What is the Methodist stance on gambling?
The Methodist Church does not condone gambling, as it can lead to financial ruin and addiction. We believe that gambling is a form of entertainment that should be avoided. The Church will advise such individuals to get therapeutic help if gambling has become addicting so that their resources may be directed into more productive and beneficial avenues. The Church should work to establish standards and personal lifestyles that would make commercial gambling unnecessary for means of an escape, charity donations, or otherwise.
What is the Methodist stance on gun control?
The Methodist Church does not condone the use of guns, as they can lead to violence and death. We believe that gun control is an important issue, and we support measures that will help to reduce the number of guns in our society. We also believe that there are other, more effective ways to keep communities safe. If you are considering owning a gun, or if you already own a gun, please reach out for help so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your community. The Church believes in responsible gun ownership. We believe that gun owners should be properly trained in the use of their firearms, and they should take measures to ensure that their guns are safely stored and secured. We also believe that gun owners have a responsibility to their community to use their guns in a safe and responsible manner. The Church does not condone the use of violence, and we believe that gun control is an important issue. We support measures that will help to reduce the number of guns in our society, and we believe that there are other, more effective ways to keep communities safe. Methodists also oppose carrying firearms in church except by law enforcement officers. Worship services should be a place where people feel safe from violence, not threatened by it. In addition, displaying firearms in church can be seen as a form of violence.
What is the Methodist stance on homosexuality?
The Methodist Church does not condone homosexuality, but we also believe that each person should make their own decisions about their sexual orientation and gender identity. We believe that all people are created in the image of God, and we see homosexual relationships as a way of understanding how God has been active in creation throughout history. As Methodists, we believe that science and faith are not mutually exclusive. We can use both to understand the world around us and to deepen our relationship with God. If you are considering coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer, there are support groups that can help with the potential fallout of that decision.
What is the Methodist stance on military service?
The Methodist Church does not condone military service, as we believe that it is a form of violence. We also believe that there are other, more effective ways to protect our communities. If you are considering joining the military, or if you have already made the decision to enlist, please reach out for help so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your community. The Methodist Church believes in working for peace and justice through nonviolent means. We support individuals who choose to live their lives in accordance with these values, and we hope that more people will join us in working for a peaceful world.
What is the Methodist stance on pornography?
The Methodist Church does not condone pornography, as it can lead to addiction, objectification, and violence. We believe that pornography is a form of exploitation, and we support measures that will help to reduce its availability. We also believe that there are other, more effective ways to sexualize our relationships. If you are considering viewing porn, or if you already view porn regularly, please reach out for help so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your community. The Methodist Church believes in healthy sexuality. We believe that sex should be an expression of love between two consenting adults. We see pornography as a distortion of this healthy sexuality. Pornography creates distorted views of sex, body image, and relationships, which is damaging to both men and women In addition, we believe that there are other, more effective ways to sexualize our relationships.