How Many Denominations Of Christianity Exist?
Christianity is one of the world’s largest faiths, nearly 3.4 billion people adhere to the religion, with roughly 33% identifying as a Christian. It is a religion based on the teachings of Jesus from the Bible, and many Christians around the world parse their faith in different denominations. So, how many denominations of Christianity exist?
According to The Christian Post, which reported figures from the World Christian Database, there are some 41,000 Christian denominations across the world. The denominations are categorized within Catholics, Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglicans, with some of the more popular denominations being Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Mormons, and Episcopalians.
The denominations are primarily based on interpretations and practices of their faith. For instance, the Eastern Orthodox Church adheres to the seven ecumenical councils, which dominated the 476-1453 period of Christian history. The Anglican Church, meanwhile, accepts the 39 Articles of Religion, a document which envisions Christian faith and practice that was drawn up in 1536. The Lutherans also have their own sort of interpretation as well, which was brought about by Martin Luther in the 16th century.
In a 2017 lecture at the University of Oxford, Professor Edward Bailey explained that “Protestantism has taken a wide variety of forms across the world, not least because of its different cultural expressions.” What this means is that various countries may associate themselves with one denomination while rejecting another, due to their culture and country-specific beliefs. For instance, the majority of churches in the United Kingdom associate themselves with the Anglican Church, while there are also large Protestant churches which practice their own interpretation of Christianity and associate themselves with denominations such as Baptism or Lutheranism.
The originality of each denomination means that aside from the core beliefs of Christianity, you’re likely to see a different practice of Christianity in some part of the world. It goes on to show just how diverse Christianity is, encompassing a plethora of practices and interpretations in different countries.
It’s important to note that, outside of the many denominations that exist, there are also diverse sects associated with each denomination as well. The church historian John A. Scott explains that other Christian denominations, such as Baptists and Methodists, have similarly branched off into a variety of combinations, with some being associated with Christianity while at the same time being distinct from it.
How Denominations Impact Christianity
The sheer number of Christian denominations means that it is difficult to give a uniform answer to how it impacts Christianity as a whole. On one hand, it does have a positive impact thanks to the many different interpretations of the faith which allows for a great depth of understanding and opinion. Furthermore, it means that different countries can use the core beliefs of Christianity and customize it to suit their own cultures, making it possible for them to appreciate a faith that is specific to them.
On the other hand, there are some denominations and sects which tend to act as splinter groups, often focusing on the differences between denominations and sects rather than the core beliefs of Christianity. While these discrepancies are crucial to note, it often fails to take into account the fact that there are also similarities between all denominations and sects, something which can be forgotten. It is vital that these are taken into account so that all denominations of Christianity can unite under the banner of an all-encompassing faith.
How Do Christians Unite?
It is increasingly important for Christians to find a way in which to bridge the gaps between denominations and sects. One way this is done is through dialogue, with religious leaders and scholars coming together to discuss and understand one another’s interpretations and practices. This is a crucial step in strengthening the bonds between Christians as it allows them to learn from one another and appreciate their differences.
Overall, it is encouraging to see that, despite the presence of many denominations, the vast majority of Christians recognize and respect the core beliefs of Christianity. On a global scale, denominations bring us together, allowing us to share our different customs and interpretations while finding common ground in the core beliefs that unite us.
How Denominations Have Splintered in Reformed Protestantism
The last five hundred years has seen the splintering of various Protestant denominations, most notably Reformed Protestantism, into smaller and smaller sections. Among the most famous divisions are those between Calvinists and Lutherans, with politics playing a huge part in this process. Many reformers and theologians were also divided by their being either followers of Luther’s views or those of Calvin, with some making compromises but others maintaining the sharp divisions between the two camps.
Despite the fracturing of these main branches, there has also been attempts throughout history to reunite them, most notably by John Calvin’s successor Theodore Beza in the late 1500s. He wrote the ‘Confession of the Churches of France’, which was an attempt to unify the Reformed and Lutheran churches in France. Similarly, there were new confessions created by other reformers in other countries to try and reconcile the differences between Calvinism and Lutheranism.
Despite these attempts, however, the differences between both camps still exist, with Calvinism and Lutheranism having their own distinct interpretations and practices. While this has led to a much more divided landscape of Protestantism, it has also led to a much richer understanding and appreciation of the faith, with both sides learning from each other without compromising on the core ideals or principles of Christianity.
The Growing Number of Denominations
In recent times, the fracturing of Protestantism has spread to many other denominations and sects. The number of denominations and sects has increased exponentially in the last two centuries as certain factions of the faith have grown more and more divergent. This can be seen in the growing number of Baptism sects, as well as various other sects that accept the core teachings of Christianity while rejecting certain parts of it that conflict with their own set of beliefs.
The fracturing of these denominations can, in part, be attributed to the globalisation of religion. As people around the world have access to different interpretations and practices of the faith, they are often exposed to different versions than those that they are used to, leading them to form their own sects. This often leads to a richer understanding of the faith, with people learning from each other and taking the best parts of different religions and integrating them into their own.
Furthermore, with the increase in access to the internet and information, people have also been able to research and explore different denominations, gaining a better understanding and appreciation of their faith. This has enabled them to learn about the diversity amongst denominations, as well as allowing them to find their own path without blindly adhering to the beliefs of the denomination they’re from.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are a vast number of denominations in Christianity, there has been a growth of sects and denominations in recent times. This is largely attributed to the globalisation of religion and increased access to different interpretations and practices. Despite the fracturing of denominations, it has also enabled us to appreciate the richness and diversity of the faith, leading us to learn more about our faith and our fellow Christian brothers and sisters.
