Christianity is broadly divided into three major branches – Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Within these branches there are numerous denominations and traditions that have their own distinct beliefs, practices, and interpretations of the Bible.
Catholicism
The Roman Catholic Church is the largest denomination within Christianity, with approximately 1.3 billion adherents worldwide. Some key beliefs in Catholicism include:
- The authority of the Pope and church tradition in addition to the Bible
- Salvation through faith and good works
- The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (communion)
- Veneration of Mary and the saints
- Purgatory as a place of purification after death before entering heaven
In addition to the Roman Catholic Church, there are several other Catholic denominations:
- Eastern Catholic Churches – Similar to Roman Catholicism but recognize the Pope in Rome while retaining Eastern liturgical rites and customs. Examples include Maronite Catholic, Ukrainian Greek Catholic, and Chaldean Catholic.
- Independent Catholicism – Churches who have split from Roman Catholicism but still consider themselves Catholic. Usually reject Papal authority and some Catholic doctrine.
- Old Catholic Church – Formed in 1870 in rejection of Papal infallibility, mostly found in Europe.
Orthodoxy
The Eastern Orthodox Church split from Roman Catholicism in 1054 AD in an event known as the Great Schism. Orthodox Christianity has over 200 million adherents worldwide. Some key beliefs include:
- Emphasis on sacramental mystery and theosis (becoming like God)
- Authority through church councils and tradition alongside the Bible
- Rejection of the filioque clause added to the Nicene Creed
- All humans have free will to accept or reject God’s grace
- Strong monastic traditions
The various national branches of Eastern Orthodoxy include:
- Greek Orthodox – The largest and most influential branch worldwide headquartered in Greece.
- Russian Orthodox – Based in Russia with over 100 million followers.
- Serbian Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox, Bulgarian Orthodox – National churches named after the country they are based in.
- Orthodox Church in America – An American branch originally under the Russian Orthodox Church.
Protestantism
Protestant Christianity originated in the 16th century Reformation, rejecting perceived excesses and abuses within Catholicism. There are an estimated 800 million Protestants worldwide. Some key beliefs include:
- Salvation through faith alone, not works
- Bible as the sole source of authority
- Priesthood of all believers rather than church hierarchy
- Only two sacraments (baptism and communion)
- Simplified worship without saints or relics
Major denominations within Protestantism include:
- Baptist Churches – Baptism of believers only; autonomy of local churches. Southern Baptist is the largest Baptist group in the U.S.
- Methodist Churches – Originated from Anglicanism by John Wesley; emphasis on holiness, charity, and good works alongside faith.
- Lutheranism – Founded by Martin Luther; justification by faith alone. The largest branch is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- Presbyterianism – Calvinist theology with a church governed by elders/presbyters rather than bishops.
- Pentecostalism – Emphasis on spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues; expressive worship. Includes Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ, and others.
- Anglicanism/Episcopalians – Originated from the Church of England; range from Catholic-like liturgy to evangelical practices.
- Congregationalists – Churches with local church autonomy including some Baptist and nondenominational churches.
- Adventism – Focus on the imminent Second Coming (advent) of Christ. Seventh-Day Adventist is the largest and best known Adventist group.
- Restorationism – Seeking to restore early New Testament Christianity. Includes Churches of Christ, Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, and Disciples of Christ.
- Reformed/Calvinism – Strong emphasis on sovereignty of God and salvation by predestination. Dominant among continental European Protestants.
- Anabaptists – Pacifist denominations like the Mennonites, Amish, and Hutterites that practice adult baptism.
- Quakers (Society of Friends) – Worship based on silence and rejection of sacraments, creeds, and clergy.
There are also various cross-denominational Protestant movements such as Evangelicalism, the Charismatic movement, and Fundamentalism.
Other Christian Groups
Some other Christian groups that split off from both Catholic and mainstream Protestant churches include:
- Jehovah’s Witnesses – Millenarian restorationist group that believes only 144,000 will be saved and Jesus is the Son but not God.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) – Believes the Book of Mormon is also the word of God and that there are modern prophets; mostly located in Utah.
- Christian Science – Follows the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy who taught spiritual healing and salvation that can overcome sickness, sin, and death.
- Messianic Judaism – Jewish people who accept Jesus as the Messiah but retain Jewish identity and practices.
There are countless denominations within Christianity, far too many to list here. But these represent some of the largest and most influential branches, divisions, and traditions.
While differing in practices and some beliefs, they are all joined by faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and the triune nature of God. All Christians are part of the universal Body of Christ, even with diversity in expression and doctrine.