Christianity has many branches, each with unique beliefs and practices. This section focuses on major denominations in Western and Eastern Christianity, highlighting their key characteristics and historical development.

From Roman Catholicism to Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy, we'll examine the core beliefs, practices, and distinctive features of each group. We'll also touch on ecumenical efforts to promote unity among Christians.

Western Christianity

Roman Catholicism

• Largest Christian denomination with over 1 billion members worldwide
• Headed by the Pope, who is considered the successor of Saint Peter and the Vicar of Christ on Earth
• Believes in the authority of the Church and its teachings, which are based on Scripture and Tradition
• Practices seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony
• Venerates Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other saints

Protestant Denominations

• Protestantism emerged during the 16th-century Reformation, led by figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin
• Emphasizes the authority of the Bible (sola scriptura) and salvation through faith alone (sola fide)
• Rejects papal authority and certain Catholic doctrines and practices, such as veneration of saints and indulgences
• Major Protestant denominations include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostalism, and Evangelicalism
  • Lutheranism: Founded by Martin Luther; emphasizes justification by faith alone and the primacy of Scripture (Germany, Scandinavia)
  • Calvinism: Based on the teachings of John Calvin; stresses predestination and the sovereignty of God (Presbyterian, Reformed churches)
  • Anglicanism: Originated in England during the reign of Henry VIII; maintains elements of Catholic liturgy and governance while adhering to Protestant theology (Church of England, Episcopal Church)
  • Baptists: Believe in believer's baptism (as opposed to infant baptism) and the autonomy of local congregations (Southern Baptist Convention)
  • Methodists: Founded by John Wesley; emphasizes personal holiness, social justice, and evangelism (United Methodist Church)
  • Pentecostalism: Stresses the importance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and divine healing (Assemblies of God)
  • Evangelicalism: Emphasizes personal conversion, biblical authority, and the spreading of the gospel message (Billy Graham, various denominations)

Ecumenical Efforts

• Ecumenism refers to efforts to promote unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations
• The World Council of Churches, founded in 1948, is a prominent ecumenical organization that includes many Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox churches
• The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) encouraged dialogue and understanding between the Catholic Church and other Christian traditions
• Joint declarations, such as the Lutheran-Catholic Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (1999), have helped to resolve historical theological differences

Eastern Christianity

Eastern Orthodoxy

• The second-largest Christian denomination, with approximately 300 million adherents worldwide
• Consists of several autocephalous (self-governing) churches, such as the Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Serbian Orthodox Churches
• Traces its origins to the early Christian communities in the Eastern Roman Empire, particularly in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul)
• Emphasizes the importance of Tradition, which includes the teachings of the Church Fathers and the decisions of the Seven Ecumenical Councils
• Practices a rich liturgical tradition, with elaborate ceremonies and iconography
• Believes in the concept of theosis, the process of becoming more like God through the practice of spiritual disciplines and the reception of divine grace
• Major centers of Eastern Orthodoxy include Russia, Greece, Romania, and other countries in Eastern Europe and the Middle East (Mount Athos, a monastic community in Greece)