The Christian religion is one of the most widely practiced religions in the world today, with an estimated 2 billion adherents globally. As Christianity has spread, it has developed various forms or denominations that focus on different aspects of worship and interpretation of Scripture, each providing its own style of service and practices. This article will explore some of the major denominations within Christianity, their history and origins as well as their beliefs.
Eastern Orthodoxy
Originating from apostolic succession based upon Jesus Christ’s apostles led by St Peter (often referred to as ‘the Rock’), Eastern Orthodoxy first emerged in Constantinople around 330AD when Emperor Constantine moved his capital from Rome to this city and officially declared it a ‘Christian Empire’. It then gradually spread eastward throughout Europe and ultimately evolved into what became known as The Russian Orthodox Church after being adopted by Prince Vladimir I who declared Russia a Christian state during 988 AD.
Belief wise, Eastern Orthodox Christians are similar to Roman Catholics; however they differ in many key areas such as papal authority (which they reject) along with certain doctrines like purgatory which they do not accept either – preferring instead a concept known as Theosis whereby believers can become more closely linked to God.
Roman Catholicism
The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is the largest Christian denomination in the world today and can trace its roots back to St Peter who was appointed by Jesus Christ as head of his church. It split from Eastern Orthodoxy in 1054 AD due to disagreements about papal authority and certain doctrines such as purgatory, which were eventually accepted into RCC doctrine after centuries of debate.
Its beliefs are based upon both Scripture and Tradition with key characteristics being veneration of saints, transubstantiation during Mass where bread and wine become Christ’s body & blood respectively, as well as a strict adherence to moral teachings outlined within Catechism which include topics like contraception use/abortion etc.
Anglicanism
Anglicanism is an offshoot of Roman Catholicism that formally began in 1534 AD when King Henry VIII rejected papal authority over England’s Church – thus establishing it independently under Royal Authority instead. Over time it evolved into what we now know as The Anglican Communion – an international association comprising numerous independent national churches all united through shared liturgical practices/beliefs derived from English traditions (such Prayer Book). In terms of theology; Anglicans generally accept seven sacraments along with original sin & predestination as core doctrines but they differ from Roman Catholic teachings on certain issues like divorce & remarriage being permitted in some circumstances.
Lutheranism
The Lutheran church is a Protestant denomination that was founded by Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk and professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg who famously wrote The Ninety-Five Theses which he then nailed to the door of the university’s chapel thereby publicly rejecting papal authority over Christianity.
As such; it follows a doctrine known as Sola Scriptura (the Bible alone) which means its beliefs are not based upon tradition or any form of interpretation/doctrine outside Scripture – whereas other denominations might be open to more flexible interpretations depending on context etc. Key doctrines include justification by faith alone, assurance through grace and various sacraments (baptism/confession).
Calvinism
John Calvin was another key figure during 16th century Europe whose teachings were heavily influential within Reformed churches today; particularly those belonging to Presbyterian denominations. His most famous work was Institutes Of Christian Religion published 1536 AD which outlined his belief system derived from five main points otherwise referred to as ‘TULIP’: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace & Perseverance of saints.
These all stem from Calvin’s belief that God has pre-ordained a certain number of individuals to be saved which cannot be changed regardless of any human action or good works – setting him apart from other Protestant denominations who believe in salvation through faith and repentance instead. In addition; they also reject many Roman Catholic/Eastern Orthodox practices like prayers for the dead/veneration of saints etc.
Methodism
The Methodist Church was founded by John Wesley – an Anglican clergyman who believed in personal holiness achieved through faith & obedience to Christ’s teachings as outlined within Scripture (particularly Sermon on the Mount).
He rejected Calvinist doctrines such as predestination but accepted some teachings like original sin; with core Methodistic beliefs being based upon Scripture along with works-based theology whereby believers are required to lead a Christian life in order achieve salvation rather than relying solely upon justification by faith alone as Lutherans do so. It is viewed as both evangelical and liberal depending what part of world one looks at – although emphasis tends towards latter due current pope Francis’s progressive stance doctrinal matters leading them away traditional interpretations held before his appointment 2012 AD.
Conclusion
Christianity has evolved into a complex religion with numerous denominations, each having its own distinctive history and beliefs. This article explored some of the major denominations within Christianity today from Eastern Orthodoxy to Anglicanism and Methodism – offering an overview on their origins/history as well as core doctrines which set them apart from one another. Ultimately all these different branches have the same goal in mind; that is to love God and follow His teachings so that believers may lead a life full of grace & peace now whilst also looking forward towards eternity spent with Him The Almighty Creator who gave us this amazing gift we call faith!