Many thanks to my googlehound friend that forwarded to me today one of the most fascinating articles that I have read in a while. The article, "War and Peace and the Wesleyan Church" tells of the peace witness of the Wesleyan Methodist Church at its inception in the mid-1800's. The organizers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church appointed a Committee on Peace in 1844 to present a report entitled "The Duty of Christians on the Subject of Peace". Their report stated..."We believe the Gospel of Christ to be every way opposed to the practice of war, in all its forms..."
The author of this historical paper suggests that the peace witness of the Wesleyan Methodist Church remained strong until the Civil War which led to a change in the "Discipline" (1864) that lacked the strong witness against war.
I also learned that the Assemblies of God church, the large evangelical, Pentecostal church of my upbringing had a peace statement as well until the World Wars called it into question.
Incredible!! Maybe it is time that we investigate why we gave up so easily on peace.
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1 comment:
If you ever call me a "googlehound" again, I will renounce the pacifism you converted me to and begin attending Harvest Bible Chapel.
Stay Black & Strong,
jefe
or for you:
Jeff-er-ee
PS do you really anticipate that many comments that you felt compelled to turn the stupid word verification on? It's so annoying! Big Love.
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