what are the differences between certain denominations?

[Albion]

I think to generalize everything, there is a key "characteristic" that envelopes each denomination.

Pentecostals/Assemblies of God are known for believing baptism in the Holy Spirit to be a separate grace given after Salvation and baptism. They tend to also be known for their beliefs regarding speaking in tongues.

True.

Baptists are known for believing a "Once Saved, Always Saved" doctrine.

False.

Wesleyans are known for a belief in total sanctification as achievable in everyday living.

OK. Is that really what they are "known for" though?

Charistmatics are similar to Pentecostals but tend to be less focused on the speaking in tongues aspect and more on the moving of the Holy Spirit + baptism.

And don't form separate denominations.

Anglicans are known for being called the "middle ground" between Protestant and Catholic. While they are professing Protestants, they still hold many of the traditions commonly found in Roman Catholic churches.

True.

Evangelical is he same as Protestant. It is just the other branch of Christianity that doesn't include Catholic denominations.

Evangelical now means all sorts of things but is not synonymous with Protestant.

I in no way mean to put any denomination into a box, but as an overview, this is some of the ones I know some about.

I agree that it's an interesting idea--What most characterizes each denomination? We know that we can't explain everything that each of them stands for, but they do tend to have a certain reputation. It would be interesting to see other people attempt the same rundown you did here.

 

[DannLeavitt]

True.


False.


OK. Is that really what they are "known for" though?


And don't form separate denominations.


True.


Evangelical now means all sorts of things but is not synonymous with Protestant.



I agree that it's an interesting idea--What most characterizes each denomination? We know that we can't explain everything that each of them stands for, but they do tend to have a certain reputation. It would be interesting to see other people attempt the same rundown you did here.

Definitely wasn't intending to be offensive. In my area at least, that's what many of these denominations are characterized for . I think it's good to know a little bit about each denomination. What if, one day, you end up in a town that doesn't have a church of your denomination? Wouldn't it be nice to have a general idea of what a church believes without finding out the hard way?

 

[stevenfrancis]

i have been a christian for a long time now, raised in a baptist church, though i am not a baptist any longer. i have no idea what different denominations believe, such as evangelical, pentecostal, assembly of God, ect. i do know about baptist, catholic, lutheran, non-denominational, but that's about it.

Hi:

May I ask how you come by your knowledge of Catholicism? Were you a Catholic at one time? Studied the Fathers, Bishops and Saints? Studied the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or is it something farther removed and objective such as having Catholic friends and family; went with friends or family to Mass; What you see in TV shows, movies etc.; Read Chesterton or Catholic apologetics?

It's just a curiosity.

God bless you in your search,

Steve

 

[JacquelineDeane55]

One must believe the truth and aspire to believe nothing but the truth in all matters otherwise one can’t be saved.

I thought that being saved meant you were supposed to believe on Jesus, not because of doctrine.

 

[JacquelineDeane55]

False.

No, it is not false. I am a Baptist and my church does indeed teach that if one is once saved, then one is always saved.

 

[Albion]

No, it is not false. I am a Baptist and my church does indeed teach that if one is once saved, then one is always saved.

I'm sorry to tell you this, but not every Baptist church teaches exactly what every other one does on this subject.

The statement that I replied "false" to was this one:

Baptists are known for believing a "Once Saved, Always Saved" doctrine.

...and the reason it is false is two-fold. For one "Baptists" are NOT especially known for that belief, even if some Baptists do believe it. We might say that Baptists "are known for" believing in baptism by immersion, believers' baptism, and some other things, but not this (OSAS) in particular.

Second, the statement was a blanket statement about Baptists and so it has to be seen as false because not all Baptists think alike. There are, for instance, "Regular" Baptists and there are also Free Will Baptists (among others).

 

[faroukfarouk]

I thought that being saved meant you were supposed to believe on Jesus, not because of doctrine.

Ms. Jacqueline: I think if one looks at the root meaning of 'doctrine', it simply means what one teaches as being true. Thus the matter of who the Lord Jesus is (e.g., 'the Way, the Truth and the Life' [John 1.14], etc.) would be included in what a true, Biblical faith in Him entails. Personal faith in Him is essential, indeed, in the light of His death, burial and resurrection.

Blessings.

 

[tulipbee]

i have been a christian for a long time now, raised in a baptist church, though i am not a baptist any longer. i have no idea what different denominations believe, such as evangelical, pentecostal, assembly of God, ect. i do know about baptist, catholic, lutheran, non-denominational, but that's about it.

Two differences are man chooses God and God chooses man. One works and the other don't.

 

[VolRaider]

No, it is not false. I am a Baptist and my church does indeed teach that if one is once saved, then one is always saved.

Southern Baptists believe that but Free Will Baptists do not. Neither did the original Anabaptists, if I am not mistaken.

 

[Exodus20]

i have been a christian for a long time now, raised in a baptist church, though i am not a baptist any longer. i have no idea what different denominations believe, such as evangelical, pentecostal, assembly of God, ect. i do know about baptist, catholic, lutheran, non-denominational, but that's about it.

Hello... Looks like you got a couple of good answers and a bunch of bad ones , and some personal opinions. Maybe this post will help you out.

Go to a local library and check the Reference Section , and/or check the shelf with 'Religion' books ( 200 section , iirc. ). Frank S. Mead has a title : "Handbook of Denominations in the U.S.". Been around for many years now , and I think it is in the 13th printing now.

You can buy one if you have $ , or visit the Library. { Don't forget Thrift stores / Salvation Army Stores , Goodwill stores , 'Friends of the Library' book sales , Yard/Garage sales. , Used Book Stores.

Point and click on these free sources. [ But first - I must ask you / remind you: Do you not see the "Search Engine" gizmo on your screen ?!? 'Bing' is just a couple of typed words away from your fingers. ]

h t t p : / / w w w dot religion facts dot com / Christianity / charts / denominations _beliefs dot htm Comparison Chart of Beliefs of Christian Denominations - ReligionFacts

h t t p : / / www dot good reads dot com / book / show / 3279406-handbook - of - denominations - in - the - u - s Handbook of Denominations in the U.S. by Frank S. Mead — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists h t t p : / / www dot Gordon con well dot e d u / mentored-ministry / documents / DENOMINATIONAL CHART 2011-2012 dot pdf

This is a link to Rose Publications. I really like their products. They pack plenty of useful and understandable information into a small package ,,, and they are affordable. Pamphlets , Booklets , Fold-outs , and wall charts.

They have one ---> Denominations Comparison Chart, and after you get that one , I would suggest you also get the one titled "Creeds & Heresies - Then & Now". Many of the old Heresies from the early Centuries are still alive today - and almost all of the cults have at least one of those old heresies. Good stuff ! Also get the one comparing / explaining the Cults compared to Biblical Christianity.

[ Yaa need to know how real money looks before yaa can spot a counterfeit bill... ]

h t t p : / / w w w dot rose - publishing dot com / Denominations-Comparison - Pamphlet - P94 dot aspx Denominations Comparison Pamphlet - Rose Publishing

Note: There are many Denominations that fall under the big umbrella name of Baptist , or Lutheran or Presbyterian , or Reformed. Don't get frustrated by that. Do as one of the other posters/members mentioned: Visit the various websites of the various groups , and point/click on their 'History' tab and/or their 'What we believe ' tab.

For instance: There are at least 4 Lutheran bodies ( Sub-denominations ) with Headquarters , Publishing Houses , High Schools , Colleges & Seminaries in the U.S. & Canada. They would all claim to abide by the Apostles , Nicene & Athanasian Creeds ; The Book of Concord , The Smalcald Articles , Luther's Small & Large Catechism , and they would say ( officially anyway ) that they believe the Bible.

Trouble is --- ( and this goes with the Presbyterians , the Reformed & Methodists & Episcopalian/Anglicans and sadly, Baptists also ) --- several Clergy and staff and Professors and members of the 'liberal' bodies quit holding to - believing on , the founding documents and Statements of Faith of the gents that founded / formed these groups back in the 1500's & 1600's. & 1700's. Why ? They quit believing The Holy Bible is the God-breathed written word.

The folks that still hold to the 'Old' faith , leave the liberal groups and usually migrate over to the more 'Conservative' group that still believes the Bible is true and the founding documents of the group are correct.

They have turned into social mish-mosh & leftist political activities --- and neglect preaching about Christ & and Him crucified.

Some groups may still hold to the belief that the Holy Bible is God's book for us now and forever --- but there are different ideas about points of Doctrine and practice. Case in point: Baptists have and still teach that a person is 'Baptized' in/under water ( get 'em all the way wet! amen! ) after the person makes a verbal ( or written ) profession of Faith in the Biblical Jesus Christ , and what the Bible tells us about Him. One group that formed in the 1600's in England were the Particular or Strict or Calvinistic Baptists. ( Nowadays often called 'Reformed Baptists' ) They hold to the Bible being true.

Another Baptist group was formed about the same time period. They are called 'Free Will' Baptists. Very different views on several key issues. There are also the 'I.F.B's' and 'Missionary Baptists' & 'S.B.C's' , & the 'Conservative Baptists',,, alas, the 'A.B.C.' ( used to be called 'Northern Baptist Convention' ) have gone limp-wristed liberal ( for the most part ) and have long ago turned into social activists instead of Gospel preachers proclaiming Christ and warning folks about sin.

{[ If you or anyone else reading this thread is Church shopping ---> You MUST, before ever attending the service(s) , find out what the Preacher & the Church believes/thinks about The Holy Bible , and then ask what they teach about Jesus Christ. If they ( the Pastor or the Church secretary on the phone ) cannot or will not affirm that the Bible is true --- do not go there , and do give them even one thin dime! If a church/pastor-minister does not believe the 66 books of The Holy Bible are true ,,, then he is NOT going to preach/teach about the real Jesus Christ ! Happens every time... tis why there are so many good-hearted Christians who have had to leave their childhood church/chapel... the group quit believing what the Book says, and brought in a 'Hireling' to tickle their ears. ]}

Both of those Baptist groups have Statements of Faith ( Confessions ) which are different enough from each other that a man ordained in one group would not be invited to preach in the pulpit of the other Baptist church. They both hold to Believers Baptism & both trust in Jesus for salvation ... but there are too many differences in other doctrinal issues for them to sit together in the same church building. tis human nature.

P.S. Sorry for the web links being taken apart but the Website hampster would not let me post them until / unless I have 50 posts under my belt ... which reminds me why I have not posted here in 11 months now ..... argh! Hope you can figure out how to push them back together. Good & free resources.

 

[bbbbbbb]

Southern Baptists believe that but Free Will Baptists do not. Neither did the original Anabaptists, if I am not mistaken.

Anabaptists are not directly related to Baptists, although they both hold to adult baptism by immersion. Anabaptists, as we know them today, stem from various groups primarily in central Europe (Germany in particular). Their descendants are such groups as the Mennonites, Amish, Dunkard Brethren, Grace Brethren, United Brethren, and Evangelical United Brethren (now merged with the United Methodist Church). Baptists, as we know them in America have English roots.

 

[Albion]

Anabaptists are not directly related to Baptists, although they both hold to adult baptism by immersion. Anabaptists, as we know them today, stem from various groups primarily in central Europe (Germany in particular). Their descendants are such groups as the Mennonites, Amish, Dunkard Brethren, Grace Brethren, United Brethren, and Evangelical United Brethren (now merged with the United Methodist Church). Baptists, as we know them in America have English roots.

Right, but there is a connection. As I'm sure you know, John Smyth, who started those first Baptist congregations in England, had studied with the Anabaptists on the continent.

 

[bbbbbbb]

Right, but there is a connection. As I'm sure you know, John Smyth, who started those first Baptist congregations in England, had studied with the Anabaptists on the continent.

Yes, that is correct, but their development differed significantly. For example, we do not see the pacifism of the European Anabaptists such as the Mennonites in the Baptist denominations which descended from the English branch.

 

[Albion]

Yes, that is correct, but their development differed significantly.

Well sure. He found that Englishmen would accept some of what he was presenting to them, but not all of it. My point was not that the two are identical but that saying "Anabaptists are not directly related to Baptists" is questionable. They certainly are "related" and directly.

 

[bbbbbbb]

Well sure. He found that Englishmen would accept some of what he was presenting to them, but not all of it. My point was not that the two are identical but that saying "Anabaptists are not directly related to Baptists" is questionable. They certainly are "related" and directly.

Yes, I agree that you have shown a direct relationship. I think we can agree that their development over the following centuries differed in many aspects.

 

[Albion]

Yes, I agree that you have shown a direct relationship. I think we can agree that their development over the following centuries differed in many aspects.

Of course. I was mainly saying that the words chosen might have been a little strong. I'm sure we both know the history and that there is a difference between Baptists and Anabaptists.

 

[NorrinRadd]

Charistmatics are similar to Pentecostals but tend to be less focused on the speaking in tongues aspect and more on the moving of the Holy Spirit + baptism.
​

And don't form separate denominations

If the matter of whether Baptists are or are not "known for" OSAS is important enough for you to proffer a correction, then I guess I should advise you that both Calvary Chapel and the Vineyard are Charismatic rather than Pentecostal, and yet are distinct denominations (de facto if not de jure).

 

[Albion]

If the matter of whether Baptists are or are not "known for" OSAS is important enough for you to proffer a correction, then I guess I should advise you that both Calvary Chapel and the Vineyard are Charismatic rather than Pentecostal, and yet are distinct denominations (de facto if not de jure).

The words "tend to" were used, so I think that my observation is appropriate even though you are correct that these two small denominations represent exceptions to the rule.

 

[Archie the Preacher]

I'm sorry but I'm going to have to disagree with this. Lutheranism is different from both of those theologies, as are the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. On top of that, there are two distinct forms of Arminianism, the Classical form, and the Weslyian form which has a few major differences.

This is odd. You start by asking innocent questions, pretending a lack of information. Then you start answering the answers as if you knew all these matters.

To what point is your pretense?

 

[Spirit of Pentecost]

As with you, ghag17, I was raised primarily in Baptist churches, although for a period my family did attend a Nazarene church. I couldn't tell you what the Nazarene faith is all about, because I was young when we went there. I do know their are multiple different branches of the Baptist faith; Southern Baptist, Free Will Baptist, Full Gospel Baptist, Holiness Baptist, etc. Same with Pentecostals, you have a Pentecostals and Oneness Pentecostals. Again, I couldn't tell you anything that couldn't be easily researched, although every church varies in opinion and belief.