Christianity is one of the world’s three major religions, and it is believed to be the oldest living religion in the world. The Christian faith is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and is divided into several branches or denominations. Though every branch shares a common core of beliefs, there are distinct differences between them that set them apart from each other. This article takes a look at the various branches of Christianity, the beliefs and practises that characterize them, and the history behind them.
Generally speaking, Christians can be divided into three main branches: Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox. Around the world, each of these branches have a variety of smaller denominations, all of which have their own histories and beliefs. A denomination is a group within a religion that has its own distinct set of beliefs and practices.
Catholicism
Catholics are the largest and oldest branch of Christianity. The Catholic Church has its origins in the early Christian Church, which was established by Jesus Christ and the apostles. The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure, headed by the pope and cardinals who form the Roman Curia. Catholics believe in the teachings of Jesus, which are contained in the Bible, and that Jesus is the son of God and the Savior of mankind.
The Catholic Church has a complex and diverse belief system built upon seven sacraments that are believed to bring grace to the believer. These sacraments include baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, marriage, holy orders, anointing of the sick, and penance. Catholics also believe in the infallibility of the pope and the doctrines articulated in the Catechism, an official text of the church teaching.
One of the most important distinctions between Catholics and other branches of Christianity is the veneration of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Catholics also believe in the doctrine of purgatory, which is the belief that souls are purified after death in a place between heaven and hell.
Protestantism
The Protestant Church is the second largest Christian denomination and is based on the teachings of the German monk Martin Luther. This branch of Christianity has its roots in the 16th-century Reformation, a movement which began in opposition to the Catholic Church’s doctrines. It is a result of this movement that Protestantism emerged as an independent branch of Christianity.
The main distinguishing feature of Protestantism is its emphasis on the Word of God. Protestants believe that the Bible is the sole source of divine revelation and that salvation is gained through faith in Jesus Christ alone.Other core beliefs of Protestantism include the authority of each individual’s conscience, the metaphorical sense of Scripture, universal priesthood, a return to the simplicity of the New Testament church, and in some cases the belief in predestination.
There is a wide variety of Protestant denominations, each of which has its own interpretation of Scripture and its own set of beliefs and practices. The two main Protestant denominations are Lutheranism, which is based on the teachings of Martin Luther, and Calvinism, which is based on the teachings of John Calvin. Other important denominations include Methodists, Baptists, Baptists, Anglicans, and Evangelicals.
Eastern Orthodoxy
Eastern Orthodoxy is the third major branch of Christianity. It is the second-largest Christian denomination in the world and is also known as the Orthodox Church. Eastern Orthodoxy has its roots in the early Christian Church and is characterized by a strong emphasis on tradition, liturgy, and relationship with God.
Eastern Orthodox Christians share many core beliefs with other Christians, such as the divinity of Jesus Christ and salvation by grace alone. However, some of their practices and beliefs differ from those of the other branches. One of the distinguishing features of Eastern Orthodoxy is the centrality of icons and liturgy in the faith. Eastern Orthodox Christians also venerate Mary, the mother of Jesus, and believe in the intercession of saints.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is headed by the Eastern Patriarchs. This branch also has many different denominations, including the Greek Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church also differs from the Catholic Church in its emphasis on the Ecumenical Councils and their role in interpreting and defining Church teachings.
Anglicanism
Anglicanism is a branch of Christianity which originated in the Church of England in the 16th century. Anglicanism is also known as “Anglo-Catholicism” and is sometimes referred to as a via media, or “middle way,” between Catholicism and other Protestant denominations. One of the main beliefs of Anglicanism is a commitment to both scripture and tradition as the basis for faith.
Anglicans believe in the authority of the Bible and in the seven sacraments. However, they also emphasize the importance of reason and personal experience as a means of understanding the truth. Anglicans are also known for their openness to different interpretations of scripture and their tolerance of various practices and beliefs. One of the major differences between Anglicanism and other branches of Christianity is the belief in the priesthood of all believers, which is a concept that allows all members to take part in spiritual leadership.
The Anglican Church is headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and has a hierarchical structure with bishops, priests, and deacons. There are three branches within Anglicanism: the Church of England and the Episcopal Church in the U.S., both of which are considered High Church and the liberal (or Broad Church) Anglicans, who emphasize more progressive beliefs and practices.
Methodism
Methodism is a branch of Protestantism that was founded by English preacher John Wesley in the 18th century. It is a highly structured denomination that follows a hierarchical system of governance, with church leaders, district superintendents and a general Board of Administration. Methodist churches have a strong emphasis on the use of particular rules and regulations laid down in the Book of Discipline.
Methodists share a number of core beliefs with other Protestants, such as the divinity of Jesus, salvation through faith alone and the authority of scripture. However, they emphasize different aspects of Christian life. For example, they focus on holiness, practical philanthropy, social justice and adherence to the rules laid down in the Book of Discipline. They also place great emphasis on evangelism and missions, with the goal of bringing people to a knowledge of Jesus and helping to spread his gospel.
The United Methodist Church is the largest and oldest branch of Methodism. Other denominations include the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Free Methodist Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Methodists are also found in other countries, such as India and Africa.
Pentecostalism
Pentecostalism is also known as “Charismatic Christianity” and is a branch of Protestantism. It is distinguished by its emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the supernatural gifts of the Spirit (such as speaking in tongues and prophecy). Pentecostalism began in the early 20th century and has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially in Latin American and African countries.
Pentecostals share many core beliefs with other Protestants, such as the infallibility of the Bible and the need for conversion. They also hold to the doctrine of the Trinity and believe in the divinity of Jesus. However, they differ in some important aspects, such as their belief in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is necessary for salvation, and in the doctrine of the “second blessing”, in which believers receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit after conversion.
The largest Pentecostal denomination is the Assemblies of God, but there are many other smaller denominations such as the Church of God in Christ, the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and the United Pentecostal Church. Pentecostalism has seen tremendous growth in recent years and is now one of the most significant religious movements in the world.
Seventh-Day Adventism
Seventh-Day Adventism is a Christian denomination that was founded in the 19th century. It is distinguished by its observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, rather than Sunday, and its beliefs in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Adventists also have a strong emphasis on health and wellness and are known for their emphasis on a vegetarian diet.
Adventists share many core beliefs with other Protestants, such as the Trinity, the infallibility of the Bible, and salvation by grace alone. However, Adventists also have some specific beliefs that differ from other branches of Christianity, such as the belief in a literal interpretation of the Bible, the imminent return of Jesus, and the observance of the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is the largest denomination within Adventism and is the largest of the Sabbatarian denominations. The Church is organized in a hierarchical structure and has approximately 19 million members worldwide. Other smaller denominations within Adventism include the Church of God (Seventh-Day), the International Association of Free Seventh-Day Adventists, and the Seventh-Day Adventist Reform Movement.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that was founded in the late 19th century. They are distinct from other branches of Christianity in that they do not accept the doctrine of the Trinity and have a different interpretation of the teachings of Jesus.
Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize the need to follow God’s laws as set forth in the Bible. They reject many traditional Christian doctrines, such as the immortality of the soul, the Resurrection, and the Judgment Day. They also do not observe traditional Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, and believe in a strict code of conduct that includes not participating in politics or military service.
The main body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, which is the denomination’s governing body. There are also several unrelated organizations that follow some of the beliefs and practices of the Witnesses, such as the Bible Students and the International Bible Students Association.
Mormonism
Mormonism is a religion which was founded in the 19th century and is based on the teachings of its founder, Joseph Smith. Mormonism is one of the fastest growing religions in the world and is also one of the most controversial. Mormons have a strong commitment to family and community, and many Mormons choose to wear “magic underwear” as a sign of their faith.
Mormons share many core beliefs with Christianity, such as the divinity of Jesus Christ and the need for repentance of sin. They also believe in the Bible and the Book of Mormon and believe that salvation comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ. However, they differ in some key aspects, such as the belief in continuing revelation and the role of living prophets.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest and most well-known denomination within Mormonism. Other denominations include the Fundamentalist Church of
