11.1 Major Christian Denominations

Catholicism is a major branch of Christianity characterized by its belief in the authority of the Pope, the sacraments, and the tradition of the Church. It emphasizes the significance of the Church as a community of believers and maintains a rich liturgical life centered around the Mass. Catholicism also includes a strong focus on the intercession of saints and the Virgin Mary, along with a moral framework based on natural law.

Pope: The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, considered to be the successor of Saint Peter.

Sacraments: Sacraments are sacred rites recognized as essential channels of grace in Catholicism, including baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, and others.

Tradition: Tradition refers to the teachings and practices that have been passed down through generations in the Catholic Church, complementing Scripture.

Protestantism is a major branch of Christianity that originated in the 16th century during the Reformation, marked by a movement against perceived corruptions in the Roman Catholic Church. It emphasizes the authority of Scripture over church traditions and advocates for salvation by faith alone. This movement led to the formation of various Christian denominations that challenge Catholic doctrines and practices.

Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that aimed to reform the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the establishment of Protestant churches.

Martin Luther: A German monk and theologian whose 95 Theses sparked the Protestant Reformation, challenging church practices like indulgences.

Denominations: Distinct religious groups within Protestantism, each with its own beliefs and practices, such as Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians.

Orthodoxy refers to the adherence to established doctrines, beliefs, and practices within a religion. It plays a crucial role in defining what is considered 'correct' or 'true' belief and helps maintain unity and continuity within religious communities. In the context of Christianity, orthodoxy has been shaped by early doctrines and creeds that outline fundamental beliefs, and it continues to influence the various denominations that have developed over time.

Heresy: A belief or opinion that deviates from established religious doctrines, often leading to controversy and conflict within a faith community.

Creeds: Formal statements of faith that summarize essential beliefs of a religious tradition, often used to affirm orthodoxy.

Denomination: A distinct religious body within Christianity that has its own interpretations of scripture and practices while still identifying as Christian.

Sacraments are sacred rituals recognized as outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Jesus Christ. They serve as vital practices within Christian faith and are seen as a means through which believers can receive God's grace and strengthen their spiritual lives. Different Christian denominations recognize varying numbers of sacraments, which often reflect their theological beliefs and ecclesiastical traditions.

Baptism: A Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth, often performed with the use of water.

Eucharist: A sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, where bread and wine are consecrated and consumed, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ.

Confirmation: A sacrament in which a baptized person affirms their faith and is strengthened by the Holy Spirit, often involving the laying on of hands.

The Reformation was a major religious movement in the 16th century that sought to reform the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. This movement was characterized by a call for changes in church governance, doctrine, and practices, which ultimately resulted in a significant fragmentation of Christianity and the rise of new religious traditions.

Martin Luther: A German monk and theologian whose criticisms of the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, sparked the Reformation.

Protestantism: A branch of Christianity that emerged from the Reformation, characterized by its rejection of papal authority and emphasis on individual interpretation of scripture.

Counter-Reformation: The Catholic Church's response to the Reformation, aimed at reforming the church and countering the growth of Protestantism through internal changes and the reaffirmation of Catholic doctrine.

Martin Luther was a German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation who challenged the practices of the Roman Catholic Church in the early 16th century. He is best known for his 95 Theses, which criticized the sale of indulgences and called for a return to biblical teachings. His ideas led to the formation of various Protestant denominations and influenced Christian worship and sacramental practices, promoting beliefs like justification by faith and the priesthood of all believers.

Protestant Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that aimed to reform the Catholic Church and led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations.

Indulgences: Payments made to the Catholic Church that were believed to reduce punishment for sins, which Luther vehemently opposed.

Lutheranism: A major branch of Protestant Christianity that follows the teachings of Martin Luther, particularly emphasizing salvation through faith alone.

John Calvin was a French theologian and reformer in the Protestant Reformation, known for his influential ideas on predestination, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of scripture. His teachings laid the foundation for Calvinism, which has significantly shaped various major Christian denominations and their practices, particularly in worship and sacraments.

Predestination: The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom he intends to save, emphasizing God's sovereignty in salvation.

Reformed Tradition: A branch of Protestantism that follows the theological ideas of John Calvin and emphasizes the authority of scripture and God's grace.

Sola Scriptura: The principle that scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice, a key tenet in Calvin's teachings.

Salvation refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, often viewed as the ultimate goal of Christian faith and practice. It encompasses various beliefs about how individuals can be reconciled with God and attain eternal life, reflecting differing theological understandings across denominations. The concept of salvation is integral to Christian doctrine, shaping the narratives of redemption, grace, and moral conduct within various faith communities.

Grace: The unmerited favor of God towards humanity, often seen as essential for salvation, emphasizing that it is a gift rather than a result of human effort.

Atonement: The theological concept that explains how Christ's sacrificial death reconciles humanity with God, playing a crucial role in many understandings of salvation.

Justification: The act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on account of faith in Jesus Christ, marking a key step in the process of salvation.

Sola fide is a Latin term meaning 'faith alone,' which asserts that faith in Jesus Christ is the only means of receiving salvation. This principle emphasizes that good works, while important, are not a prerequisite for salvation, highlighting the central role of grace and faith in the Christian faith. It became a foundational tenet of the Protestant Reformation, setting it apart from Catholic beliefs that intertwined faith and works in the journey to salvation.

Justification: The act of being declared righteous before God, which, according to sola fide, occurs solely through faith in Jesus Christ.

Grace: The unmerited favor of God toward humanity, which enables believers to receive salvation as a gift rather than through their own efforts.

Protestant Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestant churches and challenged the practices and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.

Calvinism is a branch of Protestant Christianity that follows the theological teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the concept of predestination. It emerged during the Reformation in the 16th century and significantly influenced various Protestant denominations, particularly in Europe and America, shaping their beliefs and practices.

Predestination: The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom he intends to save, which is a central tenet of Calvinist theology.

Reformed Theology: A theological framework stemming from the teachings of John Calvin, focusing on God's sovereignty and grace in salvation.

TULIP: An acronym representing five core beliefs of Calvinism: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints.

Pentecostalism is a Christian movement that emphasizes direct personal experience with God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, often accompanied by speaking in tongues and miraculous signs. This movement is part of the broader Protestant tradition and focuses on spiritual gifts, worship, and evangelism, making it one of the fastest-growing denominations in Christianity today.

Charismatic Movement: A movement within Christianity that emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit and includes practices such as speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A spiritual experience in Pentecostalism believed to empower believers for service and deepen their relationship with God, often evidenced by speaking in tongues.

Evangelicalism: A broad Christian movement characterized by an emphasis on personal conversion, the authority of Scripture, and active expression of faith through evangelism.

Evangelicalism is a movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion, and the importance of sharing the Christian faith. This movement has its roots in the 18th and 19th centuries and has since grown to encompass a wide range of denominations and beliefs, all unified by a commitment to evangelism and the idea of being 'born again'. Evangelicals often prioritize a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and active participation in missionary work.

Fundamentalism: A conservative religious movement that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing strict adherence to core theological beliefs and biblical literalism.

Revivalism: A practice within evangelicalism that seeks to renew and revitalize faith through intense religious gatherings aimed at converting individuals and inspiring believers.

Pentecostalism: A branch of evangelicalism that emphasizes direct personal experience with God through the Holy Spirit, including practices such as speaking in tongues and healing.

Presbyterian refers to a branch of Protestant Christianity characterized by a distinct governance structure led by elected elders (presbyters) and a strong emphasis on the authority of Scripture. This denomination stems from the Reformation movement and emphasizes Calvinist theology, which underscores the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of predestination.

Reformed Tradition: A branch of Protestant Christianity that emerged from the Reformation, emphasizing God's sovereignty and grace, and influencing various denominations, including Presbyterianism.

Elders: Elected leaders within the Presbyterian Church who provide spiritual guidance and governance, working alongside ministers in church decision-making.

Calvinism: A theological system based on the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, total depravity of humanity, and unconditional election.

The term episcopal refers to a church governance structure that is overseen by bishops, where authority is hierarchical and the bishops are responsible for the spiritual oversight of their congregations. This system is characterized by its emphasis on apostolic succession, where bishops are seen as successors to the apostles, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining doctrinal integrity and community within various denominations.

Bishop: A senior church leader with authority over a specific geographic area, responsible for overseeing multiple congregations and clergy.

Apostolic Succession: The uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles through successive bishops, maintaining continuity in leadership and teaching.

Synod: An assembly of church leaders, often including bishops, convened to discuss and make decisions on matters of doctrine, governance, and practice.

Baptist refers to a group of Christian denominations that emphasize the practice of baptism by full immersion, symbolizing a believer's faith and commitment to Christ. This tradition stems from the belief in the autonomy of local congregations and the importance of individual conscience in matters of faith, setting Baptists apart from other Christian groups.

Baptism: A Christian sacrament that symbolizes the purification and admission of a believer into the Christian faith, typically involving immersion in water.

Congregationalism: A system of church governance where each congregation is self-governing and independent, a principle central to Baptist churches.

Evangelicalism: A movement within Christianity that emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the need for personal conversion, and the importance of sharing one's faith with others.

Methodist refers to a Christian denomination that originated in the 18th century as a movement within the Church of England, emphasizing personal faith, social justice, and systematic methods of spiritual growth. The term is often associated with John Wesley, the movement's founder, who advocated for a methodical approach to religious practice and community service, shaping the core beliefs and organizational structure of Methodism.

Wesleyanism: A theological tradition within Methodism based on the teachings of John Wesley, focusing on grace, faith, and personal holiness.

Circuit Rider: A traveling preacher in early Methodism who ministered to rural communities and led worship services across multiple congregations.

Social Gospel: A movement within Christianity that emphasizes the application of Christian ethics to social problems, advocating for social justice and community improvement.

Anglican refers to a branch of Christianity that originated in the Church of England during the Reformation in the 16th century. It is characterized by its blend of Protestant theology and Catholic traditions, creating a unique middle way within Christianity. The Anglican Church emphasizes scripture, tradition, and reason as sources of authority, promoting a broad and inclusive approach to worship and belief.

Episcopalian: A term often used interchangeably with Anglican, referring to the governance structure of the church, which is overseen by bishops.

Book of Common Prayer: A key liturgical text used in Anglican worship that provides prayers, readings, and services for various occasions.

Thirty-Nine Articles: A collection of doctrinal statements that outline the beliefs and practices of the Anglican Church, serving as a defining document of Anglican identity.

Lutheran refers to the branch of Christianity that emerged from the teachings of Martin Luther in the 16th century, characterized by a focus on justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers. This tradition is one of the major denominations of Christianity and significantly contributed to the Protestant Reformation, shaping religious, cultural, and political landscapes across Europe.

Martin Luther: A German monk and theologian whose writings sparked the Protestant Reformation, famously known for his Ninety-Five Theses.

Justification by Faith: The Christian doctrine that faith in Jesus Christ is sufficient for salvation, a core belief in Lutheran theology.

Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that sought to reform the Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations, including Lutheranism.

Liturgical refers to the formal and structured system of worship in various religious traditions, particularly in Christianity. This system includes the set rituals, prayers, readings, and ceremonies that are performed during communal worship services. The liturgical framework shapes how believers experience their faith through regular and predictable worship patterns, connecting them to their religious heritage and community.

Liturgy: The prescribed form or set of rituals and ceremonies used in public worship.

Sacraments: Sacred rites recognized as of particular importance and significance within certain Christian denominations, often celebrated within a liturgical context.

Church Calendar: The annual cycle that outlines the liturgical seasons, festivals, and important dates in the Christian year.

Theosis is the transformative process in which a human being becomes one with God, often seen as achieving divinization or becoming godlike. This concept is central to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where it emphasizes the belief that through divine grace, individuals can participate in the divine nature and attain spiritual perfection. Theosis connects to broader themes of salvation and spiritual transformation within Christian doctrine.

Salvation: The act of being saved from sin and its consequences, often through faith in Jesus Christ, leading to eternal life.

Divine Grace: The free and unmerited favor of God, which enables individuals to experience salvation and transformation.

Sanctification: The process of becoming holy, involving the moral and spiritual growth of an individual through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Grace is the unmerited favor and love of God toward humanity, often understood as a means through which believers receive salvation and forgiveness. This concept emphasizes that grace is a gift from God, not something earned through good works or human efforts, and it plays a central role in the understanding of salvation across different Christian denominations and theological beliefs.

Salvation: The deliverance from sin and its consequences, often viewed as a gift from God that believers receive through faith.

Faith: A strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, often seen as the means by which grace is received.

Justification: The act of declaring someone righteous in the sight of God, closely linked to the concept of grace in many Christian teachings.