Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality
Ebook
Overview
The United Methodist impasse over human sexuality has its roots in two dichotomous ideologies of history and theology.
This book maps how American Methodists have responded to sexual change since World War II. It argues that the current United Methodist impasse over human sexuality has its root in the existence of two dichotomous ideologies of Methodist history and theology--one liberal and one evangelical, which come to the foreground in discussions of human sexuality. It offers evidence about how these ideologies have sought to reconcile their sexual ethic with sexual change since the birth control movement of the 1920s. In post-WWII America, most Methodists upheld a limited notion of family life and sexuality, one that allowed for the use of artificial contraception within marriage and for divorce. In response to the sexual revolution, liberal-leaning Methodists upheld a new sexual ethic, “the new morality,” which peaked with radical new approaches to sex education, a full endorsement of abortion rights, and support of the homophile movement. However, “the new morality” coincided with an increased presence of and a new voice for evangelical Methodists, Charles Keysor and the Good News Movement. Evangelical Methodists critiqued “the new morality” as value-neutral and anti-Scripture. The evangelical desire for a rules-based morality solely reliant on Scripture collided with “the new morality” and led to intense debates over sex education, abortion, and the inclusion of LGBTQ persons within the United Methodist denomination from the 1970s onward. Since 1972, United Methodists have continually debated “human sexuality” at each General Conference, primarily through the advocacy efforts of political caucus groups. This author hopes that an historical examination of how Methodists have confronted sexual change will enlighten current conversations about human sexuality.
Explore how American Methodists have grappled with the intersections of theology, history, and sexuality since World War II
Key insights into pivotal moments, from the birth control movement of the 1920s to the sexual revolution and beyond
The development of “the new morality” and its influence on issues like sex education and LGBTQ inclusion
The evangelical critique of value-neutral policies and their advocacy for a scripture-based moral framework.
The rise of influential voices, like Charles Keysor and movements like the Good News Movement, who offered alternative interpretations grounded in scripture
Learn from in-depth historical evidence and scholarly arguments that frame the debate in a clear and accessible way
Foster Meaningful Dialogue in Your Community
- Title: Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality
- Author: Ashley Boggan
- Publisher: Abingdon Press
- Print Publication Date: 2025
- Logos Release Date: 2025
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781791040109, 9781791040093, 1791040098, 1791040101
- Resource ID: LLS:9781791040109
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-06-08T20:23:25Z