What are the similarities between the various denominations of the Christian church?

Answer 1

== == This question is very general and is more easily answered on a pair-level comparison.

In summary, the various denominations fall under numerous categories two of which are widely known as apostate or heretical and many others vary in ideoloy and it is important to note the Historical schism top-down hierarchical structure of the Catholic faith due too its worldwide large influence. In noting more, Families of Christian denominations in North America offers the following: Today, there are many ways of classifying the over 1,500 Christian faith groups in North America: Into three or four meta-groups (e.g. Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican), By "wing" (e.g. conservative, mainline, and liberal), By denomination (From the Amish to The Way) By theological belief system (Calvinism, Arminianism, etc.), and By religious family, (Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, etc.)

They interpret The Bible differently. Some even came out with their own version of the Bible.

Answer 2

The similarities between the various denominations can be summarised in the Nicene Creed - a statement of belief agreed at the Council of Nicea in the 4th century, before denominations as such existed. This statement was agreed to avoid heresies that werecontrary to the scriptures and also contrary to those who received the stories of Jesus handed down word of mouth from the original disciples and eyewitnesses. If a church can subscribe to these beliefs then it can call itself an orthodox Christian Church. There are differences between the various denominations (eg baptists prefer baptism by immersion, others do not necessarily use this method) but most of these differences are peripheral and do not alter the essental beliefs of the Church worldwide. If, however, a so-called Christian church cannot uphold the Creed (for example, Jehovah's Witnesses do not subscribe to the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and do not accept the divinity of Jesus) then they cannot be classed as a Christian Church but should be designated a sect. The Nicene Creed goes as follows: We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven:

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic (i.e. universal' ) and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Answer 3

Christianity can be split into four main areas: Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Fringe groups.

Most Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant groups believe the same core beliefs as laid down in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. However fringe groups like the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons have other beliefs that diverge from the Christian Church in varying degrees.

In the Roman Church, authority comes from the pope. There are several groups within the Church (eg the Latin rite is one) but all have similar beliefs - they place sacramental worship at the heart of their faith.

The Orthodox are very similar in that sacrametal worship - especially ritualistic worship - is at the heart of faith.

In Protestant Churches sacramental worship is usually of lesser importance in favour of teaching and preaching the word of God (scripture).

There are too many Protestant denominations to go into here, but all have similar beliefs to the RC and Orthodox Churches except for those beliefs (like the veneration of Mary, invocation of saints etc) that are, eg, specifically Catholic.

Most of the churches differ primarily in the style of worship (charismatic, simple, ritualistic, etc) and the heirarchical structure of their organisations, rather than in actual doctrine.

Answer 4

There are several reasons why there are so many different church denominations, these are practices, style of worship, style of service, locality, language, but the major thing that separates, especially the smaller denominations, is theology and teaching.

Religion is man made; men have turned a relationship with God through Jesus Christ into a set of dos and don'ts.