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To some extent, Christian denominations can be seen as ways to ‘do church’ differently. Usually, what sets denominations apart is their take on certain biblical subjects, beliefs, interpretations, and practices. Variations on a recipe, if you will. In some denominations, the style of the church gathering is different; others have different perspectives on topics such as the meaning of baptism or the proper response to contemporary cultural issues. In each magazine issue, we’ll highlight a couple of denominations and try to sum up some of the differences, some subtle, some more major. Only you and God can decide which denomination is the best fit for you, but it’s important to know what different denominations believe and practice.
METHODIST
Notable Distinction: A movement of Protestant Christianity, John Wesley, a Christian theologian who founded the Arminian Methodist movement in the 18th-century, preached that each person could be saved by faith in God and encouraged congregants to experience Christ personally.
“John Wesley and the early Methodists were particularly concerned about inviting people to experience God’s grace and to grow in their knowledge and love of God through disciplined Christian living. They placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as ‘practical divinity’ has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.” (UMC)
Written Statements of Beliefs: Nicene and Apostles’ Creed. Many also use The Articles of Religion, The Confession of Faith, Wesley’s Sermons and Notes on the New Testament, and The Book of Common Prayer.
Original Sin: “Man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continually.”(UMC)
Notable Methodists: George Lucas, Rosa Parks, George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton, William Booth (Founder of The Salvation Army), Dionne Warwick, Gaylord Nelson (Founder of Earth Day)
For more information about the Methodist denomination or to find a church near you, visit www.umc.org
PRESBYTERIAN
Notable Distinction: One of the largest branches of Protestant Christianity, Presbyterianism originated with the 16th Century Swiss Reformation and the teachings of John Calvin. Central to their belief and practice is the Bible, the sovereignty of God and grace through faith in Christ. The name Presbyterian comes from the representational form of church government, known as a Presbytery, where elected leaders, known as “elders”, are given governing authority of the church and work with the congregation’s ordained minister.
Written Statements of Beliefs: Nicene and Apostles’ Creed, Westminster Confession
“Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: they adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members”. – Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Original Sin: “No one of us is good enough on our own–we are all dependent upon God’s goodness and mercy… from the kindest, most devoted churchgoer to the most blatant sinner.” (PCUSA)
Notable Presbyterians: Billy Graham, John Wayne, Mark Twain, Shirley Temple, Lucy Maud Montgomery (Canadian novelist; Anne of Green Gables) Daniel Defoe (English novelist; author of Robinson Crusoe)
For more information about the Presbyterian denomination or to find a church near you, visit www.pcusa.org
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