Expert: Rev. Gregory S. Neal - 2/12/2005

Question
I know it is christianity; but what is the deference between this religion and babtist, catholics, and so on.  I am thinking of going to a Methodist college and need to know this before I make up my mind.  Thank you sir!

Answer
In terms of "Religion," Methodists are, indeed, Christians ... the same as Baptists, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and many other "denominations" of the Christian Faith.  Methodism was founded by a minister ("priest") of the Church of England named John Wesley, who adopted a set of "methods" or disciplines by which Christians can improve their living of he Christian Faith. Principle among these disciplines in "Methodism" is the participation in, and receiving of, the "Means of Grace" in the form of the Sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion), as well as in Prayer, the reading of Scripture, fellowship with other Christians, forgiveness, healing, etc.

While we share, with many Christians, the core doctrines of the Christian Faith as outlined in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds,  Methodists tend to be less strict regarding what is required for belief and more open to accepting differences of opinion among believers. While affirming the Doctrines of the Anglican Reformation (i.e., the "Articles of Religion), Methodists have rarely been "doctrinal" in their affirmation of faith.  What has tended to be more important to Methodists than adherence to specific doctrines has been the practice of one's faith.

Methodists differ from Baptists in that we recognize that God's Grace (God's unearned favor) is received through many various instrumental means (see above), while Baptists believe that Grace normally comes directly upon the believer apart from any means.  Methodists have a well-defined church-government, with Bishops heading the various regional conferences, Elders serving as the pastors of Churches, Deacons as associates, etc.  Baptist Churches call their own pastors, while Methodist Churches receive their clergy by appointment from the Bishop. Baptists require baptism by immersion of believers only, while Methodists will baptize by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, and will baptize infants, youth, and adults.  There are many other differences, but those are among the most common.

Methodists differ from Roman Catholics in many ways, but the most obvious of them is that we do not affirm the Pope as being the Vicar of Christ or the head of the church.  Methodists only have 2 Sacraments, while Roman Catholics have 7.  Methodist worship will be somewhat less formal than Roman Catholic worship, and while Methodists will wear robes and other vestments, we have greater freedom of choice as to the range and kind of vestments worn. Catholics give greater authority to Church Tradition and to the rulings of Church Councils than do Methodists, however Methodists do recognize the role of Tradition, Christian Experience, and Human Reason as supplementary to Scripture in forming and informing Christian Faith.