Different Christian Denominations Overview
Understanding Traditions Within Christianity
Quick Summary
- Denominations are different organizational expressions of Christianity
- All true Christians share core beliefs despite denominational differences
- Differences often involve church government, worship style, and secondary doctrines
- Unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, charity in all things
What All Christians Believe
Despite differences, all orthodox Christians affirm:
- The Trinity—one God in three persons
- Jesus is fully God and fully man
- Salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone
- Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection
- The Bible is God's inspired Word
- Jesus will return and judge the world
Major Denominational Families
Catholic
Emphasis: Tradition, sacraments, papal authority
Government: Hierarchical (Pope, cardinals, bishops)
Key Beliefs: 7 sacraments, Mary's intercession, purgatory
Orthodox
Emphasis: Ancient liturgy, mysticism, tradition
Government: Episcopal (bishops, patriarchs)
Key Beliefs: Icon veneration, theosis, strong tradition
Baptist
Emphasis: Believer's baptism, church autonomy, Scripture authority
Government: Congregational (members vote)
Key Beliefs: Baptism by immersion after salvation, local church autonomy
Methodist
Emphasis: Social holiness, personal sanctification
Government: Episcopal/connectional
Key Beliefs: Prevenient grace, entire sanctification possible
Presbyterian
Emphasis: God's sovereignty, Reformed theology
Government: Presbyterian (elders govern)
Key Beliefs: Covenant theology, election, Westminster standards
Pentecostal
Emphasis: Holy Spirit gifts, experiential faith
Government: Varies (often episcopal or congregational)
Key Beliefs: Speaking in tongues, Spirit baptism, divine healing
Lutheran
Emphasis: Grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone
Government: Varies by region
Key Beliefs: Law/Gospel distinction, sacramental focus
Non-Denominational
Emphasis: Independence from denominations, biblical focus
Government: Usually elder-led or congregational
Key Beliefs: Varies—committed to Scripture over tradition
Should Denomination Matter?
Prioritize:
- Faithfulness to Scripture
- Gospel clarity
- Healthy community
- Then consider denominational fit
Remember:
- Denominations are not biblical—they're organizational structures
- Don't let denomination divide you from other believers
- Major on majors, minor on minors
- Find a church faithful to Scripture, regardless of label