United Methodist Church Beliefs

The United Methodist Church (UMC) believes in the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the Bible as God's inspired word, and that Jesus Christ is the path to salvation for all humanity. They emphasize God's grace, which is freely given and active in the world, and the importance of both faith and good works in Christian living. The UMC also emphasizes social justice and living out one's faith through service to others. 

Here's a more detailed look at key beliefs:
1. God: UMC theology centers on the concept of the Trinity, believing in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. 
2. Jesus Christ: They believe that Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, and that his life, death, and resurrection are central to salvation. 
3. Salvation: The UMC believes that salvation is a gift from God, offered freely to all through faith in Jesus Christ. They emphasize that salvation is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of growth in faith and holiness. 
4. Grace: God's grace is a central tenet of UMC belief. They recognize different aspects of grace: 
  • Prevenient grace: Grace that goes before us, drawing us towards God and enabling us to respond to God's call.
  • Sanctifying grace: Grace that empowers us to grow in holiness and live a life pleasing to God.
5. Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience: The UMC uses the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience) as a framework for theological understanding. Scripture is considered primary, but tradition, reason, and personal experience are also important in interpreting scripture and applying it to life. 
6. Sacraments: The UMC recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion (also called the Lord's Supper). These are seen as outward and visible signs of God's inward and spiritual grace. 
7. Social Justice: The UMC has a strong emphasis on social justice, believing that faith should be lived out in practical ways that address social needs and inequalities. 
8. Free Will: While acknowledging the reality of sin and its impact on humanity, the UMC believes that individuals have the capacity to choose to accept or reject God's grace. 
9. Holiness: The UMC emphasizes the pursuit of holiness, which is understood as a lifelong process of growing in love for God and neighbor and striving to live a life that reflects Christ's teachings.