Protestantism II. Major Protestant Churches Today Lutherans Lutherans Baptists Baptists Methodists...

Protestantism II

Major Protestant Churches Major Protestant Churches TodayToday

LutheransLutherans BaptistsBaptists MethodistsMethodists

Lutheran OriginLutheran Origin

Lutheranism is a major branch of Lutheranism is a major branch of

Protestant Christianity that identifies Protestant Christianity that identifies

with the teachings of the sixteenth-with the teachings of the sixteenth-

century German reformer Martin century German reformer Martin

Luther. Luther.


Unlike the Reformed Churches, Lutherans Unlike the Reformed Churches, Lutherans

have retained many of the sacramental have retained many of the sacramental

understandings and liturgical practices of understandings and liturgical practices of

the pre-Reformation Church. the pre-Reformation Church.

Lutheran theology differs considerably from Lutheran theology differs considerably from

Reformed theology in its understanding of Reformed theology in its understanding of

divine grace and predestination to eternity divine grace and predestination to eternity

after death.after death.


Today, nearly 70 million Christians belong to Today, nearly 70 million Christians belong to

Lutheran churches worldwide; furthermore, Lutheran churches worldwide; furthermore,

the world's 400 million Protestant Christians the world's 400 million Protestant Christians

can trace their tradition, at least in part, can trace their tradition, at least in part,

back to Luther's reforming work.back to Luther's reforming work.

The Evangelical-Lutheran church is or was The Evangelical-Lutheran church is or was

the state church of several countries in the state church of several countries in

northern Europe.northern Europe.

Lutheran BeliefsLutheran Beliefs

Infant baptism is practicedInfant baptism is practiced

Baptism and Communion are the only two Baptism and Communion are the only two

sacramentssacraments

Belief in Monergism – Salvation is by God's Belief in Monergism – Salvation is by God's

act aloneact alone

Some Lutherans reject the term “Eucharist”Some Lutherans reject the term “Eucharist”

Lutheran Beliefs: MonergismLutheran Beliefs: Monergism

In its simplest form Monergism states that In its simplest form Monergism states that

salvation is all from God, as opposed to salvation is all from God, as opposed to

synergism, which, in its simplest form, insists synergism, which, in its simplest form, insists

that God performs some action(s) leaving that God performs some action(s) leaving

salvation incomplete until man performs salvation incomplete until man performs

some action(s) to complete salvation. some action(s) to complete salvation.


According to Monergism, a sinner is given According to Monergism, a sinner is given

pardon for sin by the death of Jesus, acceptance pardon for sin by the death of Jesus, acceptance

with God by the imputed righteousness of Jesus, with God by the imputed righteousness of Jesus,

and faith in Jesus by the Holy Spirit. and faith in Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

Sanctification then begins either instantaneously Sanctification then begins either instantaneously

according to some, or as an ongoing progressive according to some, or as an ongoing progressive

process according to others. But to remain process according to others. But to remain

consistent to Monergism, justification must be consistent to Monergism, justification must be

entirely of God.entirely of God.


Lutherans reject the doctrine that humans in Lutherans reject the doctrine that humans in

their fallen state have a free will concerning their fallen state have a free will concerning

spiritual matters. spiritual matters.


They believe that although humans have They believe that although humans have

free will concerning civil righteousness, they free will concerning civil righteousness, they

cannot work spiritual righteousness without cannot work spiritual righteousness without

the Holy Spirit, since righteousness in the the Holy Spirit, since righteousness in the

heart cannot be wrought in the absence of heart cannot be wrought in the absence of

the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit.


Lutherans believe that the elect are Lutherans believe that the elect are

predestined to salvation and that Christians predestined to salvation and that Christians

should be assured that they are among the should be assured that they are among the

predestined. predestined.

However, they disagree with those that However, they disagree with those that

make predestination the source of salvation make predestination the source of salvation

rather than Christ's suffering, death, and rather than Christ's suffering, death, and

resurrection. resurrection.


Unlike some in Calvinism, Lutherans do not Unlike some in Calvinism, Lutherans do not

believe in a predestination to damnation. believe in a predestination to damnation.

Instead, Lutherans teach damnation is a Instead, Lutherans teach damnation is a

result of the unbeliever's rejection of the result of the unbeliever's rejection of the

Holy Spirit.Holy Spirit.

Lutheran Beliefs: EucharistLutheran Beliefs: Eucharist

Some Lutherans use the term Eucharist to Some Lutherans use the term Eucharist to

refer to Communion; however, others reject refer to Communion; however, others reject

the term on the basis that the word the term on the basis that the word

Eucharist ("thanksgiving") puts the emphasis Eucharist ("thanksgiving") puts the emphasis

on the human response to the sacrament, on the human response to the sacrament,

which is contrary to the Lutheran emphasis which is contrary to the Lutheran emphasis

on God's omnipotence and human on God's omnipotence and human

powerlessness. powerlessness.


Lutherans believe that the Body and Blood of Lutherans believe that the Body and Blood of

Christ are "truly and substantially present in, Christ are "truly and substantially present in,

with and under the forms" of the with and under the forms" of the

consecrated bread and wine (the elements), consecrated bread and wine (the elements),

so that communicants eat and drink both the so that communicants eat and drink both the

elements and the true Body and Blood of elements and the true Body and Blood of

Christ Himself Christ Himself


Lutherans use the terms "in, with and under Lutherans use the terms "in, with and under

the forms of [consecrated] bread and wine" the forms of [consecrated] bread and wine"

and "sacramental union" to distinguish their and "sacramental union" to distinguish their

understanding of the Lord's Supper from understanding of the Lord's Supper from

those of the Reformed and other traditions. those of the Reformed and other traditions.


More liberal Lutheran churches tend to More liberal Lutheran churches tend to

practice open communion, inviting all who practice open communion, inviting all who

are baptized to participate. are baptized to participate.

Conservative Lutheran churches are more Conservative Lutheran churches are more

likely to practice closed communion (or likely to practice closed communion (or

"close communion"), restricting participation "close communion"), restricting participation

to those who are in doctrinal agreement with to those who are in doctrinal agreement with

them. them.


This might involve the formal declaration of This might involve the formal declaration of

"altar and pulpit fellowship", another term "altar and pulpit fellowship", another term

for Eucharistic sharing coupled with the for Eucharistic sharing coupled with the

acceptance of the ministrations of one acceptance of the ministrations of one

another's clergy. another's clergy.


Open communion is a thoroughly modern Open communion is a thoroughly modern

practice, as most Lutheran bodies as late as practice, as most Lutheran bodies as late as

the 20th century would often preclude their the 20th century would often preclude their

own members from partaking in communion, own members from partaking in communion,

such as divorcees and men and women who such as divorcees and men and women who

lived together outside of marriage; this was lived together outside of marriage; this was

a carryover from the church's roots in a carryover from the church's roots in

Catholicism.Catholicism.

Baptist OriginBaptist Origin

Baptists today are the third largest Baptists today are the third largest

Protestant group in the world. Their history Protestant group in the world. Their history

can be traced back to the early days of the can be traced back to the early days of the

Protestant Reformation - specifically, the Protestant Reformation - specifically, the

radical wing of the Reformation which was radical wing of the Reformation which was

rejected by major Protestant leaders like rejected by major Protestant leaders like

Luther and Zwingli.Luther and Zwingli.


Baptists were originally nicknamed Baptists were originally nicknamed

"Anabaptists," which means "re-baptists," "Anabaptists," which means "re-baptists,"

because the baptism of mature church because the baptism of mature church

members rather than children is one of the members rather than children is one of the

original defining marks of this denomination original defining marks of this denomination

- when they first appeared in the United - when they first appeared in the United

States, this was a particularly radical States, this was a particularly radical

position to take. position to take.


Baptists number over 110 million worldwide Baptists number over 110 million worldwide

in more than 170,000 congregations, and in more than 170,000 congregations, and

are considered the largest world communion are considered the largest world communion

of evangelical Protestants, with an estimated of evangelical Protestants, with an estimated

22 million members in the North America. 22 million members in the North America.


Other large populations of Baptists also exist Other large populations of Baptists also exist

in Asia, Africa and Latin America, notably in in Asia, Africa and Latin America, notably in

India (2.4 million), Nigeria (2.5 million), India (2.4 million), Nigeria (2.5 million),

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (1.9 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (1.9

million) and Brazil (1.7 million).million) and Brazil (1.7 million).


According to a poll in the 1990s, about one According to a poll in the 1990s, about one

in five Christians in the United States claims in five Christians in the United States claims

to be a Baptist. U.S. Baptists are represented to be a Baptist. U.S. Baptists are represented

in more than fifty separate groups. in more than fifty separate groups.


Ninety-two percent of Baptists are found Ninety-two percent of Baptists are found

in five of those bodies:in five of those bodies:– The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)

– National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBC)National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBC)

– National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.

(NBCA)(NBCA)

– American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABC)American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABC)

– Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI)Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI)

Baptist Beliefs: Eternal Baptist Beliefs: Eternal SecuritySecurity

Eternal security is a controversial Christian Eternal security is a controversial Christian

doctrine which maintains that none who are doctrine which maintains that none who are

truly saved can be condemned for their sins or truly saved can be condemned for their sins or

finally fall away from the faith. finally fall away from the faith.

The doctrine appears in two different forms: The doctrine appears in two different forms:

(1) the traditional Calvinist doctrine found in (1) the traditional Calvinist doctrine found in

the Reformed Christian confessions of faith, the Reformed Christian confessions of faith,

and (2) the non-traditional doctrine found in and (2) the non-traditional doctrine found in

some Baptist and other evangelical churches. some Baptist and other evangelical churches.


In a sense, both can describe Christian In a sense, both can describe Christian

believers as "once saved, always saved", but believers as "once saved, always saved", but

the two forms attach a different meaning to the two forms attach a different meaning to

the word saved — namely, whether or not it the word saved — namely, whether or not it

necessarily involves sanctification, the necessarily involves sanctification, the

process of becoming holy by rejecting sin.process of becoming holy by rejecting sin.


Baptists hold the non-traditional view of Baptists hold the non-traditional view of

eternal security and has been espoused by eternal security and has been espoused by

Charles Stanley, Norman Geisler, Zane C. Charles Stanley, Norman Geisler, Zane C.

Hodges, Bill Bright, and others. This view, like Hodges, Bill Bright, and others. This view, like

the traditional Calvinist view, emphasizes that the traditional Calvinist view, emphasizes that

people are saved purely by an act of divine people are saved purely by an act of divine

grace that does not depend at all on the deeds grace that does not depend at all on the deeds

of the individual, and for that reason, of the individual, and for that reason,

advocates insist that nothing the person can advocates insist that nothing the person can

do can affect his or her salvation. do can affect his or her salvation.


The non-traditional doctrine views the The non-traditional doctrine views the

person's character and life after receiving the person's character and life after receiving the

gift of salvation as independent from the gift gift of salvation as independent from the gift

itself, which is the main point of itself, which is the main point of

differentiation from the traditional view, or, in differentiation from the traditional view, or, in

other words, it asserts that justification (that other words, it asserts that justification (that

is, being declared righteous before God on is, being declared righteous before God on

account of Christ) does not necessarily result account of Christ) does not necessarily result

in sanctification (that is, a progressively more in sanctification (that is, a progressively more

righteous life).righteous life).


The doctrine sees the work of salvation as The doctrine sees the work of salvation as

wholly monergistic, which is to say that God wholly monergistic, which is to say that God

alone performs it and man has no part in the alone performs it and man has no part in the

process beyond receiving it, and therefore, process beyond receiving it, and therefore,

proponents argue that man cannot undo proponents argue that man cannot undo

what they believe God has done, even by what they believe God has done, even by

denying the very existence of that God. denying the very existence of that God.


The traditional doctrine teaches that a The traditional doctrine teaches that a

person is secure in salvation because he or person is secure in salvation because he or

she was predestined by God, whereas in the she was predestined by God, whereas in the

non-traditional view, a person is secure non-traditional view, a person is secure

because he or she has believed the Gospel because he or she has believed the Gospel

message.message.

Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism

Baptism, commonly referred to as believer's Baptism, commonly referred to as believer's

baptism among Baptists and some other baptism among Baptists and some other

groups, is administered by full immersion in groups, is administered by full immersion in

water after a person professes Jesus Christ water after a person professes Jesus Christ

to be Savior. to be Savior.


It is seen as an act of obedience to the It is seen as an act of obedience to the

example and command of Jesus given in the example and command of Jesus given in the

Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It is Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It is

an outward expression that is symbolic of an outward expression that is symbolic of

the inward cleansing or remission of their the inward cleansing or remission of their

sins that has already taken place. It is also a sins that has already taken place. It is also a

public identification of that person with public identification of that person with

Christianity and with that particular local Christianity and with that particular local

church.church.


Most Protestants do not practice infant Most Protestants do not practice infant

baptism because they believe parents baptism because they believe parents

cannot make a decision of salvation for an cannot make a decision of salvation for an

infant. Related to this doctrine is the infant. Related to this doctrine is the

disputed concept of an "age of disputed concept of an "age of

accountability" when God determines that a accountability" when God determines that a

mentally capable person is accountable for mentally capable person is accountable for

their sins and eligible for baptism. their sins and eligible for baptism.


This is not a specific age, but is based on This is not a specific age, but is based on

whether or not the person is mentally whether or not the person is mentally

capable of knowing right from wrong. capable of knowing right from wrong.


Thus, a person with severe mental Thus, a person with severe mental

retardation may never reach this age, and retardation may never reach this age, and

therefore would not be held accountable for therefore would not be held accountable for

sins. The book of Isaiah mentions an age at sins. The book of Isaiah mentions an age at

which a child "shall know to refuse the evil, which a child "shall know to refuse the evil,

and choose the good."and choose the good."


Baptists insist upon baptism by full Baptists insist upon baptism by full

immersion, the mode Baptists believe Jesus immersion, the mode Baptists believe Jesus

received when he was baptized by John the received when he was baptized by John the

Baptist. Baptist.

Baptist theology considers that no saving Baptist theology considers that no saving

grace is conveyed during baptism and that grace is conveyed during baptism and that

original sin is not washed away. Baptists original sin is not washed away. Baptists

have traditionally believed that baptism is a have traditionally believed that baptism is a

symbol.symbol.


The candidate is lowered in water backwards The candidate is lowered in water backwards

while the baptizer (a pastor or any baptized while the baptizer (a pastor or any baptized

believer under the authority of the local believer under the authority of the local

Baptist church) invokes the Trinitarian Baptist church) invokes the Trinitarian

phrase found in Matthew 28:19 or other phrase found in Matthew 28:19 or other

words concerning a profession of faith. words concerning a profession of faith.

Baptism by immersion is a representation of Baptism by immersion is a representation of

the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.


Some Baptist churches will recognize "age of Some Baptist churches will recognize "age of

accountability" baptisms by immersion accountability" baptisms by immersion

performed in other Christian churches of performed in other Christian churches of

"like faith and order," while others only "like faith and order," while others only

recognize baptisms performed in Baptist recognize baptisms performed in Baptist

churches. churches.


Baptists are known for re-baptizing converts Baptists are known for re-baptizing converts

to their faith who were previously baptized to their faith who were previously baptized

as infants or small children. Because of this, as infants or small children. Because of this,

the first Baptist congregations were dubbed the first Baptist congregations were dubbed

"Anabaptists", which means re-baptizers."Anabaptists", which means re-baptizers.

Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism Baptist churches will not accept:Baptist churches will not accept:

– Prior baptisms by any means other than Prior baptisms by any means other than

immersion immersion

– Baptisms performed as an infant or child too Baptisms performed as an infant or child too

young to make a personal decision to accept young to make a personal decision to accept

Christ Christ

– Baptisms performed by any means, including Baptisms performed by any means, including

immersion, if administered by a church not immersion, if administered by a church not

considered to be of "like faith and order" by considered to be of "like faith and order" by

the Baptist congregation.the Baptist congregation.

Methodist OriginMethodist Origin

The Methodist movement traces its origin to The Methodist movement traces its origin to

the evangelistic teachings of John Wesley, the evangelistic teachings of John Wesley,

who was an Anglican priest. who was an Anglican priest.

It originated in 18th century Great Britain, It originated in 18th century Great Britain,

and through vigorous missionary activity, and through vigorous missionary activity,

spread throughout the British Empire, the spread throughout the British Empire, the

United States, and beyond. United States, and beyond.


Originally it appealed especially to workers, Originally it appealed especially to workers,

agricultural workers, and slaves. agricultural workers, and slaves.

Stereologically, most Methodists are Stereologically, most Methodists are

Arminian or on rare occasions moderately Arminian or on rare occasions moderately

Calvinist, emphasizing that Christ Calvinist, emphasizing that Christ

accomplished salvation for every human accomplished salvation for every human

being, and that humans must exercise an being, and that humans must exercise an

act of the will to receive it (as opposed to the act of the will to receive it (as opposed to the

traditional Calvinist doctrine of monergism). traditional Calvinist doctrine of monergism).


Methodism is traditionally a low Methodism is traditionally a low

(contemporary) church in liturgy (although (contemporary) church in liturgy (although

this varies greatly between individual this varies greatly between individual

congregations; the Wesleys themselves congregations; the Wesleys themselves

greatly valued the Anglican liturgy and greatly valued the Anglican liturgy and

tradition). tradition).

In 2006, Methodism claimed some seventy-In 2006, Methodism claimed some seventy-

five million members worldwide.five million members worldwide.

Methodist BeliefsMethodist Beliefs

Christian Perfection:Christian Perfection: Though the Methodists never Though the Methodists never

claimed that a perfect, sinless life was ever attained, claimed that a perfect, sinless life was ever attained,

they taught that it was attainable. The Methodists they taught that it was attainable. The Methodists

taught that every Christian must strive for perfection taught that every Christian must strive for perfection

and should evidence some progress in that direction.and should evidence some progress in that direction.

Universal Redemption:Universal Redemption: The universal redemption The universal redemption

proclaims that Jesus Christ died for all people and proclaims that Jesus Christ died for all people and

that all people can be saved - not just a select few. It that all people can be saved - not just a select few. It

also declares that acceptance by Jesus Christ has also declares that acceptance by Jesus Christ has

nothing to do with one's status in life or with one's nothing to do with one's status in life or with one's

position or possessions.position or possessions.

Methodist BeliefsMethodist Beliefs Justification by Faith:Justification by Faith: The belief that one is saved by faith The belief that one is saved by faith

in the saving grace of Jesus Christ alone is central to in the saving grace of Jesus Christ alone is central to

Methodist Doctrine. The service of the Christian life is an Methodist Doctrine. The service of the Christian life is an

expression of one's faith - not the faith. It is because of the expression of one's faith - not the faith. It is because of the

grace, the unmerited love of God in Jesus Christ, that men grace, the unmerited love of God in Jesus Christ, that men

and women are saved - not because of anything they do.and women are saved - not because of anything they do.

The Witness of the Holy Spirit:The Witness of the Holy Spirit: The inner certainty which The inner certainty which

each Christian can have that he/she is a child of God as well each Christian can have that he/she is a child of God as well

as the conviction that God is at work in the world and in the as the conviction that God is at work in the world and in the

life of the believer bringing about His Kingdom gives life of the believer bringing about His Kingdom gives

credence to the witness of the Holy Spirit in the believer's credence to the witness of the Holy Spirit in the believer's

life.life.

Methodist BeliefsMethodist Beliefs

Falling from Grace:Falling from Grace: Emphasis upon the real Emphasis upon the real

possibility that a Christian can live in such a possibility that a Christian can live in such a

way that he/she will reject God's grace even way that he/she will reject God's grace even

though it was once accepted.though it was once accepted.

The Sacraments:The Sacraments: Methodists believe that a Methodists believe that a

sacrament is a "visible sign of an inward and sacrament is a "visible sign of an inward and

spiritual grace" instituted by Jesus Christ. spiritual grace" instituted by Jesus Christ.

There are two sacraments observed by There are two sacraments observed by

Methodists: Baptism and The Lord's Supper. Methodists: Baptism and The Lord's Supper.

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