Book Description
Written in a humorous, accessible style, this book is an easy-to-understand guide to the kinds of theological questions that many Methodist youth and others are asking today. "Being Methodist in the Bible Belt" will help any Methodist youth, parent, or educator better understand their unique brand of Christianity in light of the understandings of those from the evangelical tradition. With helpful sidebars explaining Methodist history and polity and questions after each chapter for reflection and action, this book is ideal for Christian education courses for youth and adults, new member classes in Methodist churches, as well as personal reading. This is an ideal book for adolescents and young adults and those who nurture them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Being Methodist in the Bible belt
funny ,easyto read, information priceless to a long time Methodist
like me, I learned a lot from reading this book, it is a reference
for me, I'd like to thank the author for writing it

WONDERFUL
This book is a great read and VERY pertinent.It really makes you think and Belton had lots of great ideas.VERY FUNNY.

Funny without being irreverent
I bought this book shortly after joining a United Methodist church.As a former southern baptist, I found this book very helpful in discerning the differences between the denominations.I've since recommended this book to several friends and family members.

Buy this book
I concur with Laura's analysis of this book. This is actually an introduction to UMC theology/doctrine, but it is presented in a very readable format. It describes what makes United Methodists distinctive from other denominations while allowing for diversity of belief. Buy it!

Outstanding
Attention ALL United Methodists (whether or not you think you're confused)! This book provides exactly what the title suggests and does so in an organized, intelligent, and humorous way so I won't waste your time elaborating. Buy the book. Better yet, buy 4 copies. Give one to your church library and submit an article for the next issue of your church newsletter calling attention to the new addition. Take the 2nd copy to your Sunday School teacher and volunteer to use the book to teach the next several weeks for him/her. (I'm sure they deserve a break.) Give the 3rd copy to your youth director. (I sure wish it had been available to me as a youth.) Keep the 4th for yourself and loan it out often. I slightly disagree with the authors opinion that the "Bible Belt" is a state of mind. Perhaps, but I think we struggle with these issues much more in the south than anywhere else. Buy the book. You won't regret it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The How and Why of Youth Ministry
This handbook has a wealth of practical information for adults who workwith youth in local churches.It not only includes many ideas on how toorganize and structure your ministry with youth, but reminds us why we takethe time to assist youth in their faith journeys.Chapter Four has anespecially helpful "Web of Discipleship" which guides you inevaluating your youth in relationship to their Christian development.Thenit goes on to describe how to relate to and work with youth in each area ofthe web.Other chapters include leadership issues, check-lists forretreats, having a vision, and many other practical areas.This book isuseful for the beginner, the experienced, and everyone in-between!Ihighly recommend it to you! ... Read more

Download Description
"Throughout this ebook, Scott J. Jones insists that for United Methodists the ultimate goal of doctrine is holiness. Importantly, he clarifies the nature and the specific claims of ""official"" United Methodist doctrine in a way that moves beyond the current tendency to assume the only alternatives are a rigid dogmatism or an unfettered theological pluralism. In classic Wesleyan form, Jones' driving concern is with recovering the vital role of forming believers in the ""mind of Christ, "" so that they might live more faithfully in their many settings in our world. " ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great for anyone wanting a firmer grasp of UM Doctrine
This book is both comprehensive and concise in explaining United Methodist doctrinal issues.While we did not use it in my Wesleyan theology courses in seminary, I think it would have made a useful addition and I found myself referring to it as I drafted papers for Commissioning as a minister.Yet, I think it is an easy enough read for a layperson who already has some background in UM theology and doctrine. It certainly isn't a "quick reference" but I expect that it would be highly useful for people wanting to go beyond simple excerpts and "soundbite" theology. In sum, it is quite accessible yet with enough depth that even a seminarian or pastor would find it useful.

Extreme
As a lay person I found this book to be an extremely thorough explanation of UMC Doctrine.Now, that may not sound too exciting and the book can be a difficult read at times.However, for anyone seeking an explanation of the postion of the Methodist Church on specific and general issues, this book will make an excellent reference. Dr. Jones has performed the research and has the authority to speak for the church on this topic and does so effectively in this work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good for Beginners
This text is a good book for the novice United Methodist or new students to religious studies.The book is comprised of thought from four leading writers.

Gonzalez's opening chapter on Bible studying in the Early Church is well prepared and clearly instructive.Witherington offers, his usual, astute and well-researched analysis of the Wesley's and Asbury's (one wonders if his Watson analysis is necessary) use and study of Scripture.

Tilson's chapter 3 keeps this book from gaining the 5th star.His "contemporary approach" is too cerebral.Even as a fellow U Methodist theological thinker, who has a love for theological argument, I found myself wondering away from his run-on sentences and slow train-of-thought.

Felton's concluding chapter brings the reader back on task.She provides a realistic look at contemporary Methodism and its application of Scripture.She also reminds one of Methodism's rich heritage of biblical study and interpretation.

All-in-all I'm grateful for my daughter's gifting me this book.It is a welcomed addition to my Wesleyan library and very recommendable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Valid resource - BAD price
This book is essential for United Methodist pastors and staff and worthwhile for anyone who is interested in the liturgy and worship practices of the United Methodist church.This price, however, is extremely high.I'm confused as to why this USED book is selling for $70 when it can be purchased NEW directly from the publisher (www.cokesbury.com) for a mere $27. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Yes, Methodists Do Have Tenets
William Willimon has written a good little book that every Methodist could benefit by reading.

I am a Methodist by birth, sure of why I am a Christian, but truthfully unsure of why I am a Methodist (excepting the influence of a wonderful mother who made sure we went to church).Willimon's book does great justice to the founding principals of Methodism and fills in the gaps for those of us (most, I would hazard) who are not sure how Methodists differ from the half-dozen other "Main-Line" Protestant denominations.

Willimon focuses on the vision and passion of John Wesley, Methodism's founder.Wesley was a true thinker on religious issues, and his views on grace, the primacy of scripture, the role of good works in a Christian life and the route to salvation represented a real break with Anglicanism as practiced in his time -- (though he remained an Anglican and thought of himself as a reformer of that denomination).His guidance and thoughts dominated the early Methodist movement and are very helpful for contemporary Methodists to understand.The author does an outstanding job of bringing Wesley's theological and practice thoughts to life.

Where I personally thought the book was a little weak, was in discussing organized Methodism's infatuation with social policy and legislation over the last several decades.Methodists have a long and honorable history of working to end slavery, feed the poor, nourish the souls of those imprisoned and generally alleviate human misery.Willimon gives just due to this enviable record.More recently, however, the Methodist church leadership has embraced an activist legislative agenda that reads more like that of a political party instead of a God mission (and it's not a conservative political party they sound like!).This controversy is touched on briefly by the author in his chapter on works.He fails to demonstrate how current Methodist leadership's determination to have positions on many side issues (did you know the church is "for" ratifying the 1973 "Law of the Sea" treaty?), springs from Wesley's tireless efforts to improve the basic physical and moral lot of his fellow beings.In fact, the author somewhat embarrassingly acknowledges the Church's difficulty with reconciling its activism with it's original mission.He quotes one practicing Methodist infuriated by some of the Church's foray's into public policy as saying "at least this church makes me think."

This is a real issue for United Methodists, one which has spawned several "back to basic" reform movements within the church and is responsible for making available some new members to the Baptist and independent churches that are in ascendancy in America today.I think the author brushed by these controversies in order to keep focused on the first principals of Methodism -- a vision that is truly inspiring and comfortable to those of us making our faith journey in this denomination.

However, this digression and criticism does not underscore the value of the author's book.I suspect there are many, many Methodists wondering about what we stand for, what our founding principals are and how we differ from other protestant denominations.This book answers those three questions succinctly and well.

A look at John Wesley's beliefs and what they mean today
Willam H Willimon is a United Methodist because the ordinary people at McBee Chapel in Conestee, NC and Buncombe Street Methodist Church in Greenville, NC took the time and made the effort to tell him the story ofthe gospel.

The author looks at the beliefs given to us (yes, I'm aUnited Methodist too) by John Wesley and describes what they mean to ustoday.

This short book (128 pages), published by Abingdon Press in 1990is suitable for individual reading or group study.The chapters are"Because religion is of the heart," "Because the Bible isour book," "Because religion is practical," "BecauseChristians are to worship," "Because Christians are towitness," "Because Christians are to grow," and"Because religion is not a private affair."

Whether you are aUnited Methodist or not, I think you would enjoy and learn from readingthis book as I did. ... Read more