Protestant vs. Presbyterian: What’s the Difference?

Protestant and Presbyterian are two terms associated with Christianity, but many people aren’t sure what the differences are between them. Some people know that neither Protestants nor Presbyterians are Catholic, yet they aren’t sure exactly what they are.

The Protestant branch of Christianity grew out of a 16th-century rebellion against Catholicism in Europe. Martin Luther of Germany ignited the reform movement. Presbyterian is a branch within Protestantism that grew out of reform movements in France and Scotland led by John Calvin and John Knox, respectively.

What is the exact meaning of the terms Protestant and Presbyterian? Why did the Protestant Reformation emerge in Europe? Why did the Presbyterian branch emerge from within the Protestant Reformation? What are the names of the other branches? Keep reading to learn more.

Also, see Presbyterian vs. Roman Catholic: What’s the Difference? to learn more.

The Meaning of Protestant and Presbyterian

The terms “Protestant” and “Presbyterian” have overlapping meanings, yet each is also unique. To understand the group of Christians each term refers to, it’s important to understand certain aspects of the history of the church. Before that, however, knowing the exact definition of each term is beneficial. (Also see Presbyterian vs. Pentecostal: What’s the Difference?)

Luther’s famous stand: When Luther, considered the founder of the Protestant Reformation, was tried for his criticism of the Catholic church, he famously replied: “I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”

What Do Protestants Believe?

Protestant Christianity is centered on the conviction that the Bible alone is authoritative for the Church and for Christians. Martin Luther of Germany — among others, like John Calvin of France and Ulrich Zwingli of Switzerland — argued that the Catholic church had strayed from Scripture in several matters, like the practice of indulgences.

Luther didn’t intend to start a new branch of Christianity; he intended to call the Catholic church back to the Bible.

Key term | indulgences: The term “indulgences” describes a pardon for the teaching that temporary punishments remain for people even after the forgiveness of their guilt for sin. The Protestant Reformers strongly disagreed with the practice of indulgences because Catholic leaders used the practice for their own agendas and because they believe that Christ’s sacrifice sufficiently remits all punishment due to sin.

Key Protestant convictions:

• Salvation is by grace, through faith, in Christ alone: How is a sinner saved? That is a critically important question that every tradition in Christianity answers. Moreover, each tradition’s doctrine of salvation is a central conviction of their belief system. Protestant Christians are agreed that sinners are saved (1) because of God’s grace, as opposed to inherent or earned merits, (2) through faith as opposed to works, even religious works, and (3) in Christ alone, who is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

• The Bible is the sole authority for the Church and Christians: Historically, Protestantism has charged Catholicism with over-valuing Church tradition to the detriment of Scripture. For example, the use and abuse of indulgences arose because of the worldly and selfish agendas of Catholic leaders, according to the Reformers. If the Catholic Church had not breached the boundaries described in the Bible, indulgences wouldn’t have become normative in the Church.

Also, see What Bible Translation Do Presbyterians Read?

Key Protestant Traditions

Some Protestant traditions trace their roots to Europe’s first wave of reform movements in the 16th century. Other Protestant traditions began in later centuries, some offshoots of the first wave. Key branches include:

• Lutheranism: Luther didn’t intend to start a denomination, but that was the result when he protested the abuses of the Catholic church. The church Luther started in Germany and spread through Europe, especially Scandinavia (i.e., Denmark, Norway, and Sweden), and to America in later centuries. (Also see Presbyterian vs. Lutheran: What’s the Difference?)

• Reformed: Theologically, Presbyterian churches are Calvinistic, also known as Reformed. Some use the terms “Calvinist” and “Reformed” interchangeably, yet others make a distinction between the two. This Protestant movement started in France and spread to other places in the Western world, like Scotland, England, and America.

• Anglican: Also known as the Church of England, the Anglican tradition is in many ways closer to the Catholic branch of the Christian faith than any other Protestant tradition. It began and flourished in England and, over time, became influential in America. Around the time of the Revolutionary War, the denomination increasingly used the term Episcopalian in America. (Also see Presbyterian vs. Anglican: What’s the Difference?)

• Anabaptist: Meaning “new baptism” or “re-baptism,” this movement is named for their repudiation of infant baptism, which isn’t only found in Catholicism, but also in the Lutheran, Reformed, and Anglican traditions.

Later Protestant traditions:

• Baptist: This tradition is named after their convictions about baptism. Rejecting infant baptism, the tradition subscribes to “believer’s baptism,” which is the conviction that only professing Christians should be baptized. While this rules out infant baptism, it doesn’t necessarily forbid child baptism for those who can make a genuine profession of faith in Christ. The Baptist tradition spread like wildfire in America. (Also see Presbyterian vs. Baptist: What’s the Difference?)

• Methodist: John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, like Luther before him, never intended to start a denomination. Wesley’s desire was to reform the Anglican church. When the church resisted his efforts, a new movement arose. Though Wesley disagreed with Luther on a variety of doctrines, the writings of the German Reformer had a substantial impact on Wesley’s conversion to Christ.

• Pentecostal: This tradition, which dates to the early 20th century, is one of the fastest-growing traditions in the 2,000-year history of Christianity. Baptism in the Holy Spirit, marked by speaking in tongues, is a key doctrine in Pentecostal traditions. Pentecostal churches are theologically Arminian like Methodism and practice believer’s baptism like Baptists. The largest Pentecostal denomination in the world is Assemblies of God.

Please see the related articles below.

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