CONSENSUS PROTESTANTS IN UNITED STATES Introduction to Religious Studies
Dec 15, 2015
Characteristics Friendly or at least tolerant relationships
with other religions and secular groups Reliant on births with the congregation to
increase membership or focus on converting persons with no prior denominational affiliation (the “unchurched”)
Acceptance that changes in teaching and practices should reflect larger social changes but no consensus on when or how such change should occur (i.e.; role/status of women, gays and lesbians)
Characteristics Tolerance of diversity within the
denomination Worship tends to be more routine than
spontaneous; focus on liturgy Professional clergy must meet specific
educational and certification requirements for ordination.
Religion viewed as a matter of voluntary participation.
Core Beliefs Religious life should center on the life,
death and resurrection of Jesus. Bible plays a central role for Protestants; it
stands as the only authority for religious faith and practice. All other creeds or doctrine subordinate to this principle
Salvation a undeserved gift from God. Humans can do nothing to earn salvation (salvation through “faith” not works)
Core Beliefs The church is the gathered fellowship of
believers. Church perceived more event than institution
Priesthood of all believers. All Christians possess the same responsibilities and authority. No person has an “inside track” to divine authority. All are equal because all have access to the Bible (in theory)
Lifestyle Protestants must live in the middle of the
world, not separated from it God to be glorified (honored) in all aspects
of private and communal life Morality seen as a response to God’s free
gift of salvation.
Rituals Two sacraments recognized; Only two acts
disciples (according to some gospels) told by Jesus to carry on after his death
Baptism Immersion Sprinkling Pouring Some denominations practice infant
baptism, others do not
Rituals Lord’s Supper or Communion
Common loaf, common chalice Intinction Non-flour wafer and individual cup (shot
glass) Some use wine, some use unfermented
juice Idea of remembrance of sacrifice As opposed to transubstantiation or
consubstantiation Bread and wine remain bread and wine
Rituals Preaching as ritual
Pulpit occupies prominent place in church architecture and liturgy
Considered the focal point of worship
Organization Each Protestant denomination is self-
governing Congregation form Connectional form Hierarchical form
Ecumenical organizations formed to assist denominations in meeting shared goals National Association of Evangelicals (1942) National Council of Churches (1950)
Organization Most ministers are married rather than
celibate; rejection of monastic traditions Many traditions ordain women
Denominational Distinctions Taken on less importance over the past 20
years and American ideas of individuality and community have changed
About 60% of adults in US self-identify as “Protestant”
38%
15%
12%
6%5%6% 18%
Baptist Methodist
Lutherans Presbyterians
Episcopalians Non-Denominationals
Others
Denominational Chart
Southern Baptist Free Church Movement (church should be adult
voluntary organization New Testament can be interpreted by each
believer through the Holy Spirit There exists no official creed Advocates the clear division of church and state
and freedom of religion Church should consist only of those adults
spiritually reborn and sincere in pursuit of the “Christian Life” (regenerate church membership)
Southern Baptist Supports freedom on conscience in
matters of belief In South, more likely to express a
fundamentalist perspective Inerrancy of Scripture (not myth or
allegory) Bible is scientifically and historically
accurate Rejection of evolution as viable world view Anticipation of final Judgment Day Literal Heaven and Hell
Southern Baptist Individual congregations may set clear
standards of behavior for members Worship tends to be more emotional and
evangelical (emphasis on a conscious, personal conversion to Christ) and varies from one congregation to the next
Actually observe “ordinances” rather than sacraments
Southern Baptist Do not practice infant baptism (requires
understanding and personal consent) Baptism by immersion (although some
transfer members may be accepted with baptism from other denominations—varies by congregation)
Congregational but can come together as a convention
United Methodist Founded by John Wesley Emphasis on practical divinity (putting
Christian faith into practice) Doctrine of salvation based on grace and
assurance, leading to sanctification Non-creedal, like Baptists, but doctrine
provides the acceptable guidelines for understanding Scripture (so not like Baptists). Both creedal and non-creedal. Carried by tradition rather than by church law.
United Methodist Focus on social dimension of Christian
faith Basic principles:
Do no harm and avoid evil of all kinds Do good of every possible sort to all people Observe the ordinances of God including
worship, Scripture, preaching, participation in the sacraments, family prayer, private prayer, Bible reading, fasting and abstinence
United Methodist Practice infant baptism; confirmation
acceptance of vows taken on ones behalf when an infant
Worship varies widely but liturgical order suggested in Book of Worship
Baptism can be by any of the three recognized means
Connectional Noted for diversity Religion both a matter of mind and heart
Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod Both embrace the basic teachings of Martin
Luther Small Catechism and Augsburg Confession Unlike Baptisms and Methodism, Lutherans are
a creedal denomination (in this regard both Scripture and Creeds are necessary for correct belief) Creeds of value because they assist in revealing the truth of the Word of God
Luthern Usually culture affirming in approach to modern
world Missouri Synod the more conservative of
traditions, advocating a private schooling system and rigid lifestyle
Worship formal and liturgical. Hymns written by Luther given prominence.
Pulpit and altar of equal importance (unlike other Protestant denominations)
Consubstantiation – essence but not literal presence
Presbyterian Founded by John Knox, based on teachings of
John Calvin Known as reformed movement- reformed
theology (emphasizes God’s supremacy over all things, in God’s majesty, holiness and providence)
Possesses a creedal faith (Westminster Confession) (also see complete creed set)
Congregational in organization Worship tends to be liturgical with the highpoint
the sermon (which primarily serves a teaching function)
Presbyterian Hymns and prayers should reflect
reformed theology Worship perceived as God’s work in the
world—one way in which God interacts with the created order
Encourage infant baptism Communion as Memorial Many branches of Presbyterianism with
largest PCUSA (formed in 1983)
Episcopalian Often considered Protestant in theology
while Catholic in worship Creedal while stressing the “loyalty in
essentials and liberty in non-essentials” Book of Common Prayer Possesses saints/ saints days (like
Catholics) Does possess a small monastic tradition
Episcopalian Tend to be most liberal among Protestants while
reflecting the highest socioeconomic status Sacraments, as “effectual means” of conveying
the Grace of God (consubstantiation) Eucharistic service on Sunday often called mass Like Catholics, sacrament called “Eucharist” Believe that confirmation, reconciliation,
marriage, ordination, anointing of the sick hold sacramental significance (while still remaining rites). Unique among Protestants.
Both Hierarchical and connectional