Christianity is one of the largest and most influential faiths around the world and it is divided into several denominations. Throughout history, minority groups have broken from the mainstream Christianity and have developed their own distinctive beliefs, practices and traditions. Here we take a look at the different Christian denominations and explore how they differ.
The largest denomination of Christianity is Roman Catholicism, representing almost 1.2 billion believers around the world. Roman Catholicism is distinguished by its staunchly traditionalist beliefs, its loyalty to the Pope and its focus on the sacraments of Baptism, the Eucharist and Confirmation. Other prominent Catholic denominations include Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy, which are two separate branches of Christianity that arose in the 4th and 5th centuries in response to the Great Schism between East and West.
Protestant Christianity is the second-largest branch of Christianity and is made up of numerous denominations that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century. The main distinguishing features of Protestant Christianity are its emphasis on religious scripture as the ultimate authority for spiritual and moral truths, its advocacy for the priesthood of all believers, and its adoption of the doctrines of predestination and sola fide. The largest Protestant denominations are Anglicanism, Lutheranism and Calvinism, although various other denominations often arise such as Anabaptists, Quakers and Methodists.
The final major branch of Christianity is Evangelicalism, which began to emerge in the late 17th century as a reaction to the perceived formality and doctrinal innovations of Protestantism. Evangelicalism is characterised by its emphasis on a high degree of personal conversion, revivalist emotionalism and doctrinal literalism and is comprised of denominations such as Pentecostalism, Charismaticism and Neo-Charismaticism.
The Denominations and their Approach to Doctrine
Roman Catholicism is the oldest and most conservative branch of Christianity, with most of its doctrines, practices and beliefs being virtually unchanged for centuries. Roman Catholics believe in the authority of the apostolic succession through the papacy and adhere to the traditions and teachings of the early church fathers and the theologians. These include the 7 sacraments, the veneration of saints, the papal infallibility and the principle of ex cathedra.
Protestantism is more open to doctrinal change and draws heavily on the teachings of Martin Luther, John Calvin and other 16th-century reformers. Protestant denominations generally espouse the following beliefs: salvation by grace alone, Scripture as the ultimate source of truth and justification through faith alone. They also reject the authority of the papacy, the veneration of saints and many other traditional Catholic doctrines.
Evangelicalism is a relatively modern branch of Christianity that has become increasingly prominent in the last few decades. Evangelicals hold to a literal interpretation of the Bible and often place an emphasis on personal conversion experiences, evangelism and spiritual warfare. Evangelicalism also adopts a number of other doctrinal positions such as penal substitutionary atonement, charismatic gifts and the imminent return of Christ.
The Denominations and their Approach to Worship
Roman Catholicism is a formal and ritualistic religion, with its services often being conducted in Latin and its many celebrations and sacred days held throughout the year. Its worship centres around the performance of the sacraments and the veneration of saints and other sacred figures.
Protestantism is a largely informal form of worship, although its services may differ between denominations. Its services are generally held in the local vernacular and focus on teaching, praying and singing. Its ministers often preach sermons based on the Bible and believers are encouraged to share their testimonies of faith.
Evangelicalism is generally a more informal form of worship than either Roman Catholicism or Protestantism, although its practices vary between denominations. Evangelical services often include a time for worship, prayers for healing, Pentecostal-style speaking in tongues and preaching and teaching from the Bible. Evangelicals also place a great emphasis on personal evangelism, volunteerism and missions.
The Denominations and their Approach to Social Issues
Roman Catholicism has historically been conservative on social issues, particularly regarding matters of sexuality and reproduction. Roman Catholics generally adhere to the traditional teachings of the Church such as opposition to abortion and contraception, commitment to social justice and the sanctity of marriage.
Protestantism is a diverse movement with some denominations taking a conservative approach to social issues while others adopt a more progressive stance. Generally, Protestant denominations tend to be more open to engaging in dialogue and debate on controversial topics than Roman Catholicism.
Evangelicalism is also a diverse movement and its approach to social issues varies between denominations. Generally, Evangelicalism takes a more conservative stance on matters such as abortion, contraception and homosexuality than Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. However, some Evangelical denominations are more open to discussing and engaging with progressive social issues such as LGBT rights, racism and gun control.
The Denominations and their Approach to Ecumenism
Roman Catholicism is generally unsupportive of ecumenism, believing in the supremacy of the papacy and the sanctity of the traditions and teachings of the early Church fathers. Roman Catholics do tend to see some benefit to interfaith dialogue and collaboration, however, it is seen as secondary to the preservation of its own traditions and teachings.
Protestantism is generally more open to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue than Roman Catholicism, with many denominations forming organisations and alliances with other Christian denominations and faiths. Protestant denominations also often strive to maintain unity of belief by rejecting doctrinal innovations and promoting traditional teachings.
Evangelicalism is generally open to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, although some Evangelical denominations can be hostile to other faiths and may be exclusive and separatist in their approach. Many Evangelicals have joined forces with other Protestant denominations to form organisations and alliances aimed at promoting peace and social justice around the world.
The Denominations and their Beliefs about Other Denominations
Roman Catholicism generally views other denominations as heretical and outside the boundaries of orthodox Christian belief. Roman Catholic leaders are often very vocal about what they see as errors in other denominations’ teachings, and Rome generally maintains that it is the one true Church to which all must subscribe.
Protestantism is a relatively tolerant movement, with some denominations going as far as to accept members of other denominations as full members of their own Church. Whilst Protestants might disagree on theological issues, they are generally united in their belief in the centrality of Scripture and the priesthood of all believers.
Evangelicalism is generally open to members of other denominations, although there is a tendency among some denominations to be exclusive and even hostile towards those with different beliefs. Nevertheless, many Evangelicals strive to maintain a spirit of unity and understanding, and are actively engaged in interfaith dialogue and collaboration.
The Denominations and their Relationship with Secular Society
Roman Catholicism is largely removed from the secular world and holds a strongly hierarchical view of authority, believing that the Church should exist separate from the real world. Roman Catholics often strive to maintain a spiritual dominion over the world, though it is not a direct political or military power.
Protestantism has a more relaxed attitude towards engaging with the secular world and has historically been more engaged in politics and society than Roman Catholicism. Protestant denominations generally view the Church as an integral part of the world and are open to sharing their views on public and political issues.
Evangelicalism is often very vocal in its stance on political and social issues, with many Evangelicals viewing the Church as having a responsibility to be a witness for Jesus Christ in the world. Evangelicals often adopt a very conservative stance on certain political and social topics, but at the same time, there is a desire among many Evangelical leaders to foster positive relationships with non-Christians.
