A reflection paper I wrote for a class I am taking via the FMC.
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Andrew Spangler
History + Polity Reflection Paper
How does the emphasis on freedom and grace within Wesleyan theology become a viable means for advancing the Kingdom in modern culture?
My initial reaction to this prompt is that we need to define freedom and grace. I think one of our tendencies as humans is to take words we hear and interpret them to best fit our needs – outside of a particular morality or mandate.
Men have sought freedom from authority (whether divine, human, or abstract) since the beginning of our history. From the initial rebellion against restriction, to Barbaric struggle against Rome, to the American Revolutionary War – freedom is, in one way or another, arguably pre-programmed into our very natures.
Like any desire or compulsion, there is a balance that must be maintained in order to escape decadence or abuse. Relaxation is most enjoyed those who have worked long and hard; Freedom is most appreciated by those who have known the yoke of oppression. As the Constitution of the United States boldly and proudly proclaims, freedom is an inalienable right of every man – yet ‘freedom’ is such a dynamic word that we must, paradoxically, restrict it’s usage.
I believe freedom is both an inalienable right and a granted privilege. It is both the ability to act freely and to exercise restraint. Freedom must be treasured and protected, while it is extended and propagated by those who truly understand the weight of responsibility that it brings.
Grace, in contrast to freedom, is exclusively a granted mercy. We cannot rebel against an oppressor in order to grasp grace in an outstretched fist. Grace is a savior for the convicted, unmerited and undeserved favor given at the discretion of those wounded or wronged. Grace often leads to a type of freedom, and likewise freedom tills a culture more apt to broadly extend grace.
This realization that grace and freedom often go hand in hand is a common theme in Wesleyan theology. Paul’s clarification in 1 Corinthians 6:12 helps give direction to the exercise of freedom:
“Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
I think that classical Wesleyan theology appears to provide a Biblical avenue to freedom and grace extended to man, but can often become a façade for religious legalism and unhealthy (sinful) conviction and guilt. On the surface, Wesley’s obsession with holiness and his rigid adherence to a set list of rules and accountabilities appear anything but a life experiencing freedom or grace. However – I think it is possibly one of the better examples of a liberated life.
Living under the reign of freedom and grace takes many forms – from the ‘culturally liberal’ to the ‘holistically conservative’, freedom rings ‘from every mountainside’ both socially and theologically. This ability/desire to live free is cultivated in the minds of every American. Freedom to choose, freedom to say and think honestly, freedom to be independent if that is your choice. With this kind of freedom must come a radical kind of grace.
Grace for failures, grace for stumbling and imperfection – as disciples, we must live grace-filled lives in community with freed people. Without grace, the Church becomes what it is most often construed: a judgmental and hypocritical society of pseudo-pious sinners looking down on those not religious enough to attend Sunday mornings. With grace, however, the Church finds her true self: a radical and revolutionary catalyst for Almighty God to move with power among His creation. A beautiful community of imperfect people living with freedom to make mistakes and grace to propel us towards holiness.
With our Wesley-Arminian emphasis on freedom and grace, we have are given a unique position to reach out to the pluralistic, postmodern, and increasingly post-Christian culture that is prevalent in America. By extending grace to those experimenting with spirituality (much like ourselves), we are also giving freedom to find God in the way he is revealing Himself to them.
I think this is one of the most distinctive and valuable characteristics of the Free Methodist church: the cultivation and practice of an enabling theology of grace that seeks (like Jesus) to meet people where they are, and empower them to live in relationship with God – which is a primary step in making holy disciples of Christ.