Posted on 05/24/2008 5:35:44 AM PDT by markomalley
| Doctrines | Roman Catholic |
Eastern Orthodox |
Anglican/ Episcopal |
United Methodist |
Lutheran | Reformed/ Presbyterians |
Southern Baptist |
| Trinitarian | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Apostolic Succession | Y | Y | Y | N | N | ||
| Roman Papal Infallibility | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Immaculate Conception of Mary | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Assumption of Mary | Y | Y | N | N | N | ||
| Purgatory | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Celibacy of the Clergy | Y | Higher only | N | N | N | N | |
| Infant Baptism | Y | Y, Triune | Y | Y | N | ||
| Transubstantiation | Y | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| Consubstantiation | N | Y | Some | N | N | ||
| Sacraments are Just a Memorial | N | N | N | N | N | Y | |
| Asking the Saints to pray for us | Y | Y | Some | N | N | ||
| Prayers for the Dead | Y | Y | N | N | |||
| Confession to Clergy | Y | Y | Y | N | N | ||
| Women Clergy | N | N | Y | Y | Some | N | |
| Homosexual Ordination | N | N | Some | Some | N | ||
| Armenian | Y | Y | Y | N | |||
| Wesleyan Holiness | N | N | N | Y | N | N | |
| Eternal Security | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Calvinism | N | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
| Closed Communion | Y | Y | N | ||||
| Early Church Authoritative | N | Y | N | N | N | ||
| At death saints go to heaven | Y | N | Y | Y | |||
| Saints await resurrection in Hades | N | Y | N | ||||
| Orders of Monks and Nuns | Y | N | Y | N | N | N | |
| Charismatic "prayer language" | Some | N | N | ||||
| Premillennialism | N | N | N most | Y | |||
| Covenant Theology | Y | N | |||||
| Dispensationalism | N | Y | |||||
| Cessationist | Y | Some | |||||
| Salvation by faith alone | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
If you see something wrong about your confession, please post a correction here. (For example, I see a couple of spots that I'm about 90% sure are wrong on the EO and Anglican side, but I'll let them speak for themselves on the subject)
And please note: I am not posting this to start an argument with anybody (although this being the Religion section, I'm sure an argument will start); rather I'm posting this in an effort to get us to see that it's not simply "Catholic" vs "Protestant" in the world, but there are a whole lot of shades of gray out there.
There is more information that I will post subsequently.
| Denominations |
Adventist groups trace their beginnings back to William Miller. Miller speculated that the end of the world would come in 1844.
Adventists are very focused on end time prophecy. Most groups have spent considerable time trying to decode time prophecies in the scriptures trying to pinpoint the exact time of the second coming.
Beliefs.
Most still concentrate on the second coming, some teach Annihilationism, (the wicked are destroyed in the lake of fire, instead of eternal punishment)
Adventist Denominations:
| Denominations |
John Smyth, an Anglican bishop, is credited with starting the Baptist movement in Holland in 1610 after fleeing persecution in England. At his death the Baptist movement ceased in Holland but the majority of Baptists there returned to England. During this same time the Particular Baptists (Calvinistic) began to grow in England and both began to spread to the USA.
Roger Williams started the first recorded Baptist church in America in Providence, Road Island in 1639. He is famous for standing for the idea of the separation of church and state. Until the end of the Revolutionary War Baptists were persecuted in the US.
Today we have over 47 different kinds of Baptists in the US alone
See Adherents.com for denominational statistics.
Beliefs
Baptists, like some Eastern Orthodox Churches, believe in believers baptism by immersion. (only adults that confess to be a believer in Christ should be baptized and this is to be done by immersion not sprinkling or pouring) Most of the older churches, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, ect. practice Infant Baptism by sprinkling.
Most also believe in Eternal Security (the doctrine that once a person is truly saved they can't loose their salvation) except General and Free Will Baptists. Some, like the Primitive Baptists, believe in Calvinism. Some will also teach the gifts of the spirit ceased when the last apostle died or when the cannon was finished. A few, like the Pentecostal Free Will Baptists, practice speaking in tongues (a prayer language).
They are antonymous (pastors are elected by each church instead of being appointed by a bishop like the Episcopal churches) and believe in the separation of church and state (as opposed to church of England, Lutherans in Germany, Catholics in Spain and Italy) They are Dispensationalists. Most are more concerned with revivalism than doctrine.
Current Baptist groups
|
|
It would have been easier to list Anglican and Episcopal separately these days. But it’s a helpful list, so thank you for posting.
| Denominations |
History
These groups broke from the RCC (Roman Catholic Church) over Papal infallibility and/or other doctrinal issues. the OCC (Old Catholic Church) is the largest of these and several sub groups broke from the OCC.
Catholic Denominations:
American Catholic Church, founded 1989
Broke from the RCC in reaction to Vatican II's position on birth control, ordination, and theological debate.
Eastern Rite Catholic/Uniate Churches, founded various dates
These groups are under the jurisdiction or the RCC, but have married clergy, serve bread and wine to the laity, and have their own distinctive language, rites, and canon law.
Liberal Catholic Church, founded 1916 (cult)
Broke from the Old Catholic Church, it combines the teaching or the OCC and the Theosophical and spiritualist societies, teaching eastern mysticism. They have married clergy, and ordination homosexuals.
Mariavite Old Catholic Church of North America, founded 1972
A unique type of Old Catholic Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Old Catholic Churches, founded 1914
Broke from the RCC over the issue of Papal infallibility, at Vatican I, and Jansenism. they hold to the old style of ritual and prayers for the dead. Also rejects Immaculate conception of Mary, compulsory Celibacy of the Priesthood, ordination of women. It is in communion with the Anglican Church and several Orthodox bodies.
Polish National Catholic Church of America, founded 1897
Broke from the OCC, Clergy can marry (since 1921), rejects ordination of women.
Roman Catholic Church, founded (325, or 600)
Holds to Sacramentalism, Sacerdotalism, Papal Infallibility, Infant Baptism, justification by faith and works, Clergy can't marry. Rejects ordination of homosexuals and women.
Dates are when the USA branches were started.
pm
Just by that list alone, the Catholic church should recognize it is steeped in heresy...
| Denominations |
History
During the great awakening, Thomas Campbell (1763-1854) left the Presbyterian church to "restore" primitive Christianity, by removing all creeds and doctrines the devise the church. Barton Stone (1772-1844) held similar views and was famous for the Cane Ridge revivals. In 1832 the "Stoneites" and "Campbellites" forged what would become the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Restorationist churches want to restore the church based on the bible alone. No other historical writings are accepted.
Beliefs
Tend to be Non-creedal and avoid any divisive doctrines. They practice believers Baptism by immersion.
Christian church Denominations:
Christadelphians, founded 1844 (cult)
Non-Trinitarian,
Christian Church (disciples of Christ), founded 1832
Hold to the soul being immortal, reject original sin, do not speculate on the Trinity. Communion every Sunday.
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, founded 1920s
More conservative than disciples, Communion every Sunday
Christian Congregation, founded 1887
Non-creedal, Pacifistic, condemns abortion, capital punishment, and all war.
Churches of Christ, founded 1906
Non-creedal, Communion every Sunday, more conservative than disciples, apposes musical instruments in church
Church of God and Saints in Christ, founded 1896 (cult)
Non-Trinitarian, Worship on Saturday, Keep the Decalogue and Jewish festivals, women cover their heads and men were yarmulke and tallith. Practice foot washing, communion is unleavened bread and water,
United Christian Church, founded 1952
A break off of the church of God Prophecy,
Holiness, Women Clergy, divine healing, foot washing, pre-millennial, Calvinistic and Arminian sections, most tend toward Word faith heresy, and belief in the Trinity is optional.
Ban alcohol, smoking, narcotics for ministers.
Dates are when the USA branches were started.
| Denominations |
There are several denominations that have Church of Christ in their name. They range from being quite orthodox to being classified as a cult, in the case of the Boston Church of Christ, now known as the Churches of Christ International.
The majority have the following teachings:
There are several churches that have "Church of Christ" in their name:
| Denominations |
There are several denominations that have Church of God in their name.
More to come...
Church of God Denominations:
| Denominations |
In Congregational Churches each church elects its own Pastor. They have no bishops or boards of clergy in authority over local churches.
Despite the all encompassing structure Unitarians broke away to from their own denomination in 1825, to get away from the Trinitarians and Calvinists in the congregational movement.
Beliefs.
Each church is free to teach doctrines it believes.
Congregational Denominations:
| Denominations |
Beliefs
In 1054 the eastern and western church split. The Eastern Orthodox Churches teach:
Eastern Orthodox Denominations:
Monophysite Orthodox
Some of the dates are when the USA branch of the Churches were founded.
| Denominations |
Their beliefs include:
In the last hundred years or so they have shifted to the allegorical interpretation of scripture allowing these changes:
Other Denominations that broke from the Episcopal Church:
| Denominations |
The society of Friends, also called Quakers, began when George Fox (1624-91) heard a voice telling him to seek a personal direct relationship with Christ and avoid doctrinal divisions. they were against Slavery, paying taxes that go toward state sponsored Churches, and refused to go to state churches. Today they are heavily involved in relief efforts around the world.
Beliefs.
Most do not take oaths or go to war. They forbid the use of tobacco, alcohol. They believe grace, the power to do good and avoid evil, is universal among all people. They seek perfection not holiness.
Quaker Denominations:
| Denominations |
The movement started by Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) in reaction to modernism.
Beliefs.
Most Fundamentalist churches hold to the inerrancy of the Bible, literal interpretation and tend to Congregationalist.
Fundamentalist Denominations:
| Denominations |
History
The holiness movement takes its roots from John Wesley, an Anglican priest ordained in 1728. After studying the writings of the early church father Clement of Alexandria (177AD), and the Moravians. Wesley was convinced the true holiness is an attitude, a love for God, not how much sin you do or righteousness you do. Clement called this a heart holiness.
More to come...
Beliefs
All Holiness Churches are Trinitarian, Arminian (free will, not Calvinist), teach Entire Sanctification (you can be sinless in this life), sin is willful disobedience as opposed to just missing the mark. (they do not recognize the possibility of an unknown sin. Cmp. Leviticus 4:2)
The following is a list of Wesleyan Holiness denominations:
Methodist churches:
Salvation Army (and related organizations)
This group grew out of the Methodist Denomination. Focusing on more outreach that doctrine William Booth (1829-1912) left the Methodist Church in 1861 as a freelance evangelist. These groups are organized in a military pattern.
| Denominations |
Beliefs
Salvation by faith alone, infant baptism, Sacrametalism,
Other Denominations that broke from the Lutheran Church:
| Denominations |
History
The movement started in the 1500's with the writings of Menno Simons (1496-1561). Rejecting the teachings of Calvin and Luther. They tried to do away with ties to the state, were Anabaptists, and to live a simple life based on the sermon on the mount. their statement of faith is the Canon of Dort. (1632).
Beliefs
They obey civil government except in war, practice believers baptism by pouring. Banned activities: taking oaths, bearing arms, voting, holding public office, membership in secret societies, and involvement in secular activates. Most observe foot washing after the Lord's supper, men and women are separated for this. Some still oppose use of automobiles, telephones, and higher education.
The following is a list of Mennonite denominations:
| Denominations |
| Denominations |
The Pentecostal movement began in the early twentieth century. Pentecostal churches trace their origin to the revival movement in the Negro Holiness Church in Los Angeles in 1906. A minority of them can be traced back to the "Latter Rain" revival movement led by A. J. Tomlinson (1865-1943), who founded the Church of God in 1903.
Marked primarily by speaking in a new form of tongues called a prayer language. This was not a foreign language that could be verified but a heavenly, non-earth language or babbling that could not be verified. They would say if you are a Christian and do not speak in tongues you are not filled with the Spirit. Most of the groups would say this makes you unfit to join their church or teach in it since you can't be guided by the Holy Spirit. The extreme groups (very few in number) would say if you don't speak in tongues you are not even saved.
In the first half of the twentieth century Pentecostalism was also marked by the teaching that the Celts were the lost tribes of Israel. This was later discarded and today most Pentecostals do not know this was ever taught.
Some Pentecostal Denominations include: Associated Gospel Churches
|
|
| Denominations |
Pietistic groups stress a personal relationship without creeds, emphasizing personal devotions.
They are known for foot washing, wearing plain clothing, women cover their heads in church. They anoint with oil for healing and consecration, refrain from worldly amusements, refuse to take oaths, go to war, or engage in lawsuits. Pietistic Denominations:
| Denominations |
History
The Presbyterian church took its roots from John Calvin. He developed the five points of Calvinism around 1540. John Knox then took his teaching father by adding the concept of God predestining the fall.
More to come...
Beliefs
All Presbyterian churches believe in five point Calvinism and teach Covenant Theology (not Dispensationalism). They practice Infant Baptism, which is looked at as the parents promising that they will raise the child as a Christian, therefore the child is already in "the covenant."
The Presbyterian Church USA, which is the largest of the Presbyterian denominations, ordains women ministers, takes a neutral stance on Abortion, accepts practicing homosexuals as Christians, and rarely ever speak about hell, or prophecy.
See Adherents.com for denominational statistics.
Presbyterian Denominations:
Reformed Churches
Reformed Churches hold the same Calvinist Doctrines as the Presbyterians hold, but tend to have a different organizational structure. They also hold to the threefold division of the Epistle of Romans.
As I stated earlier, if the person who built the BibleFacts.org website (and the above database) has it wrong about your confession’s beliefs or origins, please take a few minutes to put the correct information here.
The denomination is more conservative and significantly smaller than the United Methodist Church (politically and theologically) with regards to drinking, smoking, gambling, jewelry and modern dancing. Contrasting liberal aspects of its doctrine (eg. female ordination) differ widely when compared to historical (pre-industrial) Protestantism, Catholicism and Orthodox Christians, who hold that it is contrary to the Bible.
While some (North American) church planters are starting emerging church ministries, denominational support is at times incongruent with stated planting objectives in the [Book of Discipline] [1]
(details): "Formation of New Churches ¶ 6800 A. The fulfillment of the Great Commission and the mission of the Free Methodist Church requires larger,growing and more effective local churches as well as more and varied churches. Reaching unreached people is the motive for the planting of new churches. Each church should be eager and open to win all people to Christ and incorporate them into membership. Yet within each population group there are persons who, because of geographic distance or language or cultural differences, can more readily be reached by new churches than by existing ones. Creative strategies and multiple styles of ministry are required."
Some Conferences have focused instead on a "mega" (large) Church format which follows the "[Saddleback][2]" and, or, [Nelson Searcy's Journey Church][3]model. This model differs from historical Methodism & Free Methodism, which focused primarily upon [small group worship & study][4]. In this sense, the cultural and doctrinal distinctives of this small denomination have been shed in an effort to reach a more mainstream audience in the North American Church. Related article[5].This has met with limited success, as membership remains flat.
[348 churches were closed 1996-2006 see section 6][9]
2007
Known for thier frugality and austerity, controversy arose in a facet of the membership upon the recent retirement of the North American Eastern Zone Bishop when he was gifted a new General Motors Cadillac luxury automobile. Some saw this act by leadership as inconsistent with the Book of Discipline (a manual of conduct)[10], and cite:
"Self Discipline: ¶3350 One attribute of the Spirit’s indwelling presence is self-control [(Galatians 5:23)][11]. The Scriptures instruct us to honor the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20][12]). As Christians we desire to be characterized by balance and moderation. We seek to avoid extreme patterns of conduct. We also seek to keep ourselves free from addictions or compulsions. Since Christians are to be characterized by a disciplined style of life, we attempt to avoid selfish indulgence in the pleasures of this world. It is our wish to live simply in service to others, and to practice stewardship of health, time, and other God-given resources."
2008
A recent evangelical movement titled "One more soul" was abandoned when the copyright owner of the phrase issued a cease a desist order.
Misc Procedural complaints [13][14]
____________
while wiki is a lame link - I can attest to these issues - as it was part of the reason I resigned my pastorate and left the denomination
Bookmark
The kindest thing to say about the Catholic one is that it’s unclear. The heading is about groups that broke with the RCC and then it includes ... the RCC!
I think this is not a very good database and in an area where particulars matter it is careless.
Sorry. I appreciate the effort, but I think this will make more trouble than clarity.
My problem with the database it that it uses certain western terms and then states that the Orthodox don’t agree with those doctrines. Not exactly true: the Orthodox don’t use the western language to describe those terms.
For instance, the Orthodox believe Mary was sinless. They don’t use the formulation that she was immaculately conceived because that expresses the sinlessness of Mary in language Augustine used to express the necessity of baptism for salvation. Since the West holds open the hope of salvation through extraordinary means for the unbaptized, that Augustinian doctrine is hardly essential to the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. So why express that the Orthodox are opposed to the immaculate conception? Why not simply label the doctrine the sinlessness of Mary? Why give quarter to the Protestants who assert slanderously that the doctrine is a modern invention?
I believe the Lutherans do believe in trasubstination.
I don’t think the Southern Baptists have made Dispansationalism an official doctrine but it has taken over many of their churches.
Just by that list alone, the Catholic church should recognize it is steeped in heresy...
_____________________________________________________________________
Which one of the other thirty thousand should they join?
I will boil your questions down to one: why post this if it has garbage in it?
Because, hopefully, it will give some useful information on what the various sects of Protestantism believe (how widely different they are). One valid complaint I have heard from some of the Proddies on FR is that we Catholics lump them all together. While not universally correct, there are a lot of us who, intentionally or not, do just that.
I posted this primarily for the purpose of showing the wide diversities in Protestant belief. But I didn't think that it would be appropriate to simply excise out what this person understood about Catholic or EO beliefs, while posting the various Protestant denominations.
So if the guy has it wrong, please make a correction. Just like others have been doing.
As I consider this, I’m suspecting that the origin of this database was ignorant Protestants.
My problem with the database it that it uses certain western terms and then states that the Orthodox don’t agree with those doctrines. Not exactly true: the Orthodox don’t use the western language to describe those terms.
For instance, the Orthodox believe Mary was sinless. They don’t use the formulation that she was immaculately conceived because that expresses the sinlessness of Mary in language Augustine used to express the necessity of baptism for salvation. Since the West holds open the hope of salvation through extraordinary means for the unbaptized, that Augustinian doctrine is hardly essential to the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. So why express that the Orthodox are opposed to the immaculate conception? Why not simply label the doctrine the sinlessness of Mary? Why give quarter to the Protestants who assert slanderously that the doctrine is a modern invention?
Likewise, they had no party to the battle between Arminius and Augustine. That doesn’t make them Arminian, except for through your punny misspelling. (Armenian Orthodox?)
And what on Earth is behind the indication that the Catholic Church opposes the notion that the Early church was authoritative? What Catholic would ever agree to that assertion!
Even purgatory: That Latin name is certainly not used by the Orthodox... but their belief is at least much close to the Catholic position than, as this table would imply, the Protestant position. They certainly do believe in a temporary condition of the afterlife, wherein souls are purified. My understanding is that what they don’t believe in is the description of this state by certain Western saints. Descriptions of the metaphysical are bound to be problematic.
Also: The Roman Catholic Church does permit married priesthood in rites besides the Latin rite.
KOLOKOTRONIS:
Is this assertion correct that the Orthodox believe that the saints don’t go to Heaven when they die? (I guess they’re awaiting the bodily resurrection?) What about Revelations, where the firstfruits are before the throne of God?
Also, if I seem to have excessively brushed differences between Catholic and Orthodox doctrine under the rug, I’m glad for any correction.
Are there doctrinal differences between different Anglican groups out there as to this?
My understanding was that there are two basic groups: the low church and high church groups. The low church is far more of a "mainstream Protestant" group, while the high church groups are far more "Catholic" (sans Rome).
I'll say again what I've said before, if they have it wrong, it would be helpful if you correct correct where it's wrong.
Sorry. I appreciate the effort, but I think this will make more trouble than clarity.
I understand and this is a risk. But I think it would be helpful to have a clear definition of what various groups who call themselves "Christian" believe. Starting with a flawed source document and correcting it is better than not bothering to start at all (IMHO/FWIW/YMMV).
And, btw, no I am not going to start a rousing chorus of Kumbayah. But if I am going to be critical, I, for one, would at least like to be critical based on facts.
Always interesting to see what grows from the seeds I plant...
It’s more garbage than useful, though... and what is to say that the creator will care one rat’s ass what we say on FR?
Please do not use potty language on the Religion Forum.
Wow! You’re the guy who created the idea of having a taxonomy of Protestant denominations! (/sarc)
While a holiday is optional on 8/15 and 12/8, there is no doctrinal statement of any official kind (and I'd look to the Prayer Book and the Consitution and Canons for such things or to the resolutions of General Convention, though they have an unclear authority) on the BVM, including whether or not the birth of Our Lord was truly physically a virgin birth.
I don't think there has been a successful heresy prosecution in my lifetime. So certainly where the rubber meets the road it is hard to identify any core Episcopal beliefs at all.
>> It’s more garbage than useful, though... and what is to say that the creator will care one rat’s ass what we say on FR? <<
I should be clearer: Your motivations and effort are not garbage at all, and I am sorry if you may have seen the previous post and though I was saying so. Taking a 2nd look, I see how sloppily I wrote that. What I mean to say is that I think that the source you’re using is a very poor source.
I’m sincerely sorry. Enough so that I’ll refrain from making a joke about what I meant by that, so as not to be making even a humorous excuse about my language.
BTW, An “Armenian” is a resident of Armenia. Are you thinking of “Arminian”, someone who holds in some way to the distinctive teachings of Jacob Arminius?
Some points, especially in the last two columns, can be very misleading.
I am wondering why you chose the Southern Baptists particularly.
There are large numbers of Southern Baptists and other Baptists who are very strong Calvinists.
There are an increasing number of female “pastors” among churches that identify as Southern Baptist.
Some Southern Baptists are Calvinist.
I’ve been to Roman Catholic weddings and masses where communion was offered to all.
In fact, that post is why, when I speak of "Protestant," I will include the qualifier "to include Evangelical, Charismatic, and Reformed" in the statement.
I do thank you for that.
Having said that, I was aware of significant differences in doctrine well prior to that point and have wanted to post something like this for a long while...
While making no claims as to its accuracy (in the case of Catholic doctrine, it has some major, major fallacies), I thought it was very well organized and would be a decent starting point.
So how about your confession Alex? Does it pretty well capture it, or should there be some changes?
I’m looking at the list of Baptist groups.
Baptist Bible Fellowship was founded in 1950, Springfield, Missouri.
The Southern Baptist Convention might be the largest single grouping, but I don’t think that they are the majority of Baptists in the USA for sure.
The list doesn’t mention the thousands and thousands of independent, unaffiliated Baptist churches all over the USA — churches that would not belong to any of these, and many who would not join ANY organized structure — the ones who hold local church autonomy as an absolute distinctive.
OK
I’ve been to Roman Catholic weddings and masses where communion was offered to all.
Unfortunately, so have I :-(
There is one “ctegory” missing from this list, but it is as it should be. For the “independent Baptist churches” are *truly independent* and are not affiliated with any “organization,” following after the protocol in the New Testament churches. This frees them from the “ecumenical, “United Religions” movement.
What do you call that, straw dog, straw hat, oh yeah, straw man...I call it ridiculous...
there may be 4 or 5 different denominations there...Most of them have more in common with each other than the Catholics do with the Orthodox...
They are little splinter groups within the same denominations...No different or probably less different than the splinter Catholic groups, ie, Roman Catholic, Maronite Catholic, etc...
But the one thing they ALL have in common which unites them and separates them from the Catholic religion is that the Head of those churches is Jesus Christ/God/the Holy Spirit...
They don't have a Man On Earth In Place Of Jesus Christ...I'd join any church in the bunch before I would join a Catholic church...
Any any Catholic would strongly agree that the Old Catholic Church, American Catholic Church, and others of that ilk are steeped in Heresy. They have broken from the Roman Catholic Church and union with the see of Peter. That in and of itself is a sign of heresy, but they broke because they embraced women’s ordination, homosexuality, birth control, etc.