The Love of Scripture

The Love of Scripture



This is the second video in the Proud To Be UMC video series where Adam Hamilton, the pastor of Church of the Resurrection, responds to challenges to the UMC from Rob Renfroe of Woodlands Methodist Church about why United Methodists should consider leaving the United Methodist Church. Hamilton made it clear that there's another side to the story, stating that.

Understanding the Bible

In this video, Hamilton emphasized the importance of understanding and interpreting the Bible. Rob Renfroe had argued that believing the Bible is the word of God might lead to discomfort within the United Methodist Church. In response, Hamilton asserted,

"I want to emphasize that you can indeed find the United Methodist Church to be a welcoming place for in-depth scriptural study, free questioning, and righteous interpretation."

Hamilton stressed the need to interpret the Bible in light of its broader context, including the witness of other parts of the Bible, the historical and cultural context, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the traditions of the church, and the use of our intellect and reason. He said,

"We interpret it with the help of intellect, reason, and our experience."

Interpreting Difficult Passages

Both Rob Renfroe and Adam Hamilton acknowledged that the Bible includes verses that may appear inconsistent with the character of God as revealed in Jesus. Hamilton provided examples, such as the command for priests to burn their daughters alive if they become prostitutes and over 200 verses that allow for slavery. He said,

"It's essential to acknowledge that challenging verses in the Bible exist, and it's our task to make sense of them."

"Interpreting the Bible requires understanding that we can find justifications for almost anything within its pages,"
Hamilton pointed out. He emphasized the importance of interpreting challenging passages in light of the major themes of the Bible, such as God's justice, mercy, compassion, and understanding.

The Future of the United Methodist Church

As the United Methodist Church moves forward, it will continue to be a home for a diverse range of believers. Hamilton explained that the church will welcome conservatives with traditional views on marriage, centrists navigating the middle ground, and progressives who recognize that God's love extends to everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. He stated,

"The church will remain a place where asking questions, studying scripture, and striving to live by its teachings are encouraged."

In conclusion, Hamilton reiterated that the United Methodist Church is a place where the study and interpretation of scripture are vital aspects of faith. He emphasized,

"If you have a deep love for the Bible and a desire to explore its meaning within a supportive community, you'll find a welcoming home within the United Methodist Church."

"Join us for the next video where we'll discuss who Jesus is and what the future holds for the United Methodist Church. Stay tuned!"


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In our journey through life, we often find ourselves searching for meaning, purpose, and direction. Just as a sunflower turns its face towards the sun, seeking light and nourishment, we too are called to orient ourselves towards the divine light that guides and sustains us. The sunflower serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Like this remarkable flower, we are meant to be diverse, generous, and life-giving. The sunflower doesn't keep its bounty to itself; it provides nourishment for birds, offers seeds for human consumption, and even produces oil for various uses. In the same way, we are called to share our gifts, talents, and resources with those around us, extending beyond ourselves to promote life and well-being in our communities. Be willing to take risks and move beyond what is familiar to grow in your faith. Challenge yourself to engage in activities that stretch your understanding and reliance on God. But what does it mean to truly live a life of faith? 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May our lives be a testament to this sunflower faith - always seeking the light, always giving, always proclaiming the life-giving power of God's love.
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