Assemblies of God is a prominent denomination in Protestant Christianity. Like other Christian traditions, it values the teachings of Jesus Christ on being baptized with water. Assemblies of God agrees with some other Christian denominations about water baptism but disagrees with others. Assemblies of God holds to so-called “believer’s baptism.” According to this conviction, only…
In the span of a century, the Assemblies of God has become one of the largest and most influential denominations in Protestant Christianity. Bethel Church is a Pentecostal megachurch in Redding, California, whose influence extends all around the world. Bethel used to be a part of the Assemblies of God, but they aren’t anymore. Bethel…
The Assemblies of God denomination has a rich history and robust theology. Its convictions are strong and its ministries are influential. Tithing 10% of one’s income is an important part of many Christian churches and a subject filled with tension in others. The Assemblies of God denomination encourages its members to tithe 10% of their…
Throughout the centuries, Lent has provided opportunities for Christians to slow down and examine themselves to prepare to observe Jesus Christ’s death. This aligns with the emphasis that Methodists have historically placed on intentional, purposeful Christian living. This invites the question: Do Methodists celebrate Lent? Many Methodists observe Lent, although it is not required that…
The Assemblies of God denomination is one of the fastest-growing branches of Protestant Christianity in its 500-year history. The Assemblies of God shares many beliefs with other Christian churches, yet they have unique convictions as well. The 16 Fundamental Truths articulate their core beliefs, which are: What do the Assemblies of God believe about the…
Methodism is a prominent branch of Protestant Christianity that dates to the mid-18th century. Pentecostalism is a movement within Protestantism that originated in the early 20th century. What’s the difference between Methodism and Pentecostalism? Are any Methodists Pentecostals? Methodism is a tradition within Protestant Christianity that is made up of different denominations, like the United…
Christians have worn symbols of their faith since the time of Christ. For example, the cross has served as a vivid reminder of Jesus’ death as a sacrifice for sin for all people. Because various Christian traditions use and view symbols differently, some have wondered if Methodists wear crosses. Many Methodists wear crosses as an…
More people have their bodies cremated upon their physical death than ever. [1] Cremation has become more popular than burial for various reasons, including lessening the financial burden on loved ones and reducing the environmental impact. The Catholic Church prefers that bodies be buried, yet provides guidelines for those who choose cremation. The Roman Catholic…
Methodists have always been intentional about the way they approach their Christian faith. In addition, the Bible is their primary guide for doctrine and practice. These two facts make many people curious about what Bible translation the Methodist church uses. The most common Bible translations that Methodists read are the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)…
Methodism and Lutheranism are two of the most influential Protestant Christian denominations. Many of their core beliefs are the same, yet they also have critical theological differences. Methodism is about 200 years younger than Lutheranism. Methodism is Arminian, and Lutheranism isn’t. Methodists believe the Lord’s Supper is the real presence of Christ, and Lutherans hold…
It was essential to John Wesley (1703-1791), the founder of Methodism, that his movement of Christian devotion and spiritual transformation contain robust biblical theology. The doctrine of God, especially the Trinity, is central to biblical theology, so what does the Methodist denomination believe about it? Methodism believes, teaches, and defends the doctrine of the Trinity…
Methodism and Anglicanism are distinct branches of Christianity, though they have a closer relationship to each other than to other denominations and traditions. Because of their unique connection, Methodists and Anglicans have a lot in common, but they have significant differences, too. Anglicanism is a midway point between Catholicism and Protestantism in doctrine and practice,…
Methodism emerged in 18th-century England to become one of the most influential branches of Protestant Christianity in Europe, America, and worldwide. Beliefs are important to Methodists, and historically their doctrine has been based on the Bible’s teachings. Heaven is one of Methodism’s most essential beliefs. According to Methodism beliefs, heaven is the dwelling place of…
Baptism has always been important in the Methodist tradition because of its significance in the New Testament. In addition, baptism is a significant life event for the person getting baptized, their family and friends, and their church community. Therefore, how a person is baptized is also important in Methodism. Methodists sprinkle or gently pour water…
Methodism is an important and influential branch of Protestant Christianity. The tradition, founded by John Wesley (1703-1791) in 18th century England, has traditionally upheld the primary doctrines of the Christian faith, like the Trinity, the inspiration of Scripture, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, it has also focused on ministries that promote evangelism and…
The Bible has a lot to say about death, including how to ultimately overcome it. How do Methodists interpret Scripture’s teaching about death? How does it shape their beliefs? Methodist theology has historically taught that death is the consequence of sin, and because every person has sinned, all will eventually die. However, Jesus Christ enables…
Methodism is one of the historical branches of Protestant Christianity. The tradition values doctrines like the Trinity, the inspiration of Scripture, and sanctification or growing in spiritual maturity. But what do Methodists believe about Mary? Do they pray to her as other traditions do? Methodists don’t pray to Mary as Catholics do. Instead, Methodists honor…
The Methodist branch of Protestant Christianity is known, in part, for its focus on discipleship. Advocates of the Pentecostal and charismatic movement state that, among other things, speaking in tongues helps Christians grow as disciples. So do Methodists speak in tongues? In general, Methodist denominations are open to their pastors and church members speaking in…
The Methodist Church and the Roman Catholic Church both value doctrine and practice. Both traditions also believe they faithfully follow the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, and they agree on doctrines like the Trinity, the inspiration of Scripture, and original sin. Yet there are important differences between Methodists and Catholics as well. Methodism and Catholicism…
Prayer has always been important in Methodism. John Wesley (1703-1791), the founder of the Methodist tradition, once said, “God will do nothing but in answer to prayer.” Yet not all Christians pray the same way. Some people use prayer beads or rosary beads to help guide their prayers. Do Methodists? Methodists don’t use “rosary beads”…
Methodism is an essential and influential branch of Protestant Christianity. Predestination is a distinguishing feature of certain Protestant traditions, like the Presbyterian church and Reformed theology. These facts have led many people to wonder if Methodists believe in predestination. The Methodist church doesn’t believe in predestination, as Calvinist and Reformed theologians define the term. Instead,…
The Methodist branch of Protestant Christianity has a rich theological history. The tradition, founded by John Wesley (1703-1791), has solid doctrinal convictions about death and the afterlife. But what exactly do Methodists believe happens after a person dies? Do they believe in the existence of purgatory like Catholics do, or something else? The Methodist church…
The Methodist denomination has many things in common with other Protestant churches. However, one of the unique aspects of the tradition is that many Methodist churches change pastors every few years. Why do they do this? Methodist churches routinely change pastors because the tradition’s founder, John Wesley, believed it was best that people hear from…
The historical branches of Protestant Christianity, including Methodism, have different perspectives on ordaining women to be pastors. Even within traditions like Methodism, there are diverse viewpoints about training, recognizing, and calling women to minister as shepherds of churches. Most Methodist churches support women pastors. The United Methodist Church (UMC), the largest denomination in the Methodist…
The Methodist branch of Protestant Christianity has a rich theological tradition. Beginning with its founder, John Wesley (1703-1791), the leaders and members of the Methodist movement have championed doctrines like the Trinity, the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the inspiration of Scripture. But do Methodists believe in the saints? Methodists believe that Scripture uses the…
The Methodist movement within Protestant Christianity was known in its early years for its member’s rigid discipline and strict moral convictions. The prohibited behaviors included playing card games, dancing at balls, and moderate social drinking. Do Methodists today still abstain from drinking alcohol? Most Methodists today believe drinking a moderate amount of alcohol in a…
The Methodist branch of Protestant Christianity is known, in part, for the disciplined approach that its earliest members took to following Christ. While some enjoy these disciplines, others see them as restrictive. Dancing is often one of the questions people have about the Methodist way of life. Dancing isn’t a sin to most Methodists as…
Throughout history, Methodists have been intentional about how they approach their faith. One of the ways they do this is through reciting creeds such as the Apostles’ Creed. Some might ask: why do Methodists say the Apostles’ Creed? Methodists say the Apostles’ Creed because it expresses the fundamental beliefs of Methodism and shows unity with…
Methodism, like most major Christian denominations, holds marriage in high esteem, which raises questions about divorce. However, some Christian traditions are more strict than others regarding people who have experienced a divorce. This reality invites the question if divorced people can get married in a Methodist Church. Divorced people can get married in a Methodist…
The Methodist and Baptist branches of Protestant Christianity have left indelible marks on the Western world. Not only have the traditions planted churches, but they have positively contributed to society and culture. The denominations and churches that comprise each tradition have many similarities but important differences too. Methodists and Baptists historically agree on doctrines like…
Presbyterian churches have always been communities of worship because they believe God is worthy of honor and praise. Because of the tradition’s high view of Scripture, corporate worship in the Presbyterian tradition comes from the teachings of the Bible. Presbyterian churches traditionally practice the Regulative Principle of Worship, though some denominations, synods, and churches have…
The Anglican and Presbyterian traditions were born from 16th-century protests against the Roman Catholic Church in Europe. The denominations agree on several essential Christian doctrines but differ significantly on some issues. Presbyterianism is a thoroughly Protestant tradition. The Anglican Church is a mixture of Protestant and Roman Catholic convictions. However, The 39 Articles of Religion…
The Presbyterian and Baptist traditions are influential Protestant denominations that have left their mark in Europe, America, and worldwide. The traditions agree on many important matters of faith and practice, but they have significant differences, too. Presbyterians and Baptists agree on doctrines like the Trinity, Scripture’s inspiration, and Jesus Christ’s resurrection. They disagree about baptism,…
The Presbyterian tradition has historically held the Bible in high esteem. Its founder, French Reformer John Calvin (1509-1564), and other pastors and theologians had the conviction that God inspired Scripture and that it was authoritative for the Church. The King James Version (KJV) is the Bible translation that Presbyterians have used historically. However, in recent…
Presbyterians disagree with Catholics on several vital issues. For example, Presbyterians don’t recognize the papacy, have different beliefs about the saints, including Mary, and have different views about the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist. These differences make some wonder if a Catholic can attend a Presbyterian church. Catholics may attend Presbyterian churches, most of which would…
The Presbyterian and Episcopalian traditions are Protestant branches of the Christian faith that originated in 16th-century Europe. These denominations have much in common, especially when contrasted with Roman Catholicism. Presbyterians and Episcopalians don’t agree on all matters of faith and practice. Presbyterians and Episcopalians agree on doctrines like the Trinity, the inspiration of Scripture, and…
For most Christians, the 40 days of Lent that begin on Ash Wednesday and culminate with Easter Sunday is a solemn period of deep spiritual reflection, repentance, and penance. The celebration of Lent varies among the Christian faiths, with Catholics adhering to centuries-old traditions and conventions in their observation of the Lenten season. Lutherans adopted…
The Presbyterian and Lutheran traditions have been two of the most influential branches of Protestant Christianity for over 500 years. The denominations, churches, and people in these two prominent traditions have many similarities, yet they have differences, too. German Reformer Martin Luther founded Lutheranism, and French Reformer John Calvin founded Presbyterianism. The traditions agree on…
Christians have believed in the doctrine of the Trinity for over 2,000 years because they believe the Bible teaches it. Yet some churches that call themselves Christian don’t believe in the Trinity. So what about Presbyterianism? Presbyterians believe in the Trinity. Since its inception, the tradition has taught that one God exists in three persons:…
The Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) and the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) are the two largest Presbyterian denominations in the United States. The PCUSA and the PCA have shared history dating back to French theologian John Calvin (1509-1564) and the Protestant Reformation. They have traditionally held the same theological convictions, though they have taken starkly…
The terms “Reformed” and “Presbyterian” are sometimes used as virtual synonyms to describe the same branch of Protestant Christianity. At other times, the words are used in a narrower sense, in which case people can distinguish between them. “Reformed” describes a Calvinist tradition within Protestant Christianity distinct from Lutheran and Anabaptist branches. “Presbyterian” is the…
Not all church sanctuaries are the same. Some have crucifixes; others have empty crosses. Some have pews; others have chairs. Some have organs; others have drum sets. Some have altars; others don’t. Presbyterian churches don’t have “altars” like Catholic churches but have “communion tables.” In Catholic churches, the altar holds the elements of the Eucharist…
Bible readers agree that Jesus Christ established the practice of routinely eating bread and wine to commemorate his death as an atonement for sin. However, many Christian denominations, like Presbyterianism, have unique beliefs and practices regarding communion. Many Presbyterian churches take communion every week. Others take it “frequently,” which may mean once or twice a…
Sometimes the name “Presbyterian” is used in a way that doesn’t identify its beliefs and practices. Hearing the term without any further description can raise more questions than answers. Presbyterianism is a Christian denomination. The Presbyterian tradition, consisting of denominations, churches, and people, holds to the core teachings of Christianity, like the Trinity. Presbyterianism was…
Presbyterian and Pentecostal traditions are two of Protestant Christianity’s most important and influential branches. While they agree on several essential biblical doctrines, they differ on certain theological ideas and Christian practices. The Presbyterian tradition subscribes to Covenant Theology, the teachings of French theologian John Calvin, and practices an elder-led form of church government. The Pentecostal…
The Roman Catholic and Presbyterian branches of the Christian faith trace their origins to Jesus of Nazareth and his apostles, as well as their writings that comprise most of the New Testament. There are significant similarities and differences between Catholicism and Presbyterianism. A central difference between Catholicism and Presbyterianism is where they locate authority. Catholicism…
The terms Presbyterian and Puritan sound similar. Many people know these names have something to do with Protestant Christianity, but they aren’t sure about their exact meaning. What is the difference between these groups of people? What’s their relationship with each other? Presbyterianism is a Christian denomination rooted in the theological teachings of French Reformer…
The terms Calvinist and Presbyterian describe churches, belief systems, and the people associated with them. Many people know that these terms relate to a certain tradition in Protestant Christianity, but they aren’t sure about the relationship between them. The terms Calvinist and Presbyterian have overlapping meanings, yet they differ. A Calvinist is someone who subscribes…
Baptism is one of the most essential practices in Christianity, including in the Presbyterian tradition. Presbyterians take baptism very seriously because of its importance in the New Testament. Presbyterian churches are known for baptizing infants, but do they also baptize adults? Presbyterians baptize adults in addition to infants, but they don’t re-baptize them. In most…
When people think of rosary beads and their associated prayers, the Roman Catholic Church often comes to mind. Yet there are non-Catholic Christians, including some Protestants, who use prayer beads. Does the Presbyterian tradition encourage using rosaries? Presbyterians don’t use rosaries. The historic teaching of the Presbyterian tradition strongly objects to praying to saints, including…