
Reckoning Methodism
Mission and Division in the Public Church
Darryl W. Stephens(Author)
Cascade Books (Publisher)
Published on 29. March 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
292 pages
978-1-6667-7563-1 (ISBN)
Description
Reckoning Methodism addresses the brokenness of The United Methodist Church (UMC) in the United States. Homosexuality is but one of several fault lines with decades-long histories in this predominantly White denomination. Demographic shifts, racism, and imperialism are heavily implicated in the current state of division. What, then, is the true nature and mission of this church?
The UMC is the public church divided. Distinct missional theologies arise from competing commitments and priorities. When Methodist programmatic initiatives--such as vital congregations, environmental witness, and volunteers in mission--fail to account for these differences, denominational unity is weakened. Constructively, this book seeks historical clarity, collective repentance, charismatic learning, and institutional courage as United Methodists reckon with inherited animosities and divisions. This book provides no answers or programmatic fixes. Rather, it provides possibilities for repairing past harms as United Methodists seek ways to continue living out their Wesleyan faith. Reckoning with the public church divided, we glimpse the nature and mission of the church--not only as it has been but also as it could be.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
478 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6667-7563-1 (9781666775631)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
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Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2024
Wipf and Stock Publishers
€35.99
Available for download
Person
Darryl W. Stephens is director of United Methodist Studies at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He is author of Methodist Morals: Social Principles in the Public Church's Witness (2016) and Out of Exodus: A Journey of Open and Affirming Ministry (2018).