Comparisons of Christian religions?

Question

Just curious of how the major Christian religions differ?

Answer 1

Some are easy to compare, others are not. The closer they are on the genealogical tree, the easier it is to list similarities and difference. If you want to compare, for example, the Southern Baptists and the Landmark Baptists, a simple list will suffice. But if you want to compare the Southern Baptists and Eastern Orthodox, the groundwork for the comparison will fill several volumes before you can even begin your list.

The problem is compounded by the fact that there are over 30,000 Christian denominations. Most of these are very similar, and only differ on minor points; but many are so different that they need to be classified as different religions altogether.

In general, Christians can be classified as Western (or Roman) Catholic, Eastern (or Greek) Catholic, Reformed Protestant (i.e Lutheran, Calvinist), Liberal Protestant (United Methodists, Bishop Sponge, etc.), Evangelical Protestant (Baptists, for example - some Evangelicals are actually Reformed Protestant), Pentecostal/Charismatic Protestant, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Sabatarians (Church of God in Christ, Seventh-Day Adventist), Deists (Unitarians, for example), Gnostics (Spiritualist Churches, Ceremonial Magick, Gnostic re-creations, etc.), and (for lack of better term) Philosophical Jesus-Followers (like Borg, Crossan, etc.).

Good luck finding the differences. But here are a few points to consider:

"Eastern" Churches (Orthodox, for example) differ from "Western" Churches on some fundamental Christian doctrines. Western Churches maintain that Adam violated the Law of God, and inherited the death penalty. Jesus died as a substitutionary offering, took our punishment, and satisfied the justice of God. Eastern Churches reject this entire theory altogether, and maintain that Jesus united human and divine nature, and made it possible for us to overcome the existential dilemma.

Catholics and Reformed Protestants usually practice liturgical worship with pre-established prayers, hymns and rituals. Other Protestant groups typically reject ritual and liturgical prayer altogether, believing that spontenaity is an important aspect of Christian worship.

Pentecostals and Charismatics typically believe in an ever-present spirit world that is filled with good and evil forces. They practice a form of ecstatic meditation known as glossalia, or Speaking in Tongues, as well as more obscure practices like exorcisms, trances, and prophetic utterances. Other Protestant and Catholic groups typically reject such practices.

Evangelical and Pentecostal Protestants typically treat the Bible as if it were written directly by God, and reject any traditional practices or doctrines that cannot be directly verified in Scripture. Other Catholic and Protestant groups tend to treat Scripture as it were a reference book, and interpret it within the context of Christian tradition.

Contrary to popular opinion, all Christians interpret Scripture in both literal and symbolic contexts. The denomination itself determines which passages are which, and why.

This is just a small sampling of differences - even a superficial account of the differences would take up more space than we have available here. But if you look up the denominations mentioned in parentheses above, you should be abe to put together a good idea.

Answer 2

Don't forget Lutherans!! They have sacraments, but only two, instead of seven like Catholics. Catholics are much more traditional to the older practices of Christianity.

And Calvinists believe that the amount of money you're "blessed" with directly correlates with how much God loves you. There's a lot of those in West Michigan. So according to them, God doesn't love me too much this year. (Was it something I said?)

Other than that, I think mostly the rituals performed differ... like Baptists sing a lot, right? And I think Protestants aren't allowed to dance... ever... I know it's one section of Christianity that doesn't allow dancing... might not be Protestants...

Mormons are Christians too, they believe that Jesus came to American after he rose post-crucifixion. That's where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints comes from, Mormons. In fact, if you go to Salt Lake City, all of the streets are lettered and numbered from the "center" (quotations because it's not really the geometric center anymore) of the city in a grid like fashion, in which stands the actual Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You also can't be at a bar or buy alcohol past 10 PM.... lame.

I'm not sure what Jehovah's Witnesses believe in, other than interrupting you while you're eating dinner.

But personally, I think it's all hogwash.

Not that anyone else isn't free to believe what they want, it's just not for me.

Answer 3

All the major denominations are heathen religions. None come close to being in harmony with Scripture. Just take major points (In any order) The creator's name is YHVH (in scripture 6800 times, I trust I don't need to reference every verse) He sent His son to be Messiah. His son's name means YHVH is my Savior-- Hence it is YAHOSHUA. Ex 23:13 tells us not to use names of heathen mighty ones. The Creator set aside a special day, the Seventh day (Yes that is Saturday) John the Baptist was baptizing in the Jordan because there was much water there --(He wasn't sprinkling) In Leviticus there are three tithes mentioned and three things to do with it. Pay for pilgrimages to where YHVH's name is established,,, support the Levites,,, help widows and orphans. Many folks say that the law was done away with, but we are told that sin is the transgression of the law, and the Messiah said (John 14:15 )If you love me keep my commandments. The crucial question is in what ways are they in harmony with YHVH's law (His word) The least separation makes them a heathen religion.

Answer 4

There is only one Christian religion. There are many denominations of this. The catholic church, Mormons (ie church of Christ of latter day saints), Quakers, Lutherans, Methodist, baptists, shakers, puritans, Amish, and many more. Try looking for some websites that discuss the differences of each.

Answer 5

more information is needed to give an accurate answer--what do you mean by major Christian religions

Answer 6

Pretty much is Orthodox Christians, Roman CAtholics, and Protestants. both Orthodox and catholics believe in the sacraments and bishops,priests, while only catholics believe in the Pope as the head of the whole church. protestants dont believe in tradition/sarements but purely scripture.

Answer 7

From a spiritualist christian point of view..... Pathetic doctrines made by imperfect humans and not lead by God.

Answer 8

the two have little in difficulty-loose so far as concept is going, yet like maximum religions; their m0oral device is amazingly comparable. Buddhism : cope with others as you may desire them to handle you. provide alms(charity artwork/money/time), fasting, help others. All cutting-edge in the two Abrahamic and jap religions.

Answer 9

here are some links there are a few different parts of christianity and protestantism has too many sects to get into

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholicism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Orthodox_Church

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosticism



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox#Orthodox_Theology