United Methodist Doctrine After Disaffiliation: Learning to Teach Our Teaching

Abstract

In Methodist Review 12 (2020), William B. Lawrence presented “A Question of Doctrine: Whither The United Methodist Church?” This article returns to the question posed by Lawrence to consider what The United Methodist Church intended by its statements in the Book of Discipline about doctrine. Earlier reflection intended for theological and doctrinal renewal may continue to serve as a guide for how to think about doctrine as the church goes forward after disaffiliation. The article looks at how doctrine may be both normative and formative, giving special attention to the Social Principles.