses from US clergy and laity show that the matter is far from resolved. Thus Cantrell’s book will remain a helpful resource for United Methodists for some time to come.
Cantrell begins with a brief history of the controversy and the change in direction that occurred largely as a result of shifting demographics — a decline in US membership coupled with rapid growth in more conservative areas, primarily Africa and East Asia. Then comes an overview of the diverse views found within United Methodism, roughly grouped as “traditional,” “progressive,” and “centrist.” Here the author cites the valid scripture-based Wesleyan teachings that underlie each viewpoint and challenges us to truly listen to sincere Christians whose views we disagree with. Our interlocutors may be at the opposite end of the progressive–traditional continuum from us and bent on “winning” everything they want, or somewhere in the broad centrist range. Many may lean one way or the other but regard our common mission to make disciples as more important than any issue that may divide us.
In view of the very real possibility of schism, or at least departure of people on the “losing” side, Cantrell encourages us to reflect: “How would you want the denomination to act if you found yourself to be in the minority concerning one of the great social issues of the day?” We should also consider whether our disagreement makes the church a toxic place or only an uncomfortable one, and whether it might not be better to remain as a part of the loyal opposition. “There is nothing to fear in remaining united or splitting in a loving way,” says Cantrell. “There is much to fear about remaining together or splitting with competition, jealousy, and resentment in our hearts.”
The last full chapter, “Church Unity,” bears the subheading “All I ever needed to know about church unity, I learned from a nondenominational pastor,” and the story behind it is well worth reading. In his conclusion, Cantrell expresses his belief that the issues will become clear one day and that in the meantime we must “courageously hold fast to the one needful thing, even as our church structure bends and shakes in this historic storm.” For “Christ is with us. We need not be afraid. Nor should we be ashamed.”
November 21, 2018
Wil Cantrell has attempted to provide a balanced look at the recent history of the debate over issues of human sexuality in the United Methodist Church. He attempts to set out the positions of progressives, centrists, and traditionalists briefly but adequately. He pleads for mutual understanding, whatever the outcome of the 2019 Special General Conference (the date was not known when Cantrell wrote the book). He prays for church unity. All of this is very good.
But there are some bits of history he leaves out. Like the long history of divisions within the Methodist churches of America resulting in many denominational splits. Some have continued to today. Some have led, after many years, to reunions. Cantrell is privileged to live in a region where only one split/reunion was really important. I lived in areas where cities may have United Methodist Churches close together representing up to five formerly separate denominations, each with long institutional memories of who they used to be. A new schism looks pretty scary and very possible.
Cantrell wants to be positive and hopeful. So do I. But I wish there'd been a little more facing the possibility of a divided and divisive future. But, of course, he had to write without having any of the specific proposals. They came out after his deadline.
But there are some bits of history he leaves out. Like the long history of divisions within the Methodist churches of America resulting in many denominational splits. Some have continued to today. Some have led, after many years, to reunions. Cantrell is privileged to live in a region where only one split/reunion was really important. I lived in areas where cities may have United Methodist Churches close together representing up to five formerly separate denominations, each with long institutional memories of who they used to be. A new schism looks pretty scary and very possible.
Cantrell wants to be positive and hopeful. So do I. But I wish there'd been a little more facing the possibility of a divided and divisive future. But, of course, he had to write without having any of the specific proposals. They came out after his deadline.
May 4, 2017
This book is written to fellow Methodists by a former pastor of mine (and currently at Concord UMC in Farragut) confronting the possible upcoming schism in the Methodist church over the LGBTQ issue. Full of background material of how the issues have developed and been "handled" thus far. Strong read for those in the church and those outside Methodism who may also be confronted with this issue as society presses onward. Good, informative, prayerful read.
June 12, 2018
I not only think this is important for United Methodists to read, but also anyone in America who is a Chrisrian. It is about the tyranny of divisiveness and hatred and how it totally goes against the teachings of Jesus Christ. No one is above falling into this trap at some point... especially in these divisive times. We need to rekindle our faith and become attuned to the words of Christ...loved your neighbor as yourself...and even love your enemies....maybe re-read the Beatitudes.
March 31, 2018
I would strongly encourage United Methodist clergy and laity to read this book and use it in study groups. It is not written from any particular point of view in the LGBTQ debate. The author offers a brief history on how we got to this point, the three primary positions - progressive, centrist and traditionalist- and most importantly encouragement to live in love.
February 25, 2019
God is Love
I've read a couple of books on this subject, one pro and the other con. This is the best yet. It is balanced and obviously written with love, and as the Bible tells us, our God is love. May we as United Methodists stay focused on Jesus and seek to love as He loved.
I've read a couple of books on this subject, one pro and the other con. This is the best yet. It is balanced and obviously written with love, and as the Bible tells us, our God is love. May we as United Methodists stay focused on Jesus and seek to love as He loved.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews