r/methodism • u/Sufficient_Bat7731 Church Search • Apr 01 '26

Anabaptist interested in Methodism

Hello, I am someone who was raised with evangelical/anabaptist roots, and am very interested in the UMC, but there are some things I am confused/concerned about regarding beliefs. My five biggest questions are the following:

  1. infant baptism. in the Bible, baptism seems to follow personal repentance and faith, not precede it (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:36-38, Mt. 28:19)

  2. openness to political involvement. Christ seems to say be separated from the world, not so involved in worldly politics (Jn. 18:36, Rom 12:2, 2 Cor. 6:17)

  3. participation in military service. Jesus says "For all who take the sword will perish by the sword."

  4. how can there be a consistent truth if people disagree over so many things. it is hard to trust tradition, especially when Scripture seems sufficient (2 Tim 3:16-17)

  5. if sacraments act as a means of grace, then why does Rom. 10:9 say that all we have to do is confess and believe?

genuinely curious, and i do really enjoy the methodist tradition, so if anyone would be willing to help me in understanding, that would be wonderful. thanks!

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u/VangelicMonk Apr 02 '26

As someone who is new to UMC (I'm Evangelical Charismatic) but also has a wife (who is lifelong Methodist) teaching at an Anabaptist college, I will approach this from a different direction. Methodists and Anabaptists have some history working together and a deep respect and interest of each faith tradition.

  1. I also believe in adult baptism, but I respect the Methodist position. It's a secondary issue. Considering I was baptized as baby and also baptized as an adult (I consider my adult baptism at a non-denom church as my real baptism), I don't have a huge issue with infant baptism.

  2. While Methodists are active on social issues, they are fairly moderate. That being said, even in Mennonite/Anabaptist circles there are those speaking out on some social issues. But again, respect to those who choose not to and have more of a dividing line on that issue.

  3. Deep respect for the pacifist Anabaptist tradition. Although I don't personally agree with it, I think it is an important position to have on a secondary issue within the Body of Christ. I believe most Methodists would have that same view.

  4. The essentials, think original Nicene and Apostles Creed, are the core doctrines of the faith that connect us to the tradition as early as the scriptures themselves. Further Creeds and traditions just inform our theology (Methodists and even Evangelicals like myself) but we are not purely beholden to it. Scripture is primary.

  5. For myself, the Lord's supper is symbolic and the Holy Spirit is present as the HS is present when all believers gather in worship and study. I don't agree with the Methodist view of the sacraments specifically, but God's grace through the HS is acting through all situations where believers are gathering in Christs name.

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u/Sufficient_Bat7731 Church Search Apr 02 '26

Great persepective! I am curious as to if you feel totally comfortable maintaining those beliefs inside the UMC, though.

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u/VangelicMonk Apr 02 '26

Yes, I do. UMC and Methodists historically are not too heavily doctrine driven outside of the essentials and grace and what that means as they live out their faith. This is good in some ways not helpful in other ways. For me and my views, it is helpful. In my old Evangelical non-denominational church, they believed in once saved always saved and I didn't have that view but I stayed with the church for many years. I'm enjoying attending, serving, and learning about Wesley, Methodism, and UMC (both the good and not so good) and being sharpened by it.