Religious Denominations
A religious denomination is a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name and tradition, among other activities. The term refers to the various Christian denominations (for example, non-Chalcedonian, Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and the branches of Protestantism, such as Lutheranism). It is also used to describe the five major branches of Judaism (Karaite Judaism, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist).
Types of Christians Denominations & Religions
Christian Denominations
Protestantism (one of three major branches of Christianity)
Protestantism is both an ecclesial movement of the Church, and a devotional urge within the believer. Historically, that which may be called “the Protestant faith” emerged from perceived and undeniable abuses within the Roman Catholic Church during the late fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries in the British Isles and Northern Europe. Protestantism is one of the three biggest branches of Christianity that emphasizes justification of sinners through faith alone, the teaching that salvation comes by unmerited divine grace, the priesthood of all believers, and the Bible as the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice. The five solae summarize the basic theological beliefs of mainstream Protestantism.
Baptists
Baptists are a denomination of Protestant Christianity characterized by the practice of believer's baptism, which means they baptize only those who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ, and they do so by complete immersion in water. They reject infant baptism, believing that baptism should be a voluntary act of obedience following personal faith. Baptists also emphasize the doctrines of soul competency, meaning each person is responsible for their relationship with God, and they adhere to the principles of sola fide (salvation by faith alone) and sola scriptura (the Bible as the sole authority).
Lutheran
Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestant Christianity that originated from the teachings of Martin Luther in the early 16th (1483–1546), a German reformer whose efforts to reform the theology and practices of the Roman Catholic Church launched the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Lutheranism emphasizes justification by faith alone (sola fide), the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura), and the priesthood of all believers. century. It emphasizes justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture over church tradition, and the priesthood of all believers. These principles not only sparked the Protestant Reformation but also influenced societal changes and conflicts across Europe.
Eastern Orthodoxy (one of three major branches of Christianity)
Comprising several autocephalous churches, this branch emphasizes tradition and the sacraments, with a strong focus on liturgical worship.
Evangelical
Evangelical Christianity is a movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes evangelism, personal conversion, and the authority of Scripture. It is characterized by the belief that individuals must accept Jesus Christ for salvation, often described as being "born again". Evangelicals are united by a commitment to spreading the Gospel and typically stress the importance of personal faith experiences. This movement is diverse, encompassing various denominations and traditions, but all share a common goal of preaching the Christian message.
Apostolic
Apostolic religion refers to various Christian sects that seek to reestablish the life and discipline of the primitive church by a literal observance of the precepts of continence and poverty. The name "Apostolic" comes from the twelve apostles who followed Jesus, and Apostolic members strive to promote first-century Christianity in faith, traditions, and politics. The Apostolic Church is rooted in the Protestant Reformation, with fundamental beliefs based on a literal interpretation of the Bible and the teachings of the early Christian church. The doctrine of the Apostolic Church is similar to most evangelical churches. They believe in the unity of the Godhead and the distinctions between the members of the Trinity. Regarding salvation, they teach the need for conviction of sin, repentance, restitution, and confession for salvation. Like most churches within the Methodist tradition, they teach the possibility of a believer falling from grace. Where they differ from many evangelicals is in the Pentecostal teaching of tongues as a sign of Holy Spirit baptism and in their teaching that the ministry of apostles and prophets should never cease in the Church Age.
Pentecostals
Known for its emphasis on the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and vibrant worship practices known as 'charismatic.' Pentecostalism emerged in the early 20th century, with significant events like the Azusa Street Revival in 1906 marking its growth. This revival, led by William J. Seymour, emphasized the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the practice of speaking in tongues, which became hallmarks of the movement.
Pentecostals represent a vibrant and dynamic branch of Christianity, characterized by their emphasis on personal experience with the Holy Spirit, the active presence of spiritual gifts, and a commitment to evangelism and healing. Their beliefs reflect a desire to experience the power of God in their lives, similar to the early church as described in the New Testament.
Roman Catholic (one of three major branches of Christianity)
Roman Catholicism is led by the pope, as the bishop of Rome, and the Holy See forms the church’s central government, making decisions on issues of faith and morality for the some 1.3 billion Catholics throughout the world. The Catholic church holds to an hierarchy of priests and bishops under the pope, a liturgy centered in the Mass, veneration of the Virgin Mary and saints, clerical celibacy, and a body of dogma, including transubstantiation and papal infallibility, as well as veneration of Mary as a model of faith and obedience to God's will, being honored and recognized as the Mother of God. Catholics also view her as a powerful intercessor who prays for humanity before her Son. Christians outside the Catholic Church do not pray to Mary, because they believe that prayer should be directed to God alone and that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity.Though Mary was the mother of the humanity of Jesus, a miracle accomplished by the Holy Spirit, she was not the mother of God. As God, Christ is eternal and had no mother or beginning (see John 1:1f). In essence, worshipping Mary is a form of idolatry. In the New Testament, Mary is never mentioned in a way that exalts her as is done in Catholicism.
Episcopal
The Episcopal Church has its origins in the Church of England during the Reformation. While the Church of England is known for its governance by bishops, the Episcopal Church in the United States embraces a similar structure. It was formed after the American Revolution, when American Anglicans desired a church that was free from colonial ties. Today, it operates as an autonomous entity within the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Methodist
The Methodist Church is a member of one of the denominations deriving from the Wesleyan revival in the Church of England, having Arminian doctrine and in the U.S. modified episcopal polity, and stressing personal and social morality and emphasizes grace and social justice, with a structured approach to worship and governance.
Presbyterian
Governed by elected elders, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture. Presbyterian churches are characterized by a graded system of representative ecclesiastical bodies (such as presbyteries) exercising legislative and judicial powers relating to, or constituting a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government and traditionally Calvinistic in doctrine (see Calvinism/Reformed).
Calvinism/Reformed Christianity (Protestantism)
Churches that do not formally affiliate with any established denomination, often emphasizing individual interpretation of Scripture. Reformed Christianity emerged during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, led by figures such as John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli. It sought to reform the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church, emphasizing a return to biblical teachings and the rejection of certain traditions that were seen as unbiblical. John Calvin who began Calvinism, believed in total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace and the perseverance of the saints (TULIP) and contrary to those holding to those Christians who believe He has given us free will, as opposed to choosing who will be saved and who will be damned to everlasting torment in Hell.
Reformed Christianity, also known as Calvinism, is a major branch of Protestantism that emerged during the 16th-century Protestant Reformation1. While Calvinism is a major tenant of reformed theology, it is not the whole of reformed theology. The term "Reformed" refers to a theological system that emerged during the Protestant Reformation, and it is often used interchangeably with "Calvinism". If someone is Reformed, it's assumed they adhere to the Calvinistic beliefs.
Christian Denominations -cont-
Non-Denominational Christianity
Churches that do not formally affiliate with any established denomination, often emphasizing individual interpretation of Scripture.
Non-denominational Christianity has no connection with common denominations and mainline churches like Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, or Presbyterian churches. So, a non-denominational Christian is a person who isn’t tied to any particular religious organization, hierarchy, or leadership. That doesn’t mean that nondenominational churches have no oversight–that would be tragic–but they aren’t locked to any specific denomination.
Christian denominations are large organizations with specific beliefs, identities, and traditions. For example, the larger organization might set directives on dogma, membership, and leadership in denominational Christianity. While in nondenominational churches, every church makes its own decisions on various aspects of church life.
Non-denominational Christianity first arose in the 20th Century. Although these churches are many across the globe, they first appeared in the United States. The reasons for establishing a particular non-denominational church largely depend on the ideas and circumstances of its founders.
Non-denominational churches often lean towards the title of “nondenominational” for several reasons. For instance, non-denominational Christianity might follow a particular sect or domination in its traditions and beliefs but differentiates from that denomination by having its own rules and not strictly adhering to the structure of the broader organization. This independence allows non-denominational Christianity to set themselves free from doctrinal and sometimes political alliances of particular denominations and establish a relaxed church structure.
World Religions
Judaism
A world religion. Organized Judaism emerged from Babylonian writings. Belief that God has a special contract with a Hebrew tribe, involving many specific rules of behavour. Jews believe in one God who has established a covenant with them, communicating through prophets and rewarding good deeds while punishing evil. The foundation of their beliefs is the Torah, which includes laws governing daily life, and is part of the larger Hebrew Bible. Judaism does not have a formal set of mandatory beliefs, but the Thirteen Principles of Faith by Rambam are widely accepted, outlining core beliefs such as the existence and unity of God. Overall, Judaism emphasizes the relationship between God, mankind, and the land of Israel.
Adherents of Judaism do not believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah or Prophet nor do they believe he was the Son of God. In the Jewish perspective, it is believed that the way Christians see Jesus goes against monotheism, a belief in the absolute unity and singularity of God, which is central to Judaism; Judaism sees the worship of a person as a form of idolatry, which is forbidden. Therefore, considering Jesus divine, as “God the Son”, is forbidden.
Judaism's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah is based on Jewish eschatology, which holds that the coming of the true Messiah will be associated with events that have not yet occurred, such as building the Third Temple, a Messianic Age of peace, and the ingathering of Jews to their homeland.
Judaism does not accept any of the claimed fulfilments of prophecy that Christianity attributes to Jesus.
Buddhism
A world religion. The belief that meditation and good living can break the cycle of reincarnation and result in enlightenment.
Hinduism
A world religion. Cultural religion of India which was historically decentralized and disparate and not a single belief system. Western influence made it into a single religion, an identity which Hindus now accept.
Amish (Monotheist)
A form of belief, rather than a specific system. Belief that (1) God, if it exists, is by nature unknowable and will always be unknowable, or, (2) that the individual being asked cannot conclude if god exists or not for lack of evidence one way or the other.
Druidism
Celtic religion in prehistoric England. Modern reconstructed Druidism is part of the neo-pagan range of religions.
Latter Day Saints - Mormonism
Mormonism refers to the theology and religious practices of the Latter Day Saint movement, which began in the 1820s with the prophet Joseph Smith in Western New York. The movement is formally represented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which emphasizes the restoration of original Christianity through modern revelation. While the term "Mormonism" has been widely used, the LDS Church has encouraged the use of its full name to better reflect its beliefs and identity.
Islam
A world religion. Strict monotheism taught by Muhammad, the world's 2nd largest religion.
Jehovah's Witness
A 140-year-old Christian fundamentalist/literalist organisation famous for preaching that the world is about to end (nowadays - because of the existence of the United Nations).
Atheist
Atheism is the idea that rejects the belief in a God or gods. It is the opposite of theism, which is the belief that at least one god exists. A person who rejects belief in God is called an atheist. Atheism is not the same as agnosticism: agnostics say that there is no way to know whether gods exist or not.
Agnosticism
Agnosticism is the view or belief that the existence of God, the divine, or the supernatural is either unknowable in principle or unknown in fact. It can also mean an apathy towards such religious belief and refer to personal limitations rather than a worldview. Another definition is the view that "human reason is incapable of providing sufficient rational grounds to justify either the belief that God exists or the belief that God does not exist."
Christian Science
Christian Science is a set of beliefs and practices which are associated with members of the Church of Christ, Scientist. Adherents are commonly known as Christian Scientists or students of Christian Science, and the church is sometimes informally known as the Christian Science church. It was founded in 1879 in New England by Mary Baker Eddy, who wrote the 1875 book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which outlined the theology of Christian Science. The book was originally called Science and Health; the subtitle with a Key to the Scriptures was added in 1883 and later amended to with Key to the Scriptures.
Heaven's Gate
Apocalyptic suicide cult who combined Biblical eschatology with New Age and ideas about UFOs. All 39 members committed suicide in San Diego, USA in 1997.
Humanism
Religious humanism is a philosophical stance that integrates humanist principles with a non-theistic approach to community and ethical living, often organized around congregational models. Religious humanism combines humanist philosophy with community activities and rituals that focus on human needs, interests, and abilities. Unlike secular humanism, which is strictly non-religious, religious humanism treats humanism as a form of religion without supernatural beliefs. It emphasizes ethical living, personal growth, and the importance of human dignity.
The Church of Scientology
Followers of the Scientology movement maintain a wide variety of beliefs and practices. The core belief holds that a human is an immortal, spiritual being (thetan) that is residing in a physical body. The thetan has had innumerable past lives, some of which, preceding the thetan's arrival on Earth, were lived in extraterrestrial cultures. Scientology doctrine states that any Scientologist undergoing auditing will eventually come across and recount a common series of past-life events.
Scientology describes itself as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others, and all of life. Scientologists also believe that people have innate, yet suppressed, power and ability; these abilities can purportedly be restored if cleared of engrams, which are believed to form a "reactive mind" responsible for unconscious behavioral patterns and discomforts. Believers reach their full potential "when they understand themselves in their true relationship to the physical universe and the Supreme Being." There have been many scholarly studies of Scientology, and the books are freely available in bookshops, churches, and most libraries.
The Church of Scientology believes that "Man is basically good, that he is seeking to survive, (and) that his survival depends on himself and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe", as stated in the Creed of the Church of Scientology.
Biblical Warnings Against False Religions
The Bible warns against false religions and teaches that true faith is found only in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of discernment and adherence to God's truth.
Key Teachings and Verses
Beware of False Prophets: The Bible cautions believers to be vigilant against false prophets who may appear harmless but lead others astray. Matthew 7:15-20 states, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits”. This highlights the need to evaluate teachings based on their outcomes and alignment with God's word.
Idolatry and False Gods: The Bible condemns the worship of idols and false gods, as seen in Isaiah 44:9-10, which questions the value of man-made idols. It states, “Who has fashioned a god or cast an idol to no profit?”. This serves as a reminder that true worship must be directed towards the living God.
Warnings Against Deceptive Teachings: 1 Timothy 4:1 warns that “in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons”. This indicates that false teachings can lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel.
Consequences of False Religion: The Bible also speaks about the dire consequences of following false religions. Galatians 1:8-9 states, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed”. This highlights the seriousness of deviating from the true Gospel.
Jesus' Warning about the Law
Matthew 23:23-24: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their legalistic approach to the Law, emphasizing the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."