Course Review: Methodist Identity-Beliefs

 Information about the Course

This is a course offered by BeADisiciple.com called Methodist Identity: Beliefs. This is a course offered as part of the Wesley Academy for Advanced Christian Studies, created in partnership with Wesley Theological Seminary and BeADisciple.  The course instructor is Rev. Scott Gallagher. The course is eight weeks long. Each week a video of different experts in the field of Methodist Doctrine, including non-United Methodists (but from related Methodist denominations) as well as United Methodists.  Each week students are asked to do some additional readings (including some of Wesley sermons), post answers to 3 or 4 questions on a Discussion board, and participation in online discussion. 

The course can be part of a certification called Certificate in Advanced Christian Study.  The certificate involves completion of six courses such as this one.  The course can also be taken as a stand alone option.

Summary

From the website: This is an adult education course hosted by Gregory Ingram featuring contributions by 9 of the world’s leading Methodist scholars. It builds on the history of Methodism by examining Methodist beliefs and focusing especially on those doctrines that make Methodists distinctive.

Eight half-hour long presentations by leading Methodist theologians offer valuable information and insight concerning core Wesleyan ideas. The course will benefit both lifelong Methodists and those coming to Methodism from other traditions.

Lessons include:

1. The Nature of Methodist Doctrine – Sharon Grant & Ted Campbell
2. Divine Trinity and Christology – Scott J. Jones
3. Prevenient Grace and Repentance – Elaine A. Robinson
4. Justifying Faith and Assurance – Walter Klaiber
5. Sanctification – Sondra Wheeler
6. Baptism and Christian Initiation – Henry Knight
7. Eucharist – Lawrence Hull Stookey
8. Eschatology – Randy L. Maddox

Impressions

This course is one of two required courses for a Wesleyan Emphasis for the Advanced Studies certificate. 

I did enjoy the course and am grateful for the opportunity to work my way through it.  It expanded my knowledge of what we belief together as United Methodists and provided the opportunity for me to read our two doctrinal statements and discuss them with others, along with other questions that arise from consideration of the doctrines.

I believe this course will be beneficial both to my work at the Foundation and as I teach the Conference CLM Course.

The only drawback I found is that our course enrollment was  low and a couple of people dropped out of the course as we moved through the weeks.  We ended up with four students:  this complicates my goal of responding to at least two other people's posts since one of the four was me.  It worked out though.  The leader's participation adds to the course.

While I worked through the course, I read the book Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials by Ted A Campbell and read at least three of John Wesley's sermons each week.  I would recommend doing this if you have the time. It adds more dimensions to the course - although the course would stand alone without it.

Throughout the next weeks, I will share a few posts based on my responses to some of the questions.

Great course - I recommend it.

Posts about the Class

Posts about the class will have the tag Methodist Identity: Beliefs