[markomalley]

I am not calling this a definitive list, as there may be some assertions that are wrong about different denominations, but it seems to me to be a pretty good tool for comparison.

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.

[markomalley]

Adventist

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:

1. Advent Christian Church, founded 1860
   Hold to soul sleep, and Annihilationism, but reject the prophecies of Ellen G. White.
2. Branch Davidians, founded 20th century (cult)
   Believed they were the 144,000 and would start the Davidic kingdom on earth. David Koresh taught he was the Messiah. (also charges of child sexual abuse)
3. Church of God General Conference, founded 1840s (cult)
   Non-Trinitarian (cult) premillennial, soul sleep, and Annihilationism,
4. Church of God (Seventh Day), founded 1863
   Worship on Saturday, but reject the prophecies of Ellen G. White. Hold to soul sleep, and Annihilationism, foot washing
5. Seventh Day Adventists, founded 1863
   worship on Saturday, abstain from alcohol and tobacco
   
   Some have taught worshiping on Sunday is the mark of the beast (worshiping on Sunday would send you to hell). They do not believe in an Antichrist. The second coming will take the save to heaven the rest will be destroyed, and Satan will be bound on earth for 1000 years.
   
   Many have held the writings of Ellen G. White to be superior to the scriptures. (this would cause some Christians to consider them as a cult)

[markomalley]

Baptist

Denominations

History
The during the protestant reformation, some found that the example of baptism found in the scripture taught water baptism by immersion. Since the normal practice of the churches was infant baptism, they taught one must be re-baptized to be a good Christian. They became known as the Ana-Baptists. (Ana is Greek for again) From these the Baptist groups began. Most Baptists today may make you become re-baptized depending on how, where, or by whom you were baptized the first time.

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

Alliance of Baptist Churches, founded 1987  Encourages inquiry into church history, dedicated to social and economic justice American Baptist Association, founded 1905 Pre-Millennial, eternal security, denounce abortion, homosexuality, and pre-marital sex American Baptist Churches in the USA, founded 1845 Denounce slavery, alcohol, baptism and communion are not necessary to salvation, less conservative that Southern Baptists, allows ordination of women, would like to fellowship with all Baptist groups (even freewill) Baptist Bible Fellowship, founded  Eternal Security Baptist General Conference, founded 1852 Conservative, Pre-millennial Baptist World Alliance, McLean, VA, founded in 1905 Conservative Baptist Association of America, founded  Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, founded 1991 Objecting to theological struggles in the Southern Baptists, it went independent to focus on ministry rather then theology Free Will Baptists, founded 1935 Denounce eternal security, practice foot washing General Association of Regular Baptists, founded 1932 Pre-millennial,  Eternal Security

General Baptists, founded 1870 Denounce eternal security, practice foot washing, Pre-Millennial National Baptist Convention USA, founded 1895 opposed to all forms of church organization National Missionary Baptist, founded 1988 National Primitive Baptist Convention, founded 1907 Primitive Baptists, founded 1827 Strictest and most exclusive, Calvinist, some practice foot washing Pentecostal Free Will Baptists, founded 1959 Pentecostal, Arminian, Holiness, foot washing, Pre-Millennial   Progressive National Baptist Convention, founded 1961 (Black) Civil rights activists Reformed Baptists, founded 1954 5 point Calvinism, Separate Baptists, founded 1700 Reject all creeds, Calvinism, practice foot washing Seventh Day Baptist, founded 1802 Worship on Saturday instead of Sunday, open communion Southern Baptist Convention, founded 1845 Conservative, was very Calvinistic until this century, Reject ordination of women, and affirm the death penalty, Eternal Security

[EDINVA]

It would have been easier to list Anglican and Episcopal separately these days. But it’s a helpful list, so thank you for posting.

[markomalley]

Catholic

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:

1. American Catholic Church, founded 1989
   Broke from the RCC in reaction to Vatican II's position on birth control, ordination, and theological debate. 

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Mariavite Old Catholic Church of North America, founded 1972
   A unique type of Old Catholic Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

5. 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.

6. Old Roman Catholic Church of North America, founded 
   

7. Polish National Catholic Church of America, founded 1897
   Broke from the OCC, Clergy can marry (since 1921), rejects ordination of women.

8. 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.

---

Please note, as stated earlier, that I am NOT vouching for the accuracy of the above. I am merely passing information (btw, for the Catholics, including myself, that are offended by some of the statements above, please look at this as a moment where you realize just how misinformed some folks are)

[xone]

pm

[Iscool]

Just by that list alone, the Catholic church should recognize it is steeped in heresy...

[markomalley]

Christian Churches
the Stone/Campbell movement

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:

1. Christadelphians, founded 1844 (cult)
   Non-Trinitarian,  

2. 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.

3. Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, founded 1920s
   More conservative than disciples, Communion every Sunday

4. Christian Congregation, founded 1887 
   Non-creedal, Pacifistic, condemns abortion, capital punishment, and all war. 

5. Churches of Christ, founded 1906 
   Non-creedal, Communion every Sunday, more conservative than disciples, apposes musical instruments  in church

6. 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,

7. 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.

[markomalley]

Church of Christ

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:

1. Deny Total Depravity, premillennialism, and original sin.
2. The Holy Spirit is not needed to open our minds to understand scripture.
3. Hold that Christians are saved by baptism and not by faith alone.
4. The Law of Moses is still in effect.
5. Refuse to have musical instruments in church.
   

There are several churches that have "Church of Christ" in their name:

1. Church of Christ
2. Church of Christ (Holiness), founded 1894
   Holiness, divine healing, strong eschatological focus, foot washing 
3. Churches of Christ, founded 1906
   Non-creedal, Communion every Sunday, more conservative than disciples, apposes musical instruments in church, Arminian
4. Churches of Christ International (cult)
5. Churches of Christ in Christian Union, founded 1909 
6. Church of Christ, Scientist (cult)
7. Church of Christ, Temple Lot (cult)

[markomalley]

Church of God

Denominations

There are several denominations that have Church of God in their name. 
More to come...

Church of God Denominations:

1. Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, founded 1916
   Holiness, Pentecostal, women clergy, Banned activities: smoking, foolish talking, jesting, using slang, marring unbelievers
2. Church of God (Anderson, IN), founded 1881 
   Pietistic, Amillennial, Holiness, foot washing
3. Church of God (Cleveland, TN), founded 1886
   Pentecostal, Holiness, Pre-Millennial, Divine healing, foot washing,  Banned activities: alcohol, smoking, membership in secret societies
4. Church of God (general conference), founded 1921 (cult)
   Adventist, Non-Trinitarian premillennial, soul sleep, and Annihilationism,
5. Church of God (Holiness), founded 1886
   Holiness, Banned activities: dance, alcohol, smoking, playing cards, theater, marring unbelievers, can't ware short sleeve shirts or ties, divorcing your current spouse to remarry your first spouse is encouraged.
6. Church of God (Seventh Day), founded 1863 
   Adventist, Worship on Saturday, but reject the prophecies of Ellen G. White. Hold to soul sleep, and Annihilationism, foot washing
7. Church of God by Faith, founded
8. Church of God and saints in Christ, founded 1896 
   Christian, 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
9. Church of God in Christ, founded 1897 
   Pentecostal, Holiness, Divine healing, immersion, foot washing,  Banned activities: alcohol, smoking, membership in secret societies
10. Church of God in Christ, International, founded 1970s 
    Cultic
11. Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, founded 1859 
    Mennonite
12. Church of God of Prophecy, founded 1923
    Pentecostal, Holiness, women clergy, Saved by faith alone, Pre-Millennial, Divine healing, foot washing, Banned activities: alcohol, smoking, narcotics, gold jewelry 
13. Pentecostal Church of God, founded 1919
    Pentecostal
14. World Wide Church of God, founded 1933
    Was Cultic, now orthodox

[markomalley]

Congregational Churches

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:

1. Congregational Christian Churches, founded 1955
2. Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, founded 1948
3. United Church of Christ, founded 1957
   Sacramentalist, Reformed

[markomalley]

Eastern Orthodox

Denominations

Beliefs
In 1054 the eastern and western church split. The Eastern Orthodox Churches teach:

1. Uphold apocrypha, Transubstantiation/Consubstantiation, Infant Baptism
2. Upholds Sacramentalism and Sacerdotalism, justification by faith and works
3. Rejects Papal Infallibility, the Pope as the Vicar of Christ, Immaculate Conception of Mary, the assumption of Mary, doctrine of indulgences, ordination of homosexuals and women.
4. Holds to the perpetual virginity of Mary
5. Lower Clergy can marry
6. Have a rule that they will never read the book of revelation in a public worship service.
7. Condemned chiliasm as heresy in 381AD.
8. Some hold the doctrine of the Monophysites, (that Christ had one nature instead of two)

Eastern Orthodox Denominations:

1. African Orthodox Church, founded 1921
2. Albanian Orthodox Church, founded 1919
3. American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, founded 1938
4. Antiochian Christian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, founded 1975
5. Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church, founded 1938 
6. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, founded 1922
   Infant baptism by immersion
7. Holy Eastern Orthodox and Apostolic Church in North America, founded 1927
8. Orthodox Church in America (Russian), founded 1794
9. Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, founded 1929
10. Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church, founded 1921
11. Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, founded 1924

Monophysite Orthodox

1. Armenian Church, founded 301
   Monophysites, Infant baptism by immersion, 
2. Egyptian Coptic Church, founded
   Monophysites
3. Eritrean Church, founded
   Monophysites
4. Ethiopian Orthodox Church, founded
   Monophysites
5. Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and Mar Thoma Orthodox Syrian Church (Indian), founded 1978
   Monophysites, in communion with the Anglican Church
6. Syrian Orthodox church of Antioch, founded 1957
   Monophysites

Some of the dates are when the USA branch of the Churches were founded.

[markomalley]

The Episcopal Church

Denominations

The Anglican church started in 1534 when the Church of England broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. Officially the king of England is the head of the church. Their reform was based mainly on the writings of Tertullian from about 210AD.
The Episcopal church, also known as the Protestant Episcopal Church, started in 1789 when Anglicans broke from England and started the Episcopal church in America. They have orders of Monks and Nuns. 

Their beliefs include:

• Uphold the Trinity and deity of Christ
• Uphold Apostolic Succession
• Uphold baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments (imparting some Grace)
• Uphold the Apocrypha (Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox)
• Uphold the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• Upholds sacraments of  Baptism (pouring, sprinkling, or immersion) and Eucharist as agencies of divine grace
• Upholds the sacramental nature of confirmation, penance, orders, matrimony, and unction.
• Upholds the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist
• Episcopal priests do not have to be celibate
• Practice Infant Baptism
• Deny Papal Infallibility, Purgatory, Immaculate Conception of Mary, Mary as Co-Redemptrix, and Calvinism

In the last hundred years or so they have shifted to the allegorical interpretation of scripture allowing these changes:

• Teach Theistic Evolution
• Most tend to be Pro-Choice 
• Ordination of women deacons since 1970, priests since 1976, and as bishops since 1988
• Tend to demythologize scripture
• The church may start allowing homosexual ordination.
• Take no position on eschatology (avoiding the issue as much as possible)
• The Episcopal church ECUSA came into full communion with the Lutheran church ELCA in 2000. So now the Lutheran church can trace its apostolic succession back through the Episcopal church.
  

Other Denominations that broke from the Episcopal Church:

1. Anglican Catholic Church, founded 1977
   Rejects ordination of women, reaffirms the 7 ecumenical councils, and catholic principals. 
2. Charismatic Episcopal Church, founded 1992 
   Sacramental Charismatic 
3. Episcopal Orthodox Church, founded 1963
   Affirms (KJV) Virgin Birth, Atoning Sacrifice, Trinity, 2nd coming, salvation by faith alone, (anti-social gospel and communism)
4. Reformed Episcopal Church, founded 1873 
   Sacramental, baptismal regeneration, and affirms priesthood of all believers, Calvinist
5. Southern Episcopal Church, founded 1962
   Reaffirmed truth of scripture, usefulness of Apocrypha, and the ancient creeds
   

[markomalley]

Friends

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:

1. Evangelical Friends International, founded 1990 
   Generally conservative
2. Friend General Conference, founded 1900
   No pastors are employed
3. Friends United Meeting, founded 1902
   
4. Religious Society of Friends, founded 1904
   More conservative
   An offshoot of this group was the Wilburites. They did not reject the authority of the Bible, but felt inner guidance from the holy spirit was much more important. 

[markomalley]

Fundamental/Bible Churches

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:

1. American Evangelical Christian Churches, founded 1944 
   Pre-Millennial 
2. Baptist Bible Fellowship International, founded 1950 
   Pre-Millennial, KJV only, closed communion. Banned activates: dancing, drinking, smoking, movies, and gambling 
3. Baptist Missionary Association of America, founded 1950 
   Must be baptized by them, 
4. Berean Fundamental Church, founded 1947 
   Eternal security, Pre-Millennial, Pre-Tribulational
5. Bible Fellowship Church, founded 1858 
   Eternal Security, Pre-Millennial
6. Bible Presbyterian Church, founded 1938 
   Protests Modernism
7. Christian and Missionary Alliance, founded 1887 
   Pre-Millennial, progressive and crisis sanctification, divine healing, close ties with the Assemblies of God
8. Christian Brethren, founded 1820's 
   Pre-Millennial, more of a restorationist than Pietistic, 
9. Conservative Baptist Association of America, founded 1947 
   
10. Grace Gospel Fellowship, founded 1944 
    Pre-Millennial, Dispensational, total depravity, eternal security, sin nature never eradicated in this life, water baptism not relevant in this dispensation, gifts of the spirit (5 fold), 
11. Independent Fundamental Churches of America, founded 1930 
    Eternal Security, Total Depravity
    

[markomalley]

The Holiness Movement

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:

1. Apostolic Christian Church of America, founded 1847
   Do not bear arms or take oaths, Clergy are not paid, clergy don't prepare sermons but rely on the Holy Spirit, closed communion, women were veils, KJV only
2. Apostolic Faith Church, founded 1907
   Holiness and Pentecostal, Banned activities: dance, alcohol, smoking, playing cards, theater, marring unbelievers, they must dress conservatively
3. Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, founded 1916
   Holiness, Pentecostal, women clergy, Banned activities: smoking, foolish talking, jesting, using slang, marring unbelievers
4. Church of Christ (Holiness), founded 1894
   Holiness, divine healing, strong eschatological focus, foot washing 
5. Church of God (Holiness), founded 1886
   Holiness, Banned activities: dance, alcohol, smoking, playing cards, theater, marring unbelievers, can't ware short sleeve shirts or ties, divorcing your current spouse to remarry your fist spouse is encouraged.
6. Church of the Nazarene, founded 1908
   Holiness, Banned activities: dance, alcohol, smoking, theater, membership in secret societies
7. Churches of Christ in Christian Union, founded 1909 
8. International Pentecostal Holiness Church, founded 1911 
   Holiness, Pentecostal, Pre-Millennial, Divine healing, 
9. Wesleyan Church, founded 1843
   Holiness, Banned activities: alcohol, smoking, membership in secret societies

Methodist churches:

1. African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded 1814
   Holiness, women clergy (black church)
2. African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, founded 1821
   (black church)
3. Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, founded 1870
4. Congregational Methodist Church, founded 1852
5. Evangelical Church of North America, founded 1968
   Holiness - Wesleyan/Arminian
6. Evangelical Congregational Church, founded 1894
7. Evangelical Methodist Church, founded 1946
   Holiness, anti-social gospel, anti-modernism
8. Free Methodist Church of North America, founded 1860
   Holiness, Banned activities: membership in secret societies
9. Pillar of Fire, founded 1901
   Holiness, Pre-Millennial, Banned activities: membership in secret societies
10. Primitive Methodist Church, USA, founded 1840
11. Southern Methodist Church, founded 1939
12. United Methodist Church, founded 1968
    Holiness, women clergy, questioned but still against homosexual ordination

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.

1. American Rescue Workers, founded 1913
   Actually a branch of the Christian church
2. Salvation Army, founded 1880
   
3. Volunteers of America, founded 1896

[markomalley]

Lutheran

Denominations

Beliefs
Salvation by faith alone, infant baptism, Sacrametalism, 

 

Other Denominations that broke from the Lutheran Church:

1. Apostolic Lutheran Church of America, founded 1872
   Conservative, 
2. Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, founded 1962
   Conservative, 
3. Church of the Lutheran Brethren of America, founded in 1900
   Non-Liturgical 
4. Church of the Lutheran Confession, founded 1960
   Conservative, Can't be in union with any church that is not in agreement with full Lutheran doctrine.
5. Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, founded 1988
   Bible not verbally inspired, women clergy, in full communion with the Presbyterian church USA, United Church of Christ, Reformed Church in America,  and status was also approved for the Moravian Church, and the Episcopal church
6. Evangelical Lutheran Synod, founded 1918
   in union with Wisconsin Synod
7. Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, founded 1847
   Most conservative
8. Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, founded 1850
   

[markomalley]

Mennonite

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:

1. Beachy Amish Mennonite Churches, founded 1927
   Wear simple clothing, but discipline is milder the the old order Amish churches.
2. Bruderhof Communities, founded 1847
   Use the apostles creed, believe the Holy Spirit empowers them to live according to the sermon on the mount. Oppose abortion, capital punishment, War, and physician-assisted suicide.
3. Church of Christ, Mennonite, founded 1859
   Accept the Canon of Dort, women must wear head coverings, men must wear beards. Banned activates: involvement in Military or secular affairs. Worldly dress, jewelry, sports and amusements are also banned.
4. Conservative Mennonite Conference, founded 1910
   Less conservative the older Amish. Banned activities: gambling, use of Tobacco, alcohol, swearing and oaths. 
5. Evangelical Mennonite Church, founded 1865
   Nonconformity and nonresistance to the world.
6. Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches, founded 1889
   Hold to Dispensationalism.
7. General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, founded 1860
   
8. Mennonite Church, founded 1725
   Teach nonresistance, each person is free to dress as he pleases. Hold to the Canon of Dort and Schleitheim articles. 
9. Missionary Church, founded 1969
   
10. Old Order Amish, founded 1720's
    Must ware Amish clothing (hooks instead of buttons or zippers), can't use automobiles, don't believe in missions, and worship in private homes (do not have churches).
11. Old Order Mennonite (Wisler) Mennonite Church, founded 1872
    Broke from other Mennonites over the use of English in church, and use old style clothing.

[markomalley]

Other Denominations

Denominations

1. Community Churches, International Council of Founded 1950
   ?
2. New Apostolic Church of North America Founded 1862
   Also called Irvingites 12 modern apostles, sacramental, Pentecostal, Trinitarian, pre-millennial
3. Hutterian Brethren Founded 1530
   reject Infant Baptism, teach separation of church and state, pacifistic, communal, nonconformity to the world, politics.
4. Schwenkfelder Church Founded 1519
   Mystical, Consubstantiation, separation of church and state, Christ's divinity was progressive.
5. Metropolitan community churches, Universal fellowship of Founded 1970
   Homosexual Church
6. Calvary Chapel Founded 1970?
   Arminian, Pre-millennial.

[markomalley]

Pentecostalism

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

Assemblies of God, founded 1914 Arminian, Divine healing, Pre-Millennial, Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, founded 1952 Arminian, Divine healing, Pre-Millennial tribulation, foot washing (cult) Banned activities: dance, theater Bible Way Church, founded 1957 Pre-Millennial, baptism in the Holy Spirit is necessary for 2nd birth, foot washing Christian Catholic Church, founded 1896 Triune immersion, Pre-Millennial, Banned activities: alcohol, smoking, taking medicine, membership in secret societies Christian Church of North America, founded 1948 Non-Holiness, believers baptism  Church of God (Cleveland, TN), founded 1907 Holiness, Pre-Millennial, Divine healing, foot washing,  Banned activities: alcohol, smoking, membership in secret societies Church of God in Christ, founded 1897 Holiness, Divine healing, immersion, foot washing,  Banned activities: alcohol, smoking, membership in secret societies Church of God of Prophecy, founded 1923 Holiness, women clergy, Saved by faith alone, Pre-Millennial, Divine healing, foot washing, Banned activities: alcohol, smoking, narcotics, gold jewelry  Church of our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, founded 1889 Pre-Millennial, foot washing, baptism in the Holy Spirit is necessary for 2nd birth, (cult) Church of the Living God, Christian Workers, founded 1889 Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth, founded 1903 Holiness, Communion with water, Fasting, KJV

Congregational Holiness Church, founded 1921 Holiness, foot washing, Elim Fellowship, founded 1947 Divine Healing and other Charismatic gifts Full Gospel Fellowship, founded 1962 Pre-Millennial, Holiness, foot washing Independent Assemblies of God, founded 1922 Pre-Millennial, Holiness International Church of the Foursquare, founded 1927 Divine healing, Pre-Millennial, Holiness International Pentecostal Church of Christ, founded 1976 Holiness, Divine healing, Pre-Millennial, foot washing, child dedication International Pentecostal Holiness Church, founded 1911  Holiness, Pre-Millennial, Divine  healing,  Open Bible Standard Churches, founded 1935  Pre-Millennial, Holiness Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, founded 1907 (Cult) Oneness, Holiness, KJV only  Pentecostal Church of God, founded 1919 Divine healing, foot washing, Holiness Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, founded 1959 Sanctification as 2nd definite work of grace, Pre-Millennial, foot washing,  United Holy Church of America, founded 1886 Instantaneous sanctification,, foot washing, tongues not required for membership United Pentecostal Church, founded 1945 (Cult) Oneness, Holiness,  Vineyard Churches International, founded 1983 Post-Millennial

[markomalley]

Pietism/Brethren

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:

1. Brethren Church, founded 1882 
   Tries to balance between Calvinist and Arminian doctrine. (more Arminian)
2. Brethren in Christ Church, founded 1778 
   Temperance and modesty in all things, Pacifists, Holiness
3. Church of God (Anderson IN), founded 1881 
   Amillennial, Holiness, foot washing
4. Church of the Brethren, founded 1708 
   Three fold immersion, foot washing, Pacifists, ecumenical
5. Church of the United Brethren in Christ, founded 1767 
   Banned activities: alcohol, membership in secret societies
6. Evangelical Covenant Church, founded 1885 
   Infant baptism
7. Evangelical Free Church of America, founded 1950 
8. Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, founded 1939 
   Calvinist, More conservative, three fold communion (includes foot washing and love feast)
9. Moravian Church, founded 1735 
   Infant baptism, love feast, Pacifists
10. Old German Baptist Brethren, founded 1881 
    More conservative: no Sunday school, salaried ministers, missions, higher education, alcohol, taking oaths, no engaging in politics or secret societies, lawsuits, divorced can't be remarried, women are veiled in church
11. Unity of the Brethren, founded 1903
    Sacramentalist, foot washing

[markomalley]

Presbyterian

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:

1. Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP), founded 1782
2. Cumberland Presbyterian Church, founded 1810
   Christ died for all,
3. Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, founded 1874
4. Evangelical Presbyterian Church, founded 1981
5. Korean-American Presbyterian Church, founded 1976
6. Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), founded 1936
   Protest Modernism, women can't hold office
7. Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), founded 1973
   Women can't be ordained
8. Presbyterian Church (USA), founded 1983
9. Reformed Presbyterian Church of north America, founded 1809
   

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.

1. Christian Reformed Church in North America, founded 1857
   
2. Hungarian Reformed Church in America, founded 1924
    
3. Netherlands Reformed Congregations in North America, founded 1907
    
4. Protestant Reformed Churches in America, founded 1926
   Believe in some form of common grace
5. Reformed Church in America, founded 1792
   In full communion with the ELCA
6. Reformed Church in the United States, founded 1942
   Apposed liberal interpretation of Scripture

[markomalley]

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.

[dangus]

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?

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

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.

[dangus]

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.

[Alex Murphy]

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.

Always interesting to see what grows from the seeds I plant...

[Lee N. Field]

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?

[John Leland 1789]

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.

[DeaconBenjamin]

Some Southern Baptists are Calvinist.

I’ve been to Roman Catholic weddings and masses where communion was offered to all.

[Ransomed]

You might want to change the thread designation to “ecumenic”, so posters concentrate on what their particular faith says and how that jives with the chart as opposed to how they disagree with everyone else. At least, that’s my understanding of how a ‘ecumenic” thread would work.

Freegards

[tiki]

I grew up in the United Methodist and they do infant baptisms and I had my children baptized when they were infants.

[lastchance]

I believe I spot some errors about Orthodoxy. Perhaps an Orthodox poster would confirm this.

[lastchance]

These are some distinctions I would add to the list.

Belief that Baptism takes away sin
Belief in Doctrine of Original Sin
Belief that the Gifts of The Holy Spirit are active in today's Church.
Number of Sacraments
Governing Structure. Hierarchy vs Congregational, etc.
Has Confessions or Articles of Faith
Ante, Post or Non Millennial 5 Solas Perpetual Virginity of Mary Liturgical vs Free style worship Icons or Statues permitted in Churches Abortion permitted Artificial Birth Control permitted Remarriage after Divorce permitted Infant Baptism - this may already be on the list. Non believers may be saved by the grace of Christ. Believe Scripture is the inerrant, inspired Word of God.

[lastchance]

These are some distinctions I would add to the list.

Belief that Baptism takes away sin

Belief in Doctrine of Original Sin

Belief that the Gifts of The Holy Spirit are active in today's Church.

Number of Sacraments.

Governing Structure. Hierarchy vs Congregational, etc.

Has Confessions or Articles of Faith

Ante, Post or Non Millennial

5 Solas

Perpetual Virginity of Mary

Liturgical vs Free style worship.

Icons or Statues permitted in Churches.

Abortion permitted.

Artificial Birth Control permitted.

Remarriage after divorce permitted.

Non believers may be saved by the grace of Christ.

Believe Scripture is the inerrant, inspired Word of God.

Sorry I messed up the prior post.

[Salvation]

Very interesting.

[Lee N. Field]

please post a correction here.

United Methodist and Lutheran, put a Y for infant baptism.

Transubstantiation -- my understanding is that the Lutheran position is (from my point of view) similar to the Catholic view. Semantics.

"Womyn" clergy -- put a "some" under Lutheran. ELCA does this, I'm pretty sure. (Either that, or put quotes around "Lutheran", ie. LINO.)

Weslyan holiness as a category?

Closed communion, put a Y under Lutheran. Ideally, the Reformed also fence the table.

"Saints await resurrection in Hades" -- my understanding is that this is one position held in the early church, by those that held to a literal future millennium. Modern chiliasts would find this unusual.

Whoever did this chart is picking out some odd things to comment on, and not covering the sweep of the various Christian traditions very well.

[kalee]

Armenian?
Did you mean Arminian?

[PAR35]

Generally appears to be a good faith list.

For Anglican, Women Clergy should be ‘some’.

For Lutherans, I think Consubstantiation should be a ‘yes’.
Closed communion would be yes.
Women Clergy would be ‘some’.

For Baptists, Calvinism should be ‘some’.
On the other side of the coin, Dispensationalism should probably be ‘most’.

For Reformed/Presbyterian, Closed Communion should probably be ‘semi’ or ‘some’.