Overview
Christianity is one of the largest religions in the United States, with an estimated 172.3 million U.S. adults labeling themselves as Christians in 2020. Christianity is further divided among several denominations, with the largest Protestant tradition being “evangelicalism”. While American Christianity is no longer seen as uniform and is known for its overall religious and ideological diversity, it is estimated that 62% of Americans belong to or are affiliated with a Christian church.
Christianity in the United States is far from a unified faith. There are numerous denominations, both traditional and independent, that express various points of view on theology, practices and credence. All of these distinct Christian denominations are united in their faith in the divinity and the teachings of the Bible. In 2020, over 89,000 Christian denominations were considered active and operating in the United States.
Types of Denomination
Denominations in American Christianity can be divided into five major branches, including “evangelicalism” and the “mainline” branches: Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Baptist churches, Pentecostal churches and other Holiness churches. There are also ethnic churches, such as Hispanic, African-American and Korean churches.
The largest denomination in America is the Roman Catholic Church, which makes up 25% of the country’s population. Second largest is the Southern Baptist Convention, with 16%. Third is the United Methodist Church with 6%. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Assemblies of God follow with 2%. Other Protestant denominations include Lutheranism, Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, Seventh-day Adventism, Episcopalianism and Unitarianism.
Orthodoxy, a branch of Christianity that developed in the eastern Mediterranean and Europe, is represented in the United States by the Greek Orthodox Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church and other smaller churches. There are also Eastern Rite Catholic churches, such as the Chaldean Catholic Church, the Maronite Catholic Church, the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Melkite Catholic Church.
Numbers of Adherents
Adherents to each denomination in America can vary tremendously. While the Southern Baptist Convention remains the largest Protestant denomination with more than 16 million adherents, there are also smaller, independent denominations with as few as a few hundred adherents.
Catholics represent the largest Christian denomination in the United States with more than 65 million members. Other large mainstream Protestant denominations, such as the United Methodist Church, the Church of the Nazarene and the Atlantic Coast Conference of the United Churches of Christ, have a combined membership of around 10 million.
Membership in independent denominations can range from a few hundred to several hundred thousand. For example, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the Presbyterian Church in America and the Seventh-day Adventist Church have a combined membership of more than six million.
Reasons For Confusion
Although it is no longer seen as a unified faith, Christianity in America remains confusing to many. This is due in part to the plethora of denominations, each of which holds different beliefs and practices. In addition, most denominations also have independent churches that are not officially affiliated with the larger denomination.
For example, the Presbyterian Church in America is an independent denomination of Presbyterianism, which is distinct from the larger Presbyterian Church (USA). Also, many denominations consider themselves to be ecumenical, meaning that they are open to the beliefs of other denominations.
The names of both denominations and independent churches can also be misleading. Some independent churches, for example, use the same name as larger denominations, but may have different beliefs and practices. Furthermore, many denominations consider themselves to be part of a larger movement, such as “evangelicalism,” that is comprised of multiple denominations and independent churches.
Organizational Structures
Most American denominations and independent churches have a hierarchical structure and are governed by a board of elders, a committee of pastors and other leaders. Each denomination also has its own unique mission and doctrine, and sets of regulations. Many also have their own educational institutions.
At the local level, churches are grouped into parishes or local churches. Parishes often have their own leadership and administrative systems, such as councils and committees. At the regional level, churches may be organized into dioceses or presbyteries, which oversee several local churches. On a national level, denominations are often organized into state, regional and national synods or councils.
Texts & Beliefs
American Christians generally agree on the bulk of Christian doctrine, including the divinity of Jesus Christ and the authority of the Bible as the word of God. However, individual denominations and independent churches may also differ on specific teachings and doctrines. For example, some Protestant denominations reject the authority of the Catholic Church, while some accept it.
The texts and beliefs of each denomination are established and determined by the interpretation of the Bible, the writings of past church leaders, the confessions of faith and other official documents. Many denominations have their own unique translation of the Bible, which further reflects their beliefs and doctrines. Orthodox and Catholic tradition, however, is primarily based on scriptures passed down by tradition.
Differences In Worship Style
American Christians also vary in their styles of worship. While some denominations are more formal and structured in their worship services, such as the Catholic and Orthodox churches, others are less strict. Baptist, Pentecostal and independent churches, for example, tend to be more expressive and spontaneous in their worship services. Some denominations and churches also incorporate liturgical elements, such as chanting and singing, into their services.
Regardless of worship style, all American Christians participate in shared acts of worship, including prayer, scripture reading, communal singing and sharing the Lord’s Supper. In addition, many churches are now experimenting with multimedia and other modern elements to reach a wider audience.
Impact on Other Faiths
The various denominations and independent churches of American Christianity have an important role to play in the spread of the gospel. These churches often have strong ties to the wider Christian community, and can be an effective way to reach out to other denominations and faiths. Denominations and independent churches can also be effective at providing fellowship and spiritual support to those in need.
American Christian denominations and churches are also active in interfaith dialogue and activities. Through such dialogues, denominations and churches can learn from one another and foster better relations among different faiths. This can have a positive effect on interfaith relations, as well as on the greater society.
Outreach & Missions
Many American denominations and independent churches are heavily engaged in missions and outreach activities. Such activities can involve providing food, clothing and medical supplies to those in need. Churches also often send members on international mission trips or sponsor medical and educational programs in other countries.
In addition to missionary outreach, many churches are active in social and political issues. For example, churches have been known to organize protests and advocate for those without a voice. Churches can also be an important source of community and fellowship for people who are struggling with difficult life circumstances.
Conclusion Of Faiths
The wide variety of Christian denominations and independent churches in America can make it difficult for newcomers to understand the differences between them. However, although there are a vast number of denominations and churches, all are united in their commitment to Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible.
American Christian denominations and independent churches continue to have a significant impact on the nation’s spiritual and social landscape. Through their mission and outreach activities, churches are making a positive difference in the lives of many people, both in the United States and in other countries around the world.
