Social Creed of Methodism History and Principles
สรุปใจความสำคัญ
- The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first Christian denomination to adopt an official Social Creed.
- The Social Creed was first adopted in 1908, influenced by the Social Gospel movement.
- The original 1908 creed focused heavily on labor rights, including the abolition of child labor and the establishment of a living wage.
The Social Creed was established to express the profound outrage of the Methodist community regarding the dire living and working conditions of millions of laborers in factories, mines, mills, and company towns. It holds the distinction of being adopted by the Methodist Episcopal Church, making it the first denomination in Christendom to adopt an official Social Creed.
History and Origins
Influenced by the Social Gospel movement and the Progressive politics of early 20th-century America, the Church drafted and adopted the creed in 1908. The primary architects of this document were Harry F. Ward, Elbert R. Zaring, Frank Mason North, Herbert Welch, and Worth M. Tippy. Over the decades, the creed has been refined and continues to appear in The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, following the Social Principles section.
The Modern Social Creed
The current version of the Social Creed reflects a comprehensive commitment to God, humanity, and the environment. Key tenets include:
- Faith and Stewardship: Belief in God as Creator and Jesus Christ as Redeemer, with a commitment to the preservation and faithful use of the natural world.
- Human Dignity: Affirmation of the blessings of community, marriage, and family, and a commitment to the rights and dignity of all persons, regardless of age or ability.
- Economic Justice: Belief in the right and duty to work for the glory of God, the protection of worker welfare, the right to collective bargaining, and the elimination of social and economic distress.
- Global Peace: A dedication to worldwide peace, the rule of law among nations, and individual freedom for all.
The 1908 Methodist Social Creed
The original 1908 document was a radical call for labor reform. The Methodist Episcopal Church specifically advocated for:
- Equal rights and complete justice for all people in all stations of life.
- The abolition of child labor.
- The protection of workers from dangerous machinery and occupational diseases.
- The implementation of a living wage in every industry.
- The reduction of labor hours to ensure leisure, which is considered a condition of the highest human life.
- The release from employment one day in seven.
คำถามที่พบบ่อย
What is the Social Creed of Methodism?
The Social Creed is a formal statement of beliefs and commitments regarding social justice, labor rights, and human dignity, first adopted by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1908.
Who were the primary authors of the 1908 Social Creed?
The primary authors were Harry F. Ward, Elbert R. Zaring, Frank Mason North, Herbert Welch, and Worth M. Tippy.
How is the Social Creed used today?
It is included in The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, and congregations are encouraged to reflect upon it and use it in worship services.
