Written in a humorous, accessible style, Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt is an easy-to-understand guide to the kinds of theological questions that many United Methodist youth and others ask. This concise book is an engaging and insightful resource for any United Methodist youth, parent, or educator seeking to better understand their unique brand of Christianity in light of the understandings of those from the evangelical tradition. With helpful sidebars explaining United Methodist history and polity and questions after each chapter for reflection and action, this book is ideal for Christian education courses for youth and adults, new member classes in United Methodist churches, as well as personal reading. This is an ideal book for adolescents and young adults and those who nurture them.
“What a wonderful resource this is for . . . anyone wanting to know more about what it means to be United Methodist and how to talk about who we are, what we believe, and what we value in clear, straightforward, and compelling ways. . . .[This] should certainly not be limited to readers in the Bible Belt—there are people in congregations everywhere wondering and raising the questions and challenges addressed in this book. As John Wesley himself might have said, this is “plain truth for plain people.”—Patricia Farris, Senior Minister, First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica, CA
“With insight, creativity, and humor, Belton Joiner takes the reader on a journey through the Methodist tradition and interprets what it means to believe and live as a United Methodist Christian in the 21st century. He makes one appreciate Wesleyan theology and practice while respecting other traditions. This is an excellent resource for individuals and groups who wish to understand the basic tenets of United Methodist doctrine and theology and to be formed as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.”—Bishop Kenneth L. Carder, Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School
