February 7, 2006

"The Way We Were"

I recently was given a copy of the 1904 Book of Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church, so that I might compare how we Methodists did things 100 years ago. Reading through that Discipline from 100 years ago is quite interesting. The first thing of note is its small size -- just 499 pages in a smaller size (4 x 6 inches) compared to the 2004 Discipline with its 832 pages in a larger size (6 x 10 inches).

The second thing of note is how much the 1904 version focused upon doctrines, historical statements, and explanations of the "basics" of our faith like worship and singing. There was not a Social Principles section, but instead there was a section of "Special Advices" about proper Christian behavior. Some of those Advices seem quaint or even harsh, and they certainly reflected a different society. Divorce was not allowed, for example, unless one's partner had committed adultery. There were warnings against "Amusements" like dancing and theater-going, but those were balanced with a statement that, "We adjure them {members of Methodist churches} to remember that the question for a Christian must often be, not whether a course of action is positively immoral, but whether it will dull the spiritual life and be an unwise example." Such a statement obviously set a much higher standard that today's apparent standard that "If something is not absolutely illegal or doesn't hurt anyone else, then it is OK to do it." In the 1904 Discipline, these statements of "Special Advice" were set clearly within the context of doctrine and Christian behavior, whereas our 2004 Discipline contains Social Principles which read like public policy statements more akin to a political party platform than to a guide for the spiritual life for our members.

Thirdly, it is interesting to note that the 1904 Discipline, while it seemed to be more strict in many ways, offered more flexibility for the organization of the church. For example, the "Qualifications and Work" section for ministers included only three basic questions which must be answered: "(1) Do they know God as a pardoning God? (2) Have they gifts as well as grace for the work? (3) Have they been truly convinced of sin and converted to God, and are believers edified by their preaching?" Those three basic questions seem so simple and direct compared to the long and arduous process we use today to determine whether candidates for ministry will be commissioned or ordained. The 1904 Discipline focused clearly upon the faith, gifts, and fruitful ministry of those who wanted to serve.

There are other points of difference from that 100-year old Discipline, but I found myself inspired and awed by the comments about "The Necessity of Unity Among Ourselves." Listen to these words of advice and hear how much we need them in the current church:
"Let us be deeply sensible (from what we have known) of the evil of division in principle, spirit, or practice, and the dreadful consequences to ourselves and others. If we are united, what can stand before us? If we divide, we shall destroy ourselves, the work of God, and the souls of our people." If those words don't get our attention, pay heed to the following paragraph: "In order to a closer union with each other, 1. Let us be deeply convinced of the absolute necessity of it, 2. Pray earnestly for, and speak freely to, each other, 3. When we meet, let us never part without prayer, 4. Take great care not to despise each other's gifts, 5. Never speak lightly of each other, 6. Let us defend each other's character in everything as far as it is consistent with truth, 7. Labor to honor each to prefer the other before himself." I would love to see that list of admonitions read and followed at every church meeting, every Annual Conference, and even at General Conference. Wouldn't you?

The 1904 Discipline is an insight into who we once were as church. It certainly was a different day. The whole book in 1904 reflected a growing, effective church which was dealing with the growing pains of its expanding mission. There was an air of confidence, at times even arrogance, which stands in stark contrast to our present tendency to worry about our own survival.

I don't want to go back to 1904, but I do want to learn from the way we were.

from Bishop Michael J. Coyner

Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church
"Making a Difference ... in Indiana
and around the world"

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