Methodism
There are three pillars of Methodism:
- Rationality (what makes sense)
- Tradition (how has this historically been done)
- Scripture (what does the bible say)
All three should be considered equally, like three legs of a stool.
I like this, because it recognizes that some things don't make sense. Methodists don't have to believe that the Pope is literally incapable of being wrong (Ex cathedra), nor must they believe that the communion wafer stops being bread and literally becomes Christ's body.
Methodists are comfortable with metaphor, with fallibility, and with logic.
That doesn't mean they always get it right. United Methodist Church has a strict anti-gay stance that I believe is incompatible with the modern world and with the Christian tenet of loving our neighbor.
Founding Principles
Methodism was founded by John Wesley on 3 principles
- Do no harm, and avoid all evils
- Do good, as far as possible to all, and as far as possible
- Practice the ordinances of God, engaging in practices (both individual and communal) of prayer, bible reading, worship, and communion.