Just did a task on this in class, compares many denominations of Christianity. We had to use some handouts our teacher gave us, so sorry if it's confusing. We had little to work with:
There are many different variants of Christianity, each with its own unique features and beliefs. Catholicism includes eight distinct Catholic rites, but each of these recognises the authority of the Pope as their head on Earth. In the Catholic faith, the Eucharist in the centre of worship, and a sacramental view of existence is stressed. Catholicism emphasises belief in the transubstantiation that takes place during the consecration. Unlike in other variants of Christianity, Catholicism emphasises the need for both faith and good works to achieve salvation. There is also a strong belief in heaven, hell and purgatory, as well as greater devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the saints. In the priesthood, only men are able to be ordained and they must not be married, unlike many denominations of Protestantism.
Orthodoxy currently includes 15 churches within the Orthodox Communion. Unlike the Catholic Church, however, Orthodoxy does not recognise the authority of the Pope, but each Church is self-governed. The celebration of the Eucharist is central to Orthodoxy. The Orthodox Church is also known for its great use of icons and symbolism, greater liturgy length, use of incense, fully sung liturgies and the privacy of certain parts of their services. Unlike the importance that the Catholic Church placed on its traditional liturgical language, Latin, the Orthodox Church had no concern about translating scriptures into local languages. Also differing from the Catholic Church is the absence of religious orders developed for specific works, and the fact that priests may be married.
Pentecostalism is a newly founded denomination, taking shape in the USA at the beginning of the 20th century. Unlike Orthodoxy and Catholicism, there is little emphasis on liturgy and the sacraments. There is also a greater importance placed on the corporate element in worship; enthusiastic or spontaneous replies from the congregation to demonstrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Pentecostalism, there is a distinction made between “baptism in the Holy Spirit” and the reception of any other sacraments. This is different to other denominations of Christianity in that believers of Pentecostalism believe that Baptism in the Spirit becomes clear when the baptised person begins speaking in tongues.
Protestantism is a large system of Christian faith founded upon the principles of the Reformation, a split from the Catholic Church. The major difference between Protestantism and Catholicism is that it does not acknowledge the authority of the Pope and the supremacy of Rome. Protestantism itself is divided into three main branches: Lutheranism, Calvinism and Zwinglianism, all named after the reformer that founded each branch. Differing from Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Pentecostalism is that in Protestant Churches, it is believed that the only source of revealed truth is the Bible. It is also believed that salvation is achieved through faith only; whereas good works also are necessary in the Catholic faith. Another main feature of Protestantism is the universal priesthood of all believers. Protestantism also emphasises the transcendence of God; that he is not present on earth, whereas Catholicism and Orthodoxy believe that He is present through the sacrament of communion. Protestantism also minimises the liturgical and sacramental practises of Catholicism and Orthodoxy, emphasising the preaching of the Gospel. Finally, unlike any of the above-mentioned denominations of Christianity, some Protestant Churches allow women to become priests.
The Anglican Church split off from the Catholic Church during the 16th century, when King Henry VIII declared independence from the Pope and from Rome in what is known as the English Reformation. As a result, the only major Christian Church which still recognises the authority of the Pope is the Catholic Church. Rather, in the Anglican Church (or Church of England), the head of state, which is the ruling King or Queen, is also seen as the head of the church. There are two strands within Anglicanism – the evangelical and Anglo-Catholic strands. Evangelical Anglicans greatly emphasise the preaching of the word, omitting many ritual practises that are valued in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Many evangelical Anglicans consider themselves Protestant because of the similarities in beliefs. Anglo-Catholics, on the other hand, hold beliefs similar to Catholicism in that they stress the ritual and sacramental components of faith. Unlike in Catholicism, however, most Anglican clergy are married, and some churches even allow women to join the clergy.
All in all, whilst there are many differences between the different Churches of Christianity, the core beliefs are still the same. That Jesus was God and that he saved us from our sins is a belief held at the centre of each of these denominations of Christianity; it is only when it comes down to the practising of beliefs, doctrine and authority that differences exist between the Churches.
Hope it helped you at all.
