Wondering what the difference between Episcopalian, Baptist, Congregational, etc... really is?

Question

HI - Please serious answers only. I and my husband are Christian, I was raised Episcopalian and my husband was raised Baptist. I tried to look online to read some about each religion but they both appear the same to me. The only thing I can find is the Episcopalian came over from England and that Baptists believe you can was away your sins by being, well, baptized.

We are trying to decide what church to start attended but we haven't attended in years and don't know where to start and they all seem to believe the same stuff.....around us we have Baptist, Episcopal (which I hated giong to as a kid - incredibly boring ), Congregational churches, "new life" churches, methodist, and some non-denominational.

Any info about the real differences would be appreciated. I realize religion is a hot topic, but [please no snide remarks or sales pitches.

OK I saw soemone group Baptist and Congregational together... is there a difference between those two?

Answer 1

Most churches (methodist, episcopal, presbyterian), broke away from the catholic church at one time or another over traditions, ceremonies and beliefs that were added to what the Bible taught. Everybody had their on idea of how to do it. The Baptist and Congregational churches separated from them because we accept only the Bible as our guide - traditions are not as important as the Bible. And we believe that a personal relationship with Jesus is what makes one a Christian - not being a member of a church.

Answer 2

I have answered this same question so many times that I think I am talking to myself. There is a big difference between the Episcopalian and Baptist unless you live in the South. Everything in the South has a Baptist flair to it, so I am told.

There are High Church Episcopalians, like myself, who have a similar believe and practice as the Roman Catholic. There are Low church Episcopalians that are more like Methodist.

The biggest differences can be seen sometimes in the same congregation of a Broad Episcopal Church. The High church people pray to the Saints, bow, kneel, cross themselves, etc. and follow the theology that go with it. Low church do not do any of these things.

The Baptist church, like most Protestant churches see the Bible as everything. The RC and Orthodox Church see the Bible and the Oral Traditions of the Church (Called Holy Tradition) as equally important. The Episcopal church say there are 3 things like legs on a stool. Bible, Holy Tradition, and Reason. (we are the ones that say that God gave you a mind and expects you to use it.)

I am quite surprised that you and your husband have not have major arguments about religion since your backgrounds are so different. This tell me that probably neither of you really know what the Church that you grew up in believes.

Most Protestant church (some more than others) push the "Born Again" idea of accepting Jesus as your personal savior. RC, Orthrodox and Episcopalian (also called Anglican) don't push this idea. We are all expected to Love God and Jesus and grow more and more into both fellowship with Him and in the image of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Answer 3

When you are at a particular denomination's website, look at their beliefs and doctrine. By doctrine I mean if they believe in the Virgin Birth, Jesus' deity, belief in the Trinity, Holy Spirit whether or not the Bible is infallible, that sort of thing, whatever is important to you. This area is where the major differences are, as far as I can tell.

Answer 4

Congregational Church is my favorite place right now

warning...trust JESUS only