Aarti Deegwal
Christianity is the most widely practised religion in the world, with over 2 billion followers. While all Christians share a set of basic beliefs, there are many different denominations within the faith, each with its own distinct beliefs, practices, and ways of interpreting the Bible.
The three main branches of Christianity are Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. Within these branches, there are numerous denominations, such as Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran. These denominations differ in their interpretation of the Bible, their understanding of the role of the church, and their views on salvation and the sacraments.
For example, some denominations believe that faith is a gift from God, imparted to the believer through baptism, while others assert that individuals can play a role in their salvation by making a conscious decision to accept Christ. Similarly, some denominations view baptism as a means of grace, where believers receive faith and forgiveness, while others see it as a symbolic act of obedience.
These differences in beliefs and practices have led to a rich diversity within Christianity, allowing followers to find communities that align with their spiritual needs and understanding of the faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scripture as the sole rule of faith | The Bible |
| Scripture as the sole rule of faith | The Bible and the Confession of Faith |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures and the Gospels, and church fathers |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures, church fathers, popes, and bishops |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures, creeds, and confessions |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures, creeds, and ancient writings |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures, creeds, and ancient writings, and the sacraments |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures, creeds, and ancient writings, and the sacraments, and the importance of angels |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures, creeds, and ancient writings, and the sacraments, and the importance of angels and saints |
| Scripture and the Gospels, and church fathers | The Scriptures, creeds, and ancient writings, and the sacraments, and the importance of angels and saints, and the Pope |
The Nature of Christ
> "He became truly man while remaining truly God. Jesus Christ is true God and true man."
The early church debated other views regarding the nature of Christ, but these were all labelled as heresy.
Anglican/Episcopal
Anglican/Episcopal Christians believe that Jesus is "very God, begotten from all eternity," and "very man, born of the Virgin Mary." They also believe that Christ has two natures, one divine and one human, and that these two natures are united in one person, never to be separated.
Assembly of God
Assembly of God Christians affirm the deity of Christ, believing that He is the "eternal Son of God." They also believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. Additionally, they affirm Christ's substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, and personal return.
Baptist
Baptists believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man. They also believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. Baptists affirm Christ's substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and personal return in power and glory.
Lutheran
Lutherans believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Word made flesh, true God and true man, and the only Saviour of the world. They also believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. Lutherans affirm Christ's vicarious atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, and personal return in glory.
Methodist
Methodists believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. They also believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. Methodists affirm Christ's atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and future return.
Presbyterian
Presbyterians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Word made flesh, fully God and fully man. They also believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. Presbyterians affirm Christ's atoning and propitiatory death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and future return.
Roman Catholic
Roman Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, God made man. They also believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. Catholics affirm Christ's redeeming death, resurrection from the dead, ascension into heaven, and future return in glory.
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The Holy Trinity
The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith. It is crucial for properly understanding what God is like, how He relates to us, and how we should relate to Him. The doctrine of the Trinity means that there is one God who exists as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are co-equal and co-eternal, each fully God, yet there is only one God. This is perhaps easier to understand as "one God in three Persons" or "one in essence and three in person".
The doctrine of the Trinity is not explicitly taught in the Bible, and the term "Trinity" itself is not found in Scripture. However, the New Testament does refer to God the Father, Jesus as God, and the Holy Spirit as God. For example, the Bible speaks of the Father as God (Philippians 1:2), Jesus as God (Titus 2:13), and the Holy Spirit as God (Acts 5:3-4). The fact that the Father sent the Son into the world (John 3:16) and that the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; Acts 2:33) indicates that they are distinct Persons. In the baptism of Jesus, the Father speaks from heaven and the Spirit descends in the form of a dove while Jesus comes out of the water (Mark 1:10-11).
The doctrine of the Trinity was first introduced by Tertullian at the end of the 2nd century but was not widely accepted until the 4th and 5th centuries. Trinitarianism was definitively declared to be Christian doctrine at the ecumenical councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381).
While the doctrine of the Trinity is central to most Christian denominations, there are non-trinitarian faiths that reject it. These include Mormonism (Latter-day Saints), Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Christadelphians, and Oneness Pentecostals, among others. These non-trinitarian groups have varying beliefs about the nature of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, but they generally deviate from the doctrine of the Trinity as defined by the early ecumenical councils.
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Salvation
Anglican/Episcopalian
Anglican/Episcopalian Christians believe that salvation is by faith alone. They also believe that it is possible to lose salvation by falling away from God and faith.
Assembly of God
Assembly of God Christians believe that salvation is received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. They also believe that it is possible to lose salvation.
Baptist
Baptists believe that salvation is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. They believe that salvation cannot be lost.
Lutheran
Lutherans believe that salvation is by faith alone. They also believe that it is possible to lose salvation.
Methodist
Methodists believe that salvation is by faith alone. They also believe that it is possible to lose salvation.
Presbyterian
Presbyterians believe that salvation is offered freely by God to all. They believe that it is not possible to lose salvation.
Roman Catholic
Roman Catholics believe that salvation is received by virtue of the sacrament of Baptism. They believe that it is possible to lose salvation by mortal sin and that it can be regained by Penance.
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The Virgin Mary
Roman Catholic Views
Roman Catholics have strong and special beliefs about the Virgin Mary, which come from both history and the Bible. They believe that Mary was born without sin, stayed a virgin her whole life, and went to heaven after she died. They see her as a co-redeemer, playing a crucial role in the story of how people are saved.
Eastern Orthodox Views
Eastern Orthodox Churches, such as the Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox Churches, also deeply honour the Virgin Mary, calling her the Theotokos, or "Mother of God". They believe that Mary played a crucial part in the story of Jesus coming to Earth, and that she gave birth to Jesus, who is both fully divine and fully human. However, they disagree with certain Catholic beliefs, such as the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption.
Protestant Views
Protestant denominations generally have a more reserved view of the Virgin Mary, focusing their worship on God through Jesus Christ. While they recognise Mary's significance as the mother of Jesus, they often do not venerate her to the same extent as Catholics or Eastern Orthodox Christians. Some Protestant groups, like Anglicans and Lutherans, show a moderate level of devotion to Mary, incorporating references to her in their liturgy and prayer.
Other Denominations
Other Christian denominations, such as the Assyrian Church of the East, Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and Seventh-day Adventists, also hold unique perspectives on the Virgin Mary, shaped by their theological frameworks and interpretations of scripture. For instance, while the Assyrian Church of the East believes in the Virgin Mary and venerates her as the Mother of Jesus, they do not subscribe to the doctrines of the Immaculate Conception or the Assumption. Meanwhile, Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, do not accept the concept of Mary's Immaculate Conception or Perpetual Virginity, seeing her instead as a mortal woman chosen by God.
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The Sacraments
The Nature of Sacraments
According to Augustine of Hippo, a sacrament is an "outward sign of an inward grace, that has been instituted by Jesus Christ". This definition is accepted by many denominations, including Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist, and Reformed. In this view, sacraments are a visible symbol of the reality of God and a channel for God's grace.
However, some traditions, such as the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), do not observe any sacraments, believing instead that all of life is sacred and lived in the presence of Christ. Similarly, Baptists view sacraments as "ordinances" rather than sacraments, as they believe these rituals do not impart grace and are only symbolic.
Number of Sacraments
The Catholic Church, Hussite Church, and Old Catholic Church recognise seven sacraments: Baptism, Penance (Reconciliation or Confession), Eucharist (or Holy Communion), Confirmation, Marriage (Matrimony), Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction). The Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, and Eastern Catholic Churches also acknowledge seven major sacraments but refer to them as "sacred mysteries".
On the other hand, many Protestant denominations, including those within the Reformed denomination of Calvinism, recognise only two sacraments: the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) and Baptism. Anglican and Methodist theology similarly recognises two sacraments, but considers the other five Catholic sacraments as important religious rites.
Lutheran theology is more flexible, with two or three sacraments, depending on the specific church. While the Lutheran sacraments include Baptism and the Eucharist, Confession (and Absolution) is sometimes added as a third sacrament.
Sacraments and Salvation
Protestant denominations, such as Anglicans, generally do not view sacraments as necessary for salvation. Instead, they believe that salvation is by faith alone, and good works are the natural outcome of genuine faith. However, there are differences of opinion within Anglicanism regarding the effects of the sacraments and the role of the recipient's disposition in receiving God's grace.
While there are variations in the beliefs and practices surrounding the sacraments among different Christian denominations, they all share a common understanding of their importance in Christian life and worship.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three major branches of Christianity: Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox.
The Eastern Orthodox Church split from the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages over issues of church leadership and theology. The Orthodox Church is led by teams of bishops called synods, whereas the Roman Catholic Church is led by the Pope, who is considered the key human authority over the church. The Orthodox Church places a high emphasis on mysticism and considers salvation to involve achieving greater union with God (theosis), while the Roman Catholic Church believes that Jesus' sacrifice secured grace for all people, which is received through the sacraments.
The Protestant churches split from the Roman Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation, denouncing the extrabiblical traditions and corrupt practices of the medieval Roman Church. Protestants emphasize that salvation is by God's grace through faith alone, rather than through works or rituals. They also believe that the Bible is the highest authority for Christian belief and practice, whereas the Roman Catholic Church considers church tradition to be of equal authority to the Bible.
