The Methodist---Right down the Middle

I believe my rankings are about as objective as possible. With the Methodist I have some problems of distance.

The city I live in has one of the amazing church buildings in American. The Boston Avenue Church is a marvel in that it is in a relatively modern style (art deco), but is as fresh and timeless today as when it was first built. In addition to the building, this Church has one of the two or three best 'preachers' in the U.S.

In addition to these parochical factors some ten years ago, I had the chance to see the Methodist church in Windom Texas. Windom today is as close to the 'end of the world' one can find. A town of just a few hundred, the "downtown" consisting of a cafe and a small post office. about two blocks away is the local Methodist church. It is a well designed frame church in the style of turn of the century country churches. The interior is immaculately kept with the altar communion vessels in perfect condition. To me, it is amazing that this tiny community hosts such a structure. It is helped, of course, by having across the street an ugly, concret block Assembly of God edifce.

Nationally there is considerable divergence of views among the Methodist. The National organization tends to the 'liberal' side especially on social issues. The Church has excellent seminaries, the clergy usually being rather learned. Unfortunately there is a sizable group of local churches that are still struggling to get past 1950.

The Church services have a decent balance. Liturgical in many ways---their inheritance from Anglicanism---but with usually a high order of semonizing. Not all, of course, have these two elements to a relatively high degree, but there is much there, in many Methodist churches to satisfy both lovers of liturgy and good sermonizing..

The theology of the Methodist Church is traditional Anglican, with a few deviations.

Now, if your daughter wants to marry into this group, she will neither gain nor lose socially. She will need to be careful not to fall into the hands of a right wing, political leaning church. Cerainly there are such Methodist churches, but, in my experience most pastors tend to steer clear of political partenship, disguised as the 'word of God.'