Basic Doctrines We Profess

"As to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think." - John Wesley

This Quote guided early Methodists, fully committed to religious toleration and doctoral pluralism, yet equally confident that there is a core of Christian truth that can be identified and that must be conserved. This core, they believed, is revealed in Scripture, illumined in tradition, realized in personal experience, and confirmed by reason.

What follows is a few of the twenty five Articles of Religion affirmed by the Methodist Church in 1784. The Articles outline the essence of Christian faith as understood by people called Methodists.

Article I - Of Faith in the Holy Trinity

There is but one living and true God, everlasting without body or parts . . . and in the unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power and eternity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Article II - Of the Word, or Son of God

The Son, who is the word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took (human) nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin . . . the Godhead and (humanity) were joined together in one person, never to be divided; whereof is one Christ, very God and very (human), who truly suffered, was crucified, dead and buried.

Article III - Of the Resurrection of Christ

Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body . . . he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he returns to judge all (people) at the last day.

Article IV - Of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost (or Spirit), proceeding from the Father and Son, is of one substance, majesty and glory with the Father and the Son.

Article XVI - Of the Sacraments

There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.