Types of Christianity
Christianity is one of the world’s major religions, with over 2.4 billion adherents. Depending on the perspective, there are various types of Christianity including branches like Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Oriental Orthodoxy. Despite the diversities, each type of Christianity does have in common a foundation of beliefs, practices, and traditions.
Protestantism
Protestantism is the largest branch of Christianity and got its name from the German princes and cities who protested Catholic abuses during the 16th century Reformation . Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Anglicanism are the main Protestant denominations; with over 1 billion followers. Protestantism emphasises personal faith and God’s Grace through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and salvation by faith alone. Jesus is acknowledged as the only mediator between God and humanity. The bible is sole source of authority, with salvation being achieved by faith in the grace of God.
Roman Catholicism
Roman Catholicism is the second largest branch of Christianity, with over 1 billion adherents. It is centered around the governance of the Pope and the Bishop of Rome. Roman Catholics accept the Pope as having ultimate authority in matters of faith. The Pope and Bishops, as representatives of Christ, function as validating the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass, administering Baptism and other sacraments, and order the lives of their people in the moral aspects of their lives.
Eastern Orthodoxy
Eastern Orthodoxy is among the most ancient branches of Christianity, with over 350 million adherents worldwide. As opposed to other branches of Christianity, Eastern Orthodoxy remains highly traditional in its structure and rituals. Eastern Orthodox believers accept the primacy of the Bishop of Constantinople in the spiritual life, who occupies the highest place under the divinely guided Ecumenical Councils. Eastern Orthodoxy is centered upon four principles: The Authority of Sacred Tradition, the Authority of the Bible, the infallibility of the Ecumenical Councils and the Bishop of Constantinople, and the doctrinal unanimity of the faithful.
Oriental Orthodoxy
Oriental Orthodoxy is an ancient branch of Christianity, mainly found in Africa and the Middle East, and is the third largest of the Christian denominations, with approximately 85 million followers. Oriental Orthodox churches were traditionally non-Chalcedonian; meaning they rejected the terms of the Council of Chalcedon, which declared that Christ has two natures, human and divine. As opposed to Eastern Orthodoxy, the Oriental Orthodox Churches are not organized into any single governing body. Each church has its own distinctive tradition, which is to be believed and observed. They accept the first three Ecumenical Councils and reject the Council of Chalcedon.
Christianity and Science
Christianity and science have had a complex and evolving relationship throughout the centuries. While some people have viewed science as an adversary to faith, and others have embraced science as part of the Christian worldview, it is now widely accepted and understood that science is neither contrary to nor a replacement for faith. Rather, it is seen as an ally, helping people to understand the world around them, understand the universe and God’s handiwork, and interpret biblical scripture in ways that are consistent with modern scientific knowledge. In this sense, Christianity traverses a broad range of scientific disciplines, from the obvious (cosmology, biology and astronomy) to the obscure (linguistics, genetics and archaeology).
Christianity and Politics
Christianity has had a major impact on politics, both in the past and in the present. Christians bring with them spiritual and moral values, as well as social concerns, that shape their view of the world. Through its influence in the political arena, Christianity has had an influence on laws in areas such as human rights, immigration, family values and women’s rights. Furthermore, Christianity is known to be a cornerstone of democratic societies, providing a moral foundation which helps to shape laws, regulations and policies. In this way, Christianity is an important factor in shaping society’s ethical and moral frameworks.
Christianity and Culture
Christianity has had a major effect on culture throughout the ages. Christianity has been influential in art, literature, music, philosophy and many other areas of culture. Christianity has provided a framework for the cultural, social and political systems, as well as the moral values of a society. It has also been used to shape traditional social customs and political structures. Additionally, Christians have contributed important works in areas such as art, literature, music and theatre. The culture formed by Christianity has endured for centuries, and remains a powerful influence in our modern world.
Pentecostal Movements
Pentecostalism is a diverse and popular movement that has transforming much of the global Christian landscape in recent decades. Starting in the United States in the early twentieth century, Pentecostalism has spread rapidly, and today is said to include over 530 million adherents worldwide. Pentecostalism captures attention because of its unique doctrines, distinctive experiences, and passionate commitment to Jesus. It is marked by spiritual ecstasies, passionate worship, and a life committed to witnessing for Jesus. It also emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, such as miracles, healing, and prophecy.
Charismatic Movements
Charismatic movements are popular forms of Christianity that emphasize experiences of the Holy Spirit and often draws members from mainline Protestant, Pentecostal, and Roman Catholic traditions. Charismaticsare known for engaging the body, mind and spirit through a variety of experiences, which may include speaking in tongues, ecstatic utterances, visions, and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. In facilitating personal religious experiences, Charismatics allow individuals to follow the Spirit’s leading outside of traditional church structures. Charismatics emphasize prayer, faithful full-time ministry, and an enthusiastic and celebratory lifestyle.
Missional Movements
Missional movements are Christian-based movements that emphasize evangelism, outreach and discipleship, often with an emphasis on serving underprivileged or marginalized groups. Missional movements draw on a legacy of missional practices and teachings that span centuries, often linking global mission work with historic Christian solidarity. Missional movements might partner with social justice causes, poverty alleviation, immigration, anti-racism, and refugee assistance. These movements are often rooted in a theology that affirms the unity of Christian mission and social justice as mutually inclusive callings.
Emerging Church Movements
Emerging church movements are a diverse group of Christian churches and organizations that dream up new ways of doing church, often with non-traditional means. Emerging church movements focus on flexibility and creative expressions of Christian faith, with an emphasis on dialogue and collaboration. These movements strive to meet people where they are, in their context and culture, often engaging people who’ve been turned off from traditional church. Emerging church movements range from baptisms, ordinations and gatherings of people with similar life stages to social media, street ministry and conversations about doubt.
