Methodist
social principles
This series of videos is produced by the Council on Communications of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) – General Conference to serve as a guide as we live out our faith amidst contemporary issues in a complex world.
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The Methodist Social Principles are based on a biblical and theological foundation enriched by our Methodist tradition. Through these principles, we seek to practise good Christian social responsibility as we navigate various areas of influence.
Our hope is that all Methodists, and Christians alike, will embrace these principles as we align our lives in accordance to God’s will, and contribute towards the common good. The Social Principles of MCS form a part of The Book of Discipline.
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All videos below by The Methodist Church in Singapore. For more information, please visit https://www.methodist.org.sg/
Title: Overview of Methodist Social Principles
Synopsis: An introduction of eight social principles that will help us live a life of personal and social holiness in eight areas of everyday life: family; economics; politics; Internet, science and technologies; social well-being; creation care; the church.
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Related article:
Methodist Social Principles: An Overview
by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong
Title: The Sphere of the Family
Synopsis: A healthy family forms the basis of a strong and stable society. It is where we learn moral values, share love and have our worth affirmed. This sphere discusses topics such as the marital relationship and divorce, human sexuality, birth control and abortion, infertility and assisted methods of reproduction.
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Related article:
The Bible doesn’t talk about 21st century family struggles, so what should we do?
by Dr Cheah-Foo Fung Fong
Title: The Sphere of Economics
Synopsis: Even though all economic systems fall under God’s judgement, it is for us to assess the practices and impact of each system against the Bible’s teachings by how it contributes towards the common good. This sphere includes topics on property and possessions, wealth acquisition, consumerism, and what constitutes a simple lifestyle.
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Related article:
The Bible doesn’t talk about stocks, bonds and bitcoins, so what should we do?
by Rev Raymond Fong
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Title: The Sphere of Politics
Synopsis: Be it in government, industry, business or religious organisations, the godly use of power should be marked by its enabling and liberative force for society’s well-being. This sphere highlights the nature of political responsibilities, military service and what it means to build a world community.
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Related article:
The Bible doesn’t talk about 21st century politics, so what should we do?
by Rev Dr Nathanael Goh
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Title: The Sphere of Community Life
Synopsis: Regardless of creed, race, sex, age or social status, everyone is of equal worth in God’s eyes. In the same way, we seek to recognise, affirm and strengthen each person’s unique value. This sphere covers multi-religious understanding and multi-racial harmony; the rights of women, the aged, children and the disabled; individual rights and social responsibilities; and the pursuit of excellence as a Christian virtue.​
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Related article:
Are John Wesley’s words to modern Methodists about community life still relevant today?
by Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun
Title: The Sphere of the Internet, Sciences and Technologies
Synopsis: The Internet is integral to modern life. How can we harness technology for good and avoid its pitfalls? This sphere discusses the mitigated good of the internet and how we can engage the challenges of this digital realm by bringing to it our Christian moral vision and practice.
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Related article:
The Bible doesn’t talk about tech and AI, so what should we do?
by Rev Dr Bernard Chao
Title: The Sphere of Social Well-being
Synopsis: Placing the community’s interest and welfare before that of the self is a Christian virtue. To this end, let’s remember that each of us has talents and gifts that can contribute towards developing a compassionate society. This sphere covers topics on caring for the poor, the promotion of workers’ welfare, the provision of health care, caring for the dying and euthanasia, ministry to drug addicts and prisoners, and gambling.
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Related article:
The Bible doesn’t talk about toxic social environments of today, so what should we do?
by Rev Ranganathan Prabhu
Title: The Sphere of Creation Care
Synopsis: All creation is the Lord’s and we are called to be responsible stewards of what He has given us to watch over. This sphere illustrates how we can support the conservation of natural resources, and do our part to protect the earth in the face of the environmental crisis today.
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Related article:
The Bible doesn’t talk about global warming and recycling, so what should we do?
by Rev Dr Andrew Peh
Title: The Sphere of the Church
Synopsis: The Church is a community of believers who are loved by God, informed and shaped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Understanding who we are as members of the Church help us apply our faith to the challenging issues of our time. This sphere discusses the Church and Christian virtues, as well as the Great Commandment to live as faithful witnesses in word and action, being and behaviour.
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Related article:
What does it mean for the Church to be “in the world but not of the world”?
by Rev Dr Daniel Koh Kah Soon