How do the beliefs of First United Methodists and Presbyterians compare?
Pizza Man Jul 15th, 2005 Methodists are historically Wesleyan-Arminian. Presbyterians are historically Calvinist. Both denominations have become more liberal over the years, so in some congregations the distinctions are less important than they have been historically. The most obvious historical difference is that Methodists believe that if a person becomes a Christian and then turns away from the faith, their salvation can be lost (Arminianism). Presbyterians believe that if a person becomes a Christian, their salvation cannot be lost (Calvinism). There are actually 5 points of contention between Arminians and Calvinists. In addition sometimes people hold to one or more of these positions, but not all five: Depravity – Methodists believe that man is fallen, but that he retains the capability to ask God to redeem him. Presbyterians believe that man can’t seek God at all, unless God first enables him to do so. Election – Methodists believe that God saves those who believe and have faith
