Baptist vs Methodist

Well, there's usually no better way to get pulled into the quicksand than asking a Baptist to describe someone else's beliefs. I would recommend this site:
http://umc.org/abouttheumc/

Since you grew up in Oklahoma, odds are likely you went to a Southern Baptist church. Just trying to describe our beliefs -- like other Baptists -- is like herding cats.

Some some differences that stand out:

Baptism with the Methodists is usually by sprinkling. Infant baptism is accepted, though not required.

Methodism is thoroughly Arminian -- not likely to find a Calvinist there. (This is true broadly, although I am aware of some ethnic Calvinist Methodist churches, such as in Wales.)

Church polity is not strictly congregationalist as in Baptist Churches. There are levels of administration above the local churches with the duty to be superintendents of the church.

Ordination of women is widely accepted among Methodists, much moreso than among most Baptists.

I've heard my share of "fire and brimstone" from Oklahoma Baptist preachers, so I know where you're coming from. I think it's fair to say that kind of preaching is less likely to be found in Methodist churches than in smaller Baptist churches, but many large SBC churches are much more reserved than their more rural brethren.

I'm sure I've misstated something, so I apologize in advance to any Methodists who stumble across the board.

[ January 09, 2002: Message edited by: rsr ]

 

Laughing, too, but WHAT WERE YOU DOING in a liquor store, Josh??

Had a Methodist describe the difference like this: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>You Baptists dip folks, right?

If you only get them wet up to their knees, are they baptized?

If you only get them wet up to their belly, are they baptized?

If you get them wet all over EXCEPT on the top of their head, are they baptized?

Well, THAT's where we start!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Joshua:

Sounds like the short version of the new Baptist catechism:

1. Baptists don't recognize the authority of the pope.

2. Baptists don't recognize the authority of the state in matters of religion.

3. Baptists don't recognize baptism as valid unless its by immersion.

4. Baptists don't recognize each other in the liquor store.

Or, as politicians said about Oklahoma's long refusal to repeal prohibition:
"Repeal will never pass so long as Baptists can stagger to the polls to vote against it."