What are the differences between the Protestant religions such as Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, etc.?
Baptist is not considered a Protestant religion because it did not branch of Catholism. Prebsyterians branched from the Catholic religion after be persecuted for difference of beliefs. The Prebsyterians, Lutherans, and Methodist all have pretty much the same beliefs but grew in numbers in different countries. Prebsyterians- Church of Scotland Lutherans-Church of Germany Methodist- Church of England converts that still to this day practice many of the pagan things such as infant baptism and sprinkling instead of immersion.
Protestant ideas actually started even before Martin Luther the most prominent example being Huss in the modern day Czech Republic. In turn Luther’s division from the church is where most historians place the beginning of the Protestant movement. While Lutheran services remained liturgical and quite Catholic, Luther rejected of Papal authority and stressed being saved through faith alone (sola fide). In turn, Luther also stressed the authority of the bible as the sole authority on matters of Faith (sola scriptura) even though he removed a few books from the Bible during the Reformation. The Presbyterian Church can trace its roots to Luther’s contemporary John Calvin. Calvin stressed faith alone but also pushed forward the idea of predestination. In essence, God has predetermined if we are heading to heaven or hell and it is only through god’s grace that we can be saved. John Knox influenced by Calvin’s ideas and began the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. Baptists are indeed Protestants
The Presbyterians, Lutherans, and the United Methodists are liberal, main-line Protestant denominations, that recognize both Baptistism and Holy Communion, as Sacraments-the Baptists do not. Unlike the Baptists, the other 3 denominations, are liturgical and whose worship styles are very similiar-pastors are more likely than not to wear vestments and stoles, and incor porate organ accompanment-Baptists do not and also don’t recognize the Christian season like the Methodist and Lutherans do as well as the Presbyterians The Baptists have always been fundamentalists and believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible-the other 3 do not. I hope this helps!
They are all doctrinal differences based upon differing interpretations of text, and the amount of emphasis placed upon non-scriptural tradition. They differ on their views on predestination. They differ on their views of baptism (what it means, type required – Baptism of the Spirit, immersion, etc). This is a good site for comparing religions and religious denominations.
The differences are slight. Baptist believe in baptizing at age 8 or 9, Lutherans believe in baptizing infants. Some believe in allowing female or gay pastors. There are differences in the formality of the church service and what is performed. There are differences in the administering of the bread and wine. Some use unleven bread others have raised bread. Some wear formal robes and some wear street clothing. Some denominations believe in singing out loud and other not at all. Lutherans pronounce God’s forgiveness over the congregation after a period of reflection and repentance. I don’t think the other religions do that.
