“Protestantism- movement of conflicting movements?

Question

“Protestantism was not simply a single movement away from the Roman Catholic Church; rather, it was a series of separate and often conflicting movements.” Do you agree? Explain your position.

Answer 1

It's no good giving a list of protestant denominations as many of these did not come into being until long after the move away from the Roman Catholic Church - Methodism was a movement of the 18th century away from the protestant Anglican Church, for example. But, yes, it is right to say it was a series of separate movements. There was the move initiated by Martin Luther, and another by Calvin etc. Two very separate movements, with very different theologies. In England you had a movement away which was not theological in the first place, but a ruse by Henry VIII to get a divorce. That led to the Anglican Communion which was very close to Roman Catholicism, so much so that the Laudian reforms of the next century were seen as a move back. Anglicanism also became part of the national psyche of England to show its difference from Roman Catholic Europe as much as a matter of religion.

Answer 2

Below is a list of the different Protestant denominations. I believe using this list you could look up each on Yahoo to distinguish between their beliefs, origins, and leaders..

* Adventists
* Anabaptist
* Anglican / Episcopalian
* Baptist
* Calvinist
* Charismatic
* Congregational
* Lutheran
* Methodist / Wesleyan
* Non-denominational
* Pentecostal
* Presbyterian
* Quakerism
* Reformed
* Restoration movement
* Unitarian
* Waldensians

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Answer 3

If Protestantism was a single movement, there would be only one Protestant church. As it is, there are many Protestant churches with conflicting theologies.

Answer 4

The major point of contention during the reformation was the doctrine of the trinity and infant baptism. This internal protestant doctrinal conflict continues to this day

Answer 5

Given that there is more heated division amongst protestant sects over matters of doctorine than between any of them and Roman Catholocism, (Based on personal experience!) I would agree wholeheartedly.