Since Sept. 11, 2001, people with Islamic beliefs have come under careful scrutiny by people who associate acts of terrorism with Islamic faith and practice. Such associations are inappropriate and unfair. It's not the first time religious groups have been wrongly criticized and falsely accused. Many of history's most brutal wars have been fought in the name of religion. Methodists through the years have had their fair share of detractors.

In February 1761, John Wesley answered a tract entitled "A Caveat Against the Methodists." Wesley believed the tract to be an attack against all of Protestantism, not just the Methodists. Scholars disagree as to who the author was. Some say it was written by Richard Challoner, whereas others say Robert Manning.

The tract states, "The Methodists [Protestants] are not the people of God; they are not true Gospel Christians, nor is their new-raised society the true Church of Christ nor any part of it." The author says that the Scriptures prove such: the OT prophets "point to a society founded by Christ himself, and by his commission propagated throughout the world … ." And he says that the true Church has a perpetual succession of pastors and teachers divinely appointed. No "modern sect" can claim to be any part of the people of God.

Wesley answers that the Catholic [meaning "universal"] church is just as described. Founded by Christ, spread throughout the world, flourishing to the present time. It is ever holy, ever one, ever orthodox. And the Reformed churches are not the whole, but surely a part of Christ's people.

Wesley then points out that the Roman Church in its present form was not founded by Christ himself: "The doctrines and practices wherein she differs from us were not instituted by Christ; they were unknown to the ancient Church of Christ; they are unscriptural novel corruptions. … Therefore … the Church of Rome cannot be the 'true Church of Christ'" (John Wesley, WORKS).

Wesley ably defended his faith and our denomination, though I doubt any of the opinions of the critics were altered. Such is the way of religious feuds.