Do you know the differences between Christian churches?

[BCRanger10]

Do you know the differences between Christian churches? Meaning do you know the differences, other than in name, between Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans/Episcopalians, Evangelicals, Non-Denominationals, Baptists, and so forth?

Or are they all the same in your understanding?

Updates

+1 y

Oh yes, and a friendly reminder that Catholics are Christians.

[PrettyPriya]

I don't know a lot. They seem the same to me, even though I know there are differences. That is simply because of culturally I am not from an area that has many of those. The ones that are practiced are fairly limited in comparison to our major religions.

However, I do know a bit about it as my SO is christian. Now, I don't know how much his differs from the others but I do know his traditions, customs and celebrate and take part in those things. I am supportive of his religious choices as he is of mine.

From an outsider, they seem very much the same. I bet most will say the same of other cultures religions. It isn't until you are exposed to them you learn the little (and sometimes big) differences.

All I can say is that I have enjoyed getting to know my fiancé's religious beliefs and traditions. We celebrate many of them throughout the year and our children will be brought up to do the same. We will even wed at the end of the year in a christian wedding. So, you can see that I have learned a lot but still a ways to go before I could really tell much difference.

It isn't ignorance, it is lack of exposure until now. Even then, my exposure is just to his religion.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Some differences:

Catholic priests can't get married, while Lutheran pastors can...

Catholics pray to saints while Lutherans pray to God...

Once upon a time, if you were divorced, you were ex-communicated from Catholic Church and couldn't be re-married in a Catholic church...

Don't hate me for telling the truth, but more Catholic priests have been charged with child molestation than Lutheran pastors...

*My father's family was Catholic, my mom's Lutheran, we were raised Lutheran... While if I believe in God or not is my business, I will say don't believe in organized religion... If God is real and everywhere, you don't need to go to church to worship him, right🤔🤷🏼‍♀️

[BCRanger10]

No offense taken, largely because surprisingly few abusive priests, to my knowledge at least, have been charged to even convicted. I am one of many, many faithful Catholics who are infuriated by the negligence with which these situations are handled. Or, I guess, not handled.

Why wouldn't a Church be necessary for the worship of God?

[RedThread]

I'm not as knowledgeable as I could be. They definitely aren't all the same. There are many different interpretations of religious texts and traditions. I think there are around 50k denominations around the world. That means there's a lot of differences of opinion out there.

About your Catholics are Christian point. It's surprising how many people around the world don't realize that. I think there has been a huge Evangelical smear campaign against Catholicism especially in the United States that has led people to believe all kinds of wild things like Catholics worship Mary and the saints above Jesus and that's only the beginning. There's a difference between honoring the saints and Mary and worshipping them. Even some of the opinions here get that wrong.

[IesusHominumSalvator]

Yes, the catholic church has 2000+ years of existance, while all the other protestant denominations have less than 500 years, some have only 50 years, however they dare to say they are the real church of Christ... (Without proof) and with deviated doctrines.

[BCRanger10]

I take it you are a Catholic as well?

[Blueeyes81]

Somewhat. But it can get pretty nuanced with sub denominations. I moved to a Mennonite town in my early 20's. It had a population of 1000 but 5 different mennonite churches. The same can be said for other denominations. You have breakaway of breakaway of breakaway churches that their practices and beliefs do not match with the traditional denominations that share their name.

[Snsl153]

Maybe this is a silly question, but why would anyone think that Catholics aren't Christian?

[BCRanger10]

Because they think that Catholics don't follow the Bible (not true because the Church precedes the Bible), that we worship Mary and the Saints. Things like that.

[SixFootSexy]

A lot of it comes down to biblical interpretation, dispensationalism, penal substitution, baptism, traditions, rituals and other theological differences and emphasis.

[DrewJay]

I do not know the suttle or extreme differences but with our nature humans always have to argue about whats yhe right and wrong way. I was never one for mainstream religion. Telling some one that isn't that easy to. That isn't to say I am not spiritual because I am I also believe on a higher power. Religion does teach some morals and qualities we should all have naturally so I cannot and will not ever put any one down for their beliefs.

[Anonymous]

Not on the levels you mentioned. Almost every group that labels themselves Christian is really a tiny sebsect of Protestantism, though they hate to admit it or don't even know it. They do it because they want to claim total ownership of the superset label and claim Catholics or Mormons or whoever aren't Christians. To them that sounds better than "Then you ain't a real seventh day Adventist!" Know what I mean?

[DizzyDesii]

Most dont abide by the rules of their denomination so nah. Like I’m Baptist but you still see people partying, drinking, gambling, etc... i guess its all about moderation

[Whatthefluff]

Vaguely, because I went to both Catholic and Protestant (congregational) church as a kid. If I were to go back to church, I'd pick the protestant church.

[laurieluvsit]

Not in any detail.

I know I met a Christian minister at a nudist resort in Arizona a week ago... lol

[EmmaMary]

Not a clue... But I do know the difference between the Dandy and Beano comics. 🤣🤣🤣

[Adaeva]

There are similarities but they also have their differences.

[Andres77]

I can only compare any denomination to the Word of God.

[annabananna]

Yea, they just have a few different rules based off of interpretation of the Bible.

[Cubus]

Mostly. I am not sure what are differences between all Protestant Churches.

[Ruenella_]

A little.

[BCRanger10]

What do you know?

[NamerOfStars]

Broadly. Not the nitty-gritty, though.

[SaoirseS]

Yes most of them.