FAQs: Beliefs

Why does The United Methodist Church ordain women?
Clergywomen have been part of Methodism since John Wesley licensed Sarah Crosby to preach in 1761. Read More
What is the creed of The United Methodist Church?
The original creed dates back to 1908. In 1972, it was completely redesigned and renamed the Social Principles. Read More
Why do we say creeds?
What is a creed in the United Methodist Church? Read More
Do United Methodists believe that animals have souls and go to heaven?
What do United Methodists believe about animals? Read More
What does The United Methodist Church teach about the second coming?
Learn what The United Methodist Church teaches about the second coming. Read More

How are cremation and organ donation consistent with resurrection of the body?
The United Methodist Church accepts cremation and organ donation. Is this consistent with resurrection of the body? Read More
Does The United Methodist Church believe that babies are born in sin?
The ancient teaching of the church on this is called the doctrine of original sin. Read More
What is the United Methodist view on suicide?
Learn more about the United Methodist stance on suicide. Read More
Why do we say we believe in the “holy catholic church” in the Apostles’ Creed?
Is this a reference to the Roman Catholic Church? Read More

Do United Methodists believe in saints?
What does the church say about saints? How do United Methodists honor the faithful who have died? Read More
What happens after a person dies?
Do they go directly to heaven or hell or do they go to a holding place until Christ returns to earth for the final judgment? Read More
Do United Methodists believe “once saved, always saved” or can we “lose our salvation”?
Only God can initiate salvation. But only by our ongoing, living relationship with God through faith can God's saving intention be fully realized in our lives. Read More
Do United Methodists believe that faith in Jesus Christ is necessary to go to heaven?
Learn what United Methodists believe about salvation. Read More
Does The United Methodist Church believe in universal salvation?
Learn more about The United Methodist Church belief in salvation. Read More
Where does the “Rapture” fit into United Methodist beliefs?
What is the official stance of the church on the end times? Read More
Is the concept “saved, born-again” unique to evangelicals or Baptists? Does it apply to Methodists?
What do these words mean to United Methodists? Read More
What does it mean to be saved, to accept Jesus as your personal savior?
What does this mean from a United Methodist perspective? Read More
Did people go to heaven before Jesus?
The life of Jesus created a new understanding of heaven. Learn more here. Read More