Methodist in Christian: Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (Essay Sample)

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Methodist in Christian
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary estimated the existence of about 43000 Christian denominations throughout the world by the year 2012. A religious denomination is a group that usually comprises a number of local churches and is usually larger than a sect. It can also be defined as a smaller group under a religion that carries out its operations under a common identity, tradition and has a common name (Dictionary.com). It refers to a number of Christian denominations available, for instance, Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, Methodism, and Eastern Orthodox among others. The Methodist movement is made up of the Protestant Christianity who derives their teachings and inspiration from John Wesley. These denominations are due to various different interpretations of scriptures, unique beliefs and differing theological positions. Some similarities also arise in the way they operate, for instance, most of them belief in the existence of only one Supreme Being whom they worship, God. This essay discusses the theological positions that separate the available various denominations, rituals unique to each of them and finalizes by discussing their stance on divisive issues.[John and his brother Charles Wesley together with George Whitefield are considered to be the founders of The Methodist Church. They founded it during the 18th century and it is currently the second largest Protestant Church after the Southern Baptist Convention.]
Theological Positions that Separate the Major Denominations
The first and major theological position that separates the available denominations is the interpretations of the Eucharist. The Roman Catholic Church views this occurrence as the transubstantiation. They believe that when the bread and wine are taken they are transformed to the blood, body, divinity and soul of Christ but the accidents, those are the chemical characteristics of the wine and bread remain. The Methodist church rejects this view of the Catholic Church. They acknowledge that the Eucharist is a means of grace through which the presence of Christ is communicated to the believer but do not give further interpretation (Discipleship). The Orthodox Church on the other hand believes that the Eucharist is actually transformed to the body and blood of Christ (Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East - Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon). The Anglicans have various opinions regarding the Eucharist, they believe the bread and wine represent a visible outward and visible sign of Christ the body and blood of Christ represents the spiritual and inward grace that is derived from it. Therefore, the theological position regarding the Eucharist is one of the major factors that separate the various Christian denominations.[The word "Eucharist" is usually seen to have a similar meaning with "Thanksgiving." It began during the Last Supper shared by Christ to his disciples. All the apostles of Christ were available. Christ took bread and wine and shared it to his disciples during the occasion.]
The other theological position that separates the various available denominations is that of justification. It is defined as the act of purification or God’s removal of sin from man and the declaration of all sinners righteous through sacrificial of his son, Christ. Catholics and other Orthodox Christians regard the initial justification, which occurs during baptism of an individual and then there is also permanent justification which one accomplishes through accomplishing God’s will throughout their lifetime. On the other hand, the Protestants view justification as a one-time occurrence where God declares an individual who was initially unrighteous righteous. They support their argument by citing 2 Corinthians 5:21. Justification is regarded as a major factor that led to the division of Protestants from Catholics during the famous Protestant Reformation (Aland, p. 13-14). This shows that the theological interpretation of justification is one of the reasons that separate the various denominations.[The Protestant Reformation which is commonly referred to as the Reformation took place during the 16th century. It was led by famous Reformers like Henry VIII, Martin Luther and John Calvin who opposed the papal authority and his power to determine the Christian practice.]
The creeds and confessions are also a major interpretation that separates the available denominations. The three widely known creeds all over the world are the Apostle creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed. Creeds and confession are summaries noted down regarding the Christian faith. Different creeds came into existence to serve varied purposes. The Methodists or sometimes referred to as Wesleyans believe in the Apostles and Nicene creeds. The Catholics believe in a number of creeds but the major ones are the Apostles and Nicene creeds (Catechism, 2nd ed.). The Orthodox believe in the Nicene Creed while the Lutherans believe in the three major creeds, those are the Nicene, Apostle and Athanasian creeds. The theological belief in different creeds is therefore another major factor that separates the available denominations.
Rituals Unique to a Number of Major Denominations
There are certain rituals that are unique to the various available denominations. The unique ritual could have been the major factor that led to the formation of the denomination or it could have been the major reason as to why the denomination exists and it separates them from the rest. The United Methodist church does not present an overall method for practising the communion ritual. It allows for diversity in the whole process. This results to some churches holding the ritual monthly, weekly or quarterly. The ritual involves the usage of grape juice and leavened bread or use of the traditional communion wines and waters (Smith p. 118-124). This ritual and its way of practice are unique to the Methodist church.
The other unique ritual to the Methodist church is the practice of three stages in the purification of man from sins. The three stages are prevenient grace, justifying and sanctifying. They are observed in that order. Prevenient is acknowledged so as to save mankind from the error in their ways. Justifying grace is observed by everyone for the reason of repentance of their sins and to receive forgiveness from God. Lastly, the sanctifying grace is given to the followers when have been fully saved from their sins and the sins of this world. It is believed that people receive blessings from these graces by the Holy Spirit at different times. This is unique to the Methodist church and no other denomination observes them in that order.
The Roman Catholic Church has rituals unique to it too. It has a number of rituals as compared to the other denominations which only practice a few. Examples of rituals practiced in the Catholic church include the mass, confession, baptism, praying the rosary, receiving communion, last rites, lighting candles in the remembrance of dead, making of the cross sign and many others which some consider out-dated. The last rites rituals are unique to the Catholic Church and it involves the preparation of the dying person’s soul for death. The priest is called and makes some prayers which are believed to help purify the soul of the dying individual (Patheos.com). The Catholic also makes the sign of the cross during the mass. It is done to invoke the Holy Trinity and it is a reminder to the believers of the cross that it saved mankind from the sins. They revere the cross as a symbol of salvation to mankind. It has been in use since the church began and it is made before the mass begins and when the mass ends, also during some occasions when the mass is on-going.[The mass is the main ritual and it comprises of a number of the under mentioned events. That is the making of the cross sign, taking of the Eucharist, and confession among others.]
The Catholics also practice the lighting of candles during the mass. The candles are usually burned to show solidarity with all the Christians on earth. The candles are left to burn silently throughout the mass and therefore they are usually compared to the silent vigils. They are usually followed with prayers of waiting or attention. They are therefore burned to show that the people are seeking a favour from God. It might be a favour to forgive their sinful nature or seeking help for the problems in the world (FSP and FSP, p.45-53). They also see it as living through the words of God in The Old testament "I am the Light of the World." This ritual is believed to have been in existence since the presence of the martyrs. This practice is unique to the Catholic Church and even though some other denominations might practice it, they do so to a smaller extent.
The Anglican Church has a number of its rituals similar to those of the Catholic Church. For instance, the observance of the Eucharist and having godparents is regarded similar to those of the Roman Catholic Church. The Anglicans have a ritual where the congregation just sits to listen to the choral musing being played with little or no participation at all. It is referred to as the ritual of Cathedral Worship. The members believe that during this ritual, they worship God through listening. The other ritual they practice is where the current priests and the Ordaining bishop lay their hands on the new priests as gesture of welcoming them to priesthood. These are some of the unique rituals of the Anglican denomination.
The Stance of Various Denominations Regarding a Number of Divisive Issues
Different denominations often establish different positions on a number of i...