The insignia attached to this commentary is the logo for the United Methodist Church. The UMC is a notable, mainline denominational church with a long heritage tracing back to the Oxford “Holy Club” of the 18th century (1729) made famous by John and Charles Wesley along with friend, George Whitefield. They were originally called, “Methodists” as a term (more or less) of derision. These men met for prayer, Bible study, and pious discipline so regularly that their devotion was deemed “methodical”. Hence, the epithet, Methodists. Of course, through the centuries the aspersions evaporated and the title became one of notoriety. It was Wesley who wrote…
“I look upon all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation. This is the work which I know God has called me to; and sure I am that His blessing attends it.”
Due to John Wesley’s passionate call to spread the Gospel there appears to be as many Methodist Churches dotting the landscape as there are United Stated Post Offices. Congregations started to fill with the wealthy, the notable, and the desirable. It became a moniker of credibility to associate with the Methodists as the church assumed its accepted place in thousands of communities. Say what you want, the UMC has an amazing legacy of evangelism and church planting. Unfortunately, much like the USPS, the once mighty Methodist Church has fallen on hard times and the course over the last generation especially has come home to haunt them. I know something about this because I started my spiritual journey as a Methodist. I studied for the ministry in a distinctly Wesleyan seminary. I have read nearly all of Wesley’s journals. I wrote a doctoral thesis on Wesley’s leadership. I do not claim expertise status, but I’m not out of touch either. The once church juggernaut of biblical evangelism, discipleship, and leadership slowly drifted from orthodoxy to heterodoxy to in numerous cases, heresy. In much the same way North American Episcopalianism came to a crossroad as a denominational entity, so United Methodism now sits on the same street corner.
Which brings me to the point.
The logo attached was created in 1968 when the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged into the Methodist Church becoming the United Methodist Church. The logo represented the centrality of the Cross accompanied by the two flames (representing the Holy Spirit) emanating from the merging of two churches. To this we all can affirm and say, “Amen”. Who could question the intent? Whether it accurately portrays Methodism at present might be up for discussion, but no criticism can be offered for the intent of the insignia.
Or…
Does it actually communicate a subliminal racist message?
According to UMC minister, the Rev. Edlen Cowley, it’s time for the Cross and flames to go. You can read the full story here:
https://www.umnews.org/en/news/time-for-cross-and-flame-to-go#.XwxgMS9WUYs.facebook
According to Rev. Cowley, the logo carries the same “cinematic impact” as D. W. Griffith’s, 1915 silent film, “The Birth of a Nation”, where Klansmen first burned a Cross in symbolism of their (racist) philosophy. In other words, the insignia, whether it was originally intended this way or not, is racist. Therefore, cancel it.
Since I am no longer a Methodist, my analysis and commentary is simply from an interested observer. However, this is where non-biblical philosophies (like Critical Race Theory) eventually lead. They attempt to cancel the Cross. They attempt to extinguish any and every vestige of biblical Christianity. It’s a simple strategy, just conflate the symbol’s original, innocent intention into the current cultural sensitivity.
Let me be clear, this is no confederate flag issue. That flag represented numerous issues of which slavery was unquestionably a part. However, just because the Cross (as a symbol) is hijacked in history for racist purposes does not mean it’s intended message is not still valued and honored.
Can we really not make those distinctions in the 21st century? Are our sensitivities so raw and frail as a culture, that we cannot (easily) parse our important symbols?
In some ways I feel sorry for Methodism. I wonder if a generation ago they could have clearly seen this day whether or not they would have opened the door to theological liberalism? It’s a moot point now and truthfully, the same groups you tried to appease with theological moderation are now coming for something far more significant. I understand, it’s just a logo in some people’s mind. However, if you can conflate your solidly biblical logo into a racist insignia, then what do you think is really safe from our cultural offense?
Here’s to hoping Methodists wake up…
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