Understanding the Philippine Context, Walking in the Spirit - A Conversation with Luther Oconer

Rev. Dr. Luther Oconer is the President Pro Tempore of the Mega Manila Provisional Conference of the Global Methodist Church. He is also a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is a charismatic Christian in the Wesleyan way.

In this conversation, we talk about how it is that Westerners can understand and walk in faith alongside Filipinos. I got some great history of the region, and he helped me to understand recent statements from the United Methodist bishops in the area. It turns out there is a tumultuous history of schisms within Methodism there. We also talk a good deal about his charismatic leanings and how it is that he believes this is core and key, not only to living out our heritage, but also to reaching the world for Christ.

All who spend their time in this conversation will be blessed!

Link to Oconer's book, "Spirit-Filled Protestantism: Holiness-Pentecostal Revivals and the Making of Filipino Methodist Identity": https://a.co/d/bCgGAJ9

00:00 - Introduction 03:00 - Meeting Luther, His Story of Redemption 17:30 - Socio-Political Context of the Philippines 22:20 - Current Status of the GMC in the Philippines 28:45 - History of the Filipino GMC 42:50 - History of Cessation Movements from Mainline Methodism in the Philippines 59:00 - Nationalism & Jingoism 1:02:00 - Understanding Recent UMC Bishops Statement 1:04:15 - Why is the UMC Maintaining So Many? 1:07:25 - Hope for the GMC, Shifting Center of Gravity, Charismatic Christianity 1:09:45 - Closing Prayer

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