I was invited to an episcapaleon church..?

Question

I am going for sure
My question is what is the main difference between baptist and episcapal churches?

Answer 1

To a Baptist (as I was raised) anything organized seems Catholic...

It may seem a little different to you, but you should enjoy it.

Answer 2

Several folks here have given answers to this question which are either very uninformed, or informed by their own prejudices. Since I have been active in both these churches (besides being raised a Roman Catholic), I'd like to straighten a few things out.

Both Baptists and Episcopalians are Christians -- they hold to the basic beliefs common to Christians throughout the world, as found in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and the Apostles' or Nicene Creeds. Baptists, claiming to rely solely on Scripture, aren't required to overtly subscribe to the ancient creeds, but these documents nonetheless contain the germ of all Christian belief: e. g. the co-equal divinity and humanity of Jesus, the Virgin birth, the Trinity, Christ's resurrection and God's gift of salvation, and life everlasting.

The Episcopal Church, like the Roman Catholic Church, relies upon both Scripture and the ancient traditions of the Christian Church to inform its beliefs and practices. In "high" Episcopal or Anglican churches, the worship is pretty much exactly like the Catholic Mass, though the hymns may have a more Protestant flavor -- candles, incense, vestments, stained glass, statues, etc. In "broad" churches, there will be a mix of Catholic and Protestant influences, and in "low" churches, the service is more of a simple Protestant affair, like services in Baptist or Methodist churches. This is because the Church of England, of which the Episcopal Church is loosely a part, was established during the Protestant Reformation not so much over doctrinal and worship issues, but political ones.

Worship in the Baptist church is simpler, more "evangelical", spontaneous, and open to emotion -- though the amount of jumping, clapping and shouting may vary from church to church depending on regional, community, and congregational preference. (I might add personal preference, since in my Church even while many are on their feet shouting, clapping and singing their praises, others often remain quietly in their seats). Expect the Episcopal service to be more formal -- lots of coordinated standing, sitting, and kneeling, prayers mostly read aloud as a group, not composed spontaneously.

There is absolutely no connection between being a Baptist or Episcopalian and your political opinions. All shades of ideology (and theology) are well represented in both churches. (In fact, there are many different Baptist denominations, not just one.) I am a Baptist and am well to the left of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson (the latter, of course, is a Baptist minister, as was Martin Luther King Jr.). On the other hand, Jerry Falwell, also a Baptist, is to the right of Attila the Hun.

The theological and political differences in the Episcopal Church have received plenty of attention over the past few years, especially as regards gay rights, gay marriage, and women in the church. The current presiding bishop of the Church -- a woman -- is liberal on all of these issues. On the other hand, former President George H. W. Bush is a practicing Episcopalian.

Just within the last few days, one Episcopal diocese in California has taken the first step toward splitting away from the main church, which TENDS to be more liberal politically and theologically. However, as I pointed out before, the basical doctrinal beliefs remain the same.

I hope you will enjoy your visit to your friend's church, and continue to raise up -- wherever you are -- sanctified praise to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Answer 3

the episcopal church is an offspring of the anglican church, which of course originated in england during the reign of henry the 8th. the baptists were established in the U.S. in the 19th century. both have the same fundamental core beliefs, but the church experiences are different. episcopals are highly structured and hierarchical like the catholic church, but generally more liberal and tolerant in their beliefs. baptists adhere to the bible's written word verbatim and tend to focus on a 1:1 relationship with christ.

if you seek a middle ground, the methodists are always a popular choice.

Answer 4

...Episcopal is like Catholic, but without the Pope.
...Baptists do not subject themselves to a Pope. There are many types of Baptist - independents stick closer to the Scriptures; SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) have some closer to the Bible, some not; Free Will Baptist have 3 sacraments - communion, baptism, and foot washing; some Baptists are very strict, and some are very liberal - it just depends on the church - recommend you ask.

Answer 5

I think one of the biggest differences is that in the Baptist church service the focus is on the church and congregation, and in the Episcopal service the focus is on God. Right now there is a rift in the Anglican or Episcopal church in the US because the new Bishop is very liberal and a large portion of the church wants to move away from a traditional scriptural position and appoint gay clergy, etc. The new Bishop has also referred to Jesus as "our mother Jesus," in one of her homilies.
Apart from that, the service usually involves a lot of kneeling and standing and the reading of communal prayers. Hopefully they will have it printed in a little booklet for you so you don't have to try to follow in the prayer book. I love their services, and I hope you enjoy it too.

Answer 6

Short answer: the Episcopal Church is very liberal politically and theologically; Baptist churches (although there are several different flavors) are usually conservative/fundamentalist.

Answer 7

An Episcopal church service will be very similar to the Catholic Mass.

Answer 8

I just have a comment. Does anyone but me think it's crazy that not once did you ask a question about the Catholic Church but, practically everyone mentioned it?

Answer 9

Episcopalians are a lot more liberal. Also, they are not "born again" and do not take a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Episcopalians focus more on the good the church can do, and how it is as a community, and focus less on politics, retribution, etc..

Answer 10

the whole church practice is different from other churches, i went but got out, i can say it's a watered down catholic belief... they let women be ordained in that church.