In this series, Adam Hamilton is responding to a series of videos by another pastor, Rob Renfroe, who aims to persuade United Methodists to leave their denomination and join the Global Methodist Church. This video is on the denominations stance of human sexuality.
Understanding the Bible
Hamilton emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting the Bible, stating that the United Methodist Church can be a welcoming place for in-depth scriptural study, free questioning, and righteous interpretation:
"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."
He stresses 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 intellect and reason:
"We interpret it with the help of intellect, reason, and our experience."
Interpreting Difficult Passages
Hamilton acknowledges challenging verses in the Bible, such as those related to slavery, and emphasizes the importance of interpreting these passages in light of major biblical themes:
"Interpreting the Bible requires understanding that we can find justifications for almost anything within its pages."
The Future of the United Methodist Church
Hamilton describes the United Methodist Church as a diverse community welcoming conservatives with traditional views on marriage, centrists, and progressives who recognize that God's love extends to everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasizes that the church will encourage questions, scriptural study, and living by its teachings:
"The church will remain a place where asking questions, studying scripture, and striving to live by its teachings are encouraged."
Personal Journey
Hamilton shares his personal journey, highlighting the harm inflicted on gay and lesbian individuals by some Christians in the past. He expresses his evolving views and the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals:
"I'm suggesting to you that where the United Methodist Church is going and I think this is where most of us are is we're saying look it's possible to be traditionalist and to hold a traditional view but to be super gracious and I think there are many in the GMC who are trying to do that."
Denominational Future
Hamilton explains that the future of the United Methodist Church will be one of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for differing theological perspectives. The church aims to coexist, respecting differences in interpretation while focusing on love and inclusion:
"The future of the United Methodist Church will be one of love, inclusion, and coexistence for believers with different theological stances, with a focus on loving and welcoming everyone."