Eighty-one years ago, I was born into a Methodists family. Back then John Wesley folks frowned on alcohol, dancing, entertainment on the Sabbath, women wearing slacks or using make-up, divorce, tattoos and some other 'stuff,' none-of-which seems to bother Methodists today. However, there are a few others things upsetting my fellow Methodist worshippers: primarily the extent to which they care to include the LGBTQ community.
As with most 'in-house religion fighting' it stems from disagreements on scripture interpretation. That said, my 'United' Methodist Church is choosing to no longer be 'United.' We're gunna split into two denominations over "fundamental differences" regarding gay marriages and LGBTQ clergy. The (1) 'traditionalists" will separate from the (2) United Methodist Church. You likely won't notice much of a ripple given the fact that there are already some 4,200 religions world wide; no earth-shattering deal adding one more denomination.
It can get rather complicated tracking the 11-groups of Jesus followers comprising the 2.1 billion Christians world wide. The eleven different sets of Christians exists because of scripture interpretation fussing over words and rituals. It is little surprise that religious differences is one of the major causes behind conflict and war. Yet every religion on the face of the earth makes the claim that 'LOVE' is a fundamental principle and anchor in their religion. But dammit, mankind by nature is intolerate and stubbornly embraces their deep-rooted (personal) ethnocentrism. Don't rush to the dictionary for a definition> ethnocentrism is a fancy word meaning 'judging others based on your own beliefs.' Nasty behavior, which Jesus told us not to do!
I maintain that 'If' love is a foundation of all faith believers then why can't we be friends, in the name of JESUS-Christ, why can't we be accepting? Why don't we just do what He told us to do: "Love one another as I have loved you." And.....when Christ returns, let Him sort it all out for us. Why not?
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