Social Principles

October 26, 2022 (2nd Week)

 Primitiv Physiq
John Wesley and his response to the problems
during that time.
Spirituality vs Religion
Spirituality is a much broader topic when you consider all the ways it
can manifest in different people’s lives

Religion can be seen as specific representation of one’s spiritual

beliefs and practices
Spirituality
“The aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and
purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others,
to nature, and to the significant or sacred.”
The essence and reason for our living
Connection to that which is sacred, the transcendent.
The transcendent is that which is outside of the self, and yet also within the self
Intimately connected to the supernatural
◦ Called God for us Christians

Extends beyond organized religion (and begins before it)

◦ Spirituality of singers, “to sing”
Religion
Involves beliefs, practices, and rituals related to the transcendent (God, Allah, Higher Power,
Ultimate Truth, etc.)
Adherents usually have specific beliefs about life after death and rules about conduct
Includes not only beliefs, but also behaviors, rituals and ceremonies
Usually involves an organized system of beliefs, practices, and symbols designed to:
◦ facilitate closeness to the transcendent
◦ foster an understanding of one’s relationship and responsibility to others
Wesleyan Spirituality
John Wesley’s faith led him to a spirituality focused on both works of mercy and works of piety.
Works of piety
◦ Individual Practices – reading, meditating and studying the scriptures, prayer, fasting, regularly attending
worship, healthy living, and sharing our faith with others
◦ Communal Practices – regularly share in the sacraments, Christian conferencing (accountability to one
another), and Bible study
Wesleyan Spirituality
Works of mercy
◦ Ways in which people served and those serving experience the grace of God
◦ Individual Practices - doing good works, visiting the sick, visiting those in prison, feeding the hungry, and
giving generously to the needs of others
◦ Communal Practices – seeking justice, ending oppression and discrimination (for instance Wesley
challenged Methodists to end slavery), and addressing the needs of the poor (advocacy)
Social Principles
Wesleyan tradition has a long history of concern for social justice.
◦ Its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles.
◦ Early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment
of prisoners.

A social creed was adopted by The Methodist Episcopal Church (North) in 1908. Within the next
decade similar statements were adopted by The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and by The
Methodist Protestant Church.
Reflection Rounds
Why do you want to be a doctor?
What did you eliminate in choosing the best spot in your neighborhood?
How can you improve that situation?