Sarah Mitchell
The term Protestant is used to refer to non-Catholic Christians. Protestant churches originated in the 15th century as a protest movement against the Catholic Church, led by a priest named Martin Luther. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broad range of denominations and traditions, including Lutherans, Baptists, Evangelicals, and non-denominational Christians. While there is no single term to describe all non-Protestant Christians, the term Orthodox is often used to refer to those who follow traditions and beliefs similar to the Catholic Church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term | Protestant |
| Origin | The term originated in the 15th or 16th century when a priest called Martin Luther protested against some of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. |
| Definition | The term refers to all non-Catholic and non-Orthodox Christians. |
| Denominations | Baptists, Lutherans, Mormons, Evangelical Christians, non-denominational Christians, Anglicans, and others. |
| Number of adherents | Over 500 million adherents worldwide, including over 279 million Pentecostals. |
| Wealth and education | Mainline Protestant denominations, such as the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church, and the United Church of Christ, have the highest number of graduate and post-graduate degrees per capita of any other Christian denomination in the United States. Episcopalians and Presbyterians tend to be wealthier than most other religious groups in America. |
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What You'll Learn
- Protestants: Christians who protested against the Catholic Church during the Reformation in the 16th century
- Evangelical Christians: Protestants who emphasise the heritage of the evangelical movement
- Mormons: Followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often considered non-Christian
- Jehovah's Witnesses: A Christian denomination that is neither Protestant nor Catholic
- Anglicans: Protestant Christians who look to the Church of England as their founding church
Protestants: Christians who protested against the Catholic Church during the Reformation in the 16th century
Protestants are Christians who protested against the Catholic Church during the Reformation in the 16th century. The name 'Protestant' first appeared at the Diet of Speyer in 1529 when the Roman Catholic emperor of Germany, Charles V, rescinded a provision that had allowed each ruler to choose whether to administer the Edict of Worms, which banned Martin Luther's writings and labelled him a heretic. A protest against this decision was read on behalf of 14 free cities of Germany and six Lutheran princes, who declared that they were not bound by the majority decision. Those who protested became known as Protestants, and the label was gradually applied to all who adhered to the tenets of the Reformation.
Protestants reject the Catholic Church's doctrine that it is the one true church, instead teaching belief in the invisible church, which consists of all who profess faith in Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Church sees itself as the "main trunk of the historical Christian Tree" founded by Christ and the Apostles, holding that during the Reformation, the Church of Rome fell away. Protestants emphasize the grace of God, or God's unmerited favour.
Protestantism, as a movement, began in northern Europe in the early 16th century as a reaction to medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices. It sparked a movement across Europe, which led to the start of several denominations. Today, there are nearly 1.2 billion Protestants worldwide, and it remains one of the three major forces in Christianity, alongside Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.
Protestant denominations include Adventists, Anabaptists, Anglicans/Episcopalians, Baptists, Calvinist/Reformed, Lutherans, Methodists, Moravians, Pentecostals, Plymouth Brethren, Presbyterians, Quakers, and Waldensians.
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Evangelical Christians: Protestants who emphasise the heritage of the evangelical movement
Protestants are Christians who are not Catholic or Orthodox. The term “Protestant” was first used to refer to those who protested against the Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
Evangelical Christians are Protestants who emphasise the heritage of the evangelical movement. Evangelicalism is a worldwide, interdenominational movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasises evangelism, or the preaching and spreading of the Christian gospel. The term "evangelical" is derived from the Koine Greek word "euangelion", meaning "good news", in reference to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Evangelicalism typically places a strong emphasis on personal conversion, often described as being "born again", and regards the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. The movement grew substantially during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly through the series of religious revivals known as the Great Awakening in the United States and various revival movements and reform efforts in Britain.
Evangelical Christians can be found across many Protestant denominations and global contexts, including non-denominational churches, Pentecostal, Baptist, Reformed, Methodist, Mennonite, Plymouth Brethren, and Quaker traditions. Notable evangelical leaders have included George Whitefield, Billy Graham, and John Stott. As of 2016, an estimated 619 million people identified as evangelical Christians worldwide, accounting for roughly one-quarter of Christians.
In the United States, evangelicalism has been divided into three main historical groupings: Puritan or classical evangelicalism, pietistic evangelicalism, and fundamentalist evangelicalism. Puritan or classical evangelicalism seeks to preserve the doctrinal heritage of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, emphasising absolute divine sovereignty, forensic justification, and "literalistic" inerrancy. Pietistic evangelicalism, which originated from the 18th-century pietist movements in Europe and the Great Awakenings in America, embraces revivalism and a more experiential faith, emphasising conversion, sanctification, regeneration, and healing. Fundamentalist evangelicalism emerged from the Fundamentalist-Modernist split of the early 20th century, emphasising certain “fundamental” beliefs against modernist criticism and often interpreting the Bible through an apocalyptic, premillennialist lens.
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Mormons: Followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often considered non-Christian
The term "Protestant" is often used to refer to non-Catholic Christians. It was first used to describe those who protested against the Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. However, today, it is used more broadly to refer to all non-Catholic and non-Orthodox Christians.
There are many different denominations and traditions within Protestantism, each with its own distinct beliefs and practices. Lutherans, Baptists, and Evangelicals are some examples of denominations that fall under the Protestant label.
However, not all non-Catholic Christians identify as Protestant. Some Christian groups, such as Mormons, or followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are considered by some to be outside of the Protestant category. Mormons have developed beliefs distinct from those of the Protestant Reformation, and as such, they are often considered a separate group. While Mormons consider themselves followers of Jesus Christ and strive to follow his teachings, some Protestants argue that Mormons are not Christians at all.
Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have a unique set of beliefs and practices that set them apart from other Christian denominations. One of the key differences is their belief in the Book of Mormon as a sacred text alongside the Bible. They also have distinct rituals and practices, such as baptism for the dead and the laying on of hands for healing.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in the 19th century by Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received divine revelations and restored the true church of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe in the literal divinity of Jesus Christ and strive to follow his teachings and commandments. They have a strong emphasis on family and community and often live in close-knit congregations.
Mormons have faced some controversy and criticism due to their unique beliefs and practices, and their status as Christians has been debated by members of other denominations. However, they continue to be a significant religious group, with a presence in many countries around the world. They are known for their dedication to their faith and their commitment to living according to their beliefs.
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Jehovah's Witnesses: A Christian denomination that is neither Protestant nor Catholic
Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian denomination that is neither Protestant nor Catholic. While the term “Protestant” is often used broadly to refer to all non-Catholic and non-Orthodox Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses do not consider themselves to be Protestants or Catholics. They view themselves as a separate category from these two main Christian groups.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that their denomination is a restoration of first-century Christianity and that mainstream Christianity has departed from true worship over time. They believe that the Bible is scientifically and historically accurate, reliable, and mostly literal, but they interpret some parts of it symbolically. They also believe that certain doctrines of Catholic and Protestant worship, such as the Trinity, hellfire, and the immortality of the soul, contradict the Bible and promote a distorted view of God.
Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize positive instruction over negative protest, focusing on preaching the good news of God's Kingdom and helping others build faith. They do not engage in quarrels or attempt to reform other religious groups, including the Catholic Church. Instead, they strive to follow the Bible's counsel on kindness, patience, and gentle correction.
The religious beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses differentiate them from both Catholic and Protestant traditions. They consider themselves to be God's modern-day organization, separate from denominations, and believe that only Jehovah's Witnesses will survive the impending end of the current system, as stated in their literature.
As a result of their beliefs and political neutrality, Jehovah's Witnesses have faced religious animosity, government oppression, and imprisonment in various countries. Their activities are banned or restricted in some nations, and they have experienced persecution for their refusal to serve in the military during periods of compulsory national service. Despite these challenges, Jehovah's Witnesses continue to spread their message and build their faith globally.
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Anglicans: Protestant Christians who look to the Church of England as their founding church
Protestantism is a broad term that refers to all Christians who are not Catholic or Orthodox. It originated in the 15th or 16th century as a protest movement against the Catholic Church, led by Martin Luther. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of denominations and traditions, each with its unique beliefs and practices.
One such Protestant denomination is Anglicanism, which looks to the Church of England as its founding church. The Anglican Church began in the 16th century after King Henry VIII's split from the Roman Catholic Church. Today, most Anglicans are African, and their services are centred around reading and learning from the Bible, as well as partaking in the Eucharist or Holy Communion.
Anglicanism, also known as Episcopalianism due to its hierarchical structure of bishops, holds together people with diverse views and styles. While some Anglo-Catholics emphasise their Catholic heritage, others lean more towards the Protestant tradition. Anglicans agree that their priorities include proclaiming Jesus' teachings, teaching and nurturing new believers, serving humanity through love, and striving for peace and environmental sustainability.
Anglican services vary greatly, not only between neighbouring churches but also between neighbouring countries. Ritual and tradition are important to many Anglicans and are reflected in the dress of the clergy, the order of Sunday worship, and the colours used to decorate churches throughout the year. The Anglican Church is led by archbishops, bishops, and priests, with some bishops holding positions of power in the House of Lords, reflecting the link between church and state.
Anglicans are just one of the many Protestant denominations, which also include Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, and non-denominational Christians, each with its distinct beliefs and practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-Catholic Christians are called Protestants. This term refers to all Christians who are not Catholic or Orthodox.
The term 'Protestant' comes from the 15th or 16th century when a priest called Martin Luther protested against some of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.
There are many different denominations within Protestantism, including Lutherans, Baptists, Mormons, Evangelicals, and non-denominational Christians.
Orthodox Christians differ from Protestants in a number of ways, including their views on salvation. Orthodox Christians generally refer to subscribers of the Nicene Creed, including most Protestants and Catholics, but can also refer specifically to Eastern Orthodox churches.
Yes, non-denominational Christians exist and are considered Protestant. These groups are not tied to any specific denomination and may have their own unique beliefs and practices.
