Changes

Evangelical Christianity (which, as defined by Barna research, makes up approx. 6-7 percent of the United States <ref>[http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/13-culture/111-survey-explores-who-qualifies-as-an-evangelical Survey Explores Who Qualifies As an Evangelical, The Barna Group, Ltd.]</ref><ref>[http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/173-godless-hollywood-bible-belt-new-research-exploring-faith-in-americas-largest-markets-produces-surprises]</ref>  is more distinctive in that it holds to [[sola scriptura]], that the Bible is the final, but not the only, authority, wholly inspired by God and inerrant, although most hold that this refers to the original  manuscripts. Their scholars hold to the historical contextual and grammatical method, which understands Scripture in the light of its immediate and larger contexts, as well as linguistically aspects  , and affirms its statements as accurate and true, within their respective literary  genres, in contrast to revisionist theories designed to negate its authority.<ref>[http://www.wlsessays.net/files/BrugHC.pdf  Why the Historical-Critical Method of Interpreting Scripture is Incompatible with Confessional Lutheranism. by John F. Brug]</ref> Such also hold to [[salvation]] by grace through faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ and His sinless shed blood, by which the contrite and repentant soul is justified before God, not on the basis of merit gained by their own works. <ref>Ibid. Barna.org </ref>   

Evangelical Christianity (which, as defined by Barna research, makes up approx. 6-7 percent of the United States <ref>[http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/13-culture/111-survey-explores-who-qualifies-as-an-evangelical Survey Explores Who Qualifies As an Evangelical, The Barna Group, Ltd.]</ref><ref>[http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/173-godless-hollywood-bible-belt-new-research-exploring-faith-in-americas-largest-markets-produces-surprises]</ref>  is more distinctive in that it holds to [[sola scriptura]], that the Bible is the final, but not the only, authority, wholly inspired by God and inerrant, although most hold that this refers to the original  manuscripts. Their scholars hold to the historical contextual and grammatical method, which understands Scripture in the light of its immediate and larger contexts, as well as linguistically aspects  , and affirms its statements as accurate and true, within their respective literary  genres, in contrast to revisionist theories designed to negate its authority.<ref>[http://www.wlsessays.net/files/BrugHC.pdf  Why the Historical-Critical Method of Interpreting Scripture is Incompatible with Confessional Lutheranism. by John F. Brug]</ref> Such also hold to [[salvation]] by grace through faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ and His sinless shed blood, by which the contrite and repentant soul is justified before God, not on the basis of merit gained by their own works. <ref>Ibid. Barna.org </ref>   

==Denominational positions on the Bible and homosexuality==

==Denominational positions on the Bible, and homosexuality==

===Anglican/Episcopal===  

===Anglican/Episcopal===  

Official United Methodist statements on the Bible lack depth and detail. It holds that the Bible is inspired by God and contains all things necessary to salvation.<ref>[http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1649  The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, V-VIII]</ref> Manifest that it allows subjective sources to alter basic moral teaching. <ref>Commentary: Do United Methodist Bishops Really Value Christian Unity? By John Lomperis</ref>   

Official United Methodist statements on the Bible lack depth and detail. It holds that the Bible is inspired by God and contains all things necessary to salvation.<ref>[http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1649  The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, V-VIII]</ref> Manifest that it allows subjective sources to alter basic moral teaching. <ref>Commentary: Do United Methodist Bishops Really Value Christian Unity? By John Lomperis</ref>   

Homosexuals are allowed to be members, but "self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as [ministerial]] candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church." "Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches." However, it has yet to firmly resolve the issue (to stand with the Bible), and considers this a debatable subject.<ref>Leader Resources, What is the denomination’s position on homosexuality? Book of Resolutions. See also Judicial Council Decisions 984, 985</ref> It yet supports traditional marriage, though not distinctive gender roles as being normative in such,<ref>The Nurturing Community</ref> and strongly supports ordaining women as pastors over men.<ref>[http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/WOMENPASTORS.html Are women pastors Biblical?]</ref> It opposes [[homophobia]] as well as heterosexism, such as provides "a privileged status for people who identify as culturally defined heterosexuals" (which the Bible promotes), and supports equal civil rights for homosexuals<ref>Book of Resolutions, Opposition to Homophobia and Heterosexism</ref><ref>The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2008</ref>  (the sexual practice of said persons the Bible criminalizes).

Homosexuals are allowed to be members, but "self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as [ministerial]] candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church." "Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches." However, it has yet to firmly resolve the issue (to stand with the Bible), and considers this a debatable subject.<ref>Leader Resources, What is the denomination’s position on homosexuality? Book of Resolutions. See also Judicial Council Decisions 984, 985</ref> It yet supports traditional marriage, though not distinctive gender roles as being normative in such,<ref>The Nurturing Community</ref> and strongly supports ordaining women as pastors over men.<ref>[http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/WOMENPASTORS.html Are women pastors Biblical?]</ref> It opposes [[homophobia]] as well as heterosexism, such as provides "a privileged status for people who identify as culturally defined heterosexuals" (which the Bible promotes), and supports equal civil rights for homosexuals<ref>Book of Resolutions, Opposition to Homophobia and Heterosexism</ref><ref>The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2008</ref>  (the sexual practice of said persons the Bible criminalizes).

==References==

==References==