Makes me kinda proud

It's been a while since I've posted on this site, but this one surprised me a little bit, although it probably shouldn't.

As a United Methodist (actually ordained elder, but that was in a former life), there are a number of areas where I strongly disagree with my denomination. But this? This makes me kinda proud to be a Methodist.

Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips has a dream: "No more Methodist Church." ...

Phillips explains that he was formerly a member of the church, but he left because it's "the first Church of Karl Marx," and "little more than the "religious" arm of socialism."

"The Methodist church is pro-illegal immigration," he continues. "They have been in the bag for socialist health care, going as far as sending out emails to their membership "debunking" the myths of Obamacare. Say, where are the liberal complaints on the separation of church and state?"

"In short, if you hate America, you have a great future in the Methodist church," he says.

United Methodism spans the gamut, claiming membership ranging from Hillary Clinton to George W. Bush. Pluralism is one of our great strengths, but also one of our potential weaknesses as well. In it's best incarnations it teaches tolerance and acceptance, reminding us that the things that would bind us together are stronger or more valuable than the things that would tear us apart. But it also means having to put up with folks like ol' Judson. (Of course, ol' Judson has to put up with folk like me too, at least he did until he bolted.)

That spirit of pluralism and tolerance of differences is found in the sermons of John Wesley ("On a Catholic Spirit"):

But even though a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without doubt, we may. In this all the children of God may unite, even though they retain these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may help one another increase in love and in good works.

Surely in this respect the example of Jehu himself, as mixed a character as he was, is well worthy both the attention and imitation of every serious Christian. "And when he left there, [Jehu] met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him, and he greeted him, and said to him, "Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?" And Jehonadab answered: "It is." [Jehu said], "If it is, give me your hand."

I'm not sure Judson Phillips' heart is where my heart is.

I have a dream too, Judson ... no more Tea Party. But I'm not fool enough to think that will happen.