Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Adventist, Pentecostal—the proliferation of Christian denominations can be confusing, even overwhelming. Here’s a simplified look at what denominations are, some of the ones that have formed in Christianity, and what some of the differences between Christian denominations are.

 

What Is a Denomination?

 

A religious denomination is defined as “a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity.” These subgroups are created through gradual differences in beliefs, or occasionally through rapid divergence following a split or schism.

 

In Christianity, church denominations may sometimes be conflated with sects, thanks to the complicated and varied usage of the term.Christian sects are generally considered to be very small subgroups, often breaking off from within denominations. Though sometimes the term can be used to refer to a denomination as a whole, it is often used in a negative context to refer to a group viewed as heretical.

 

Christian Denominations

 

There are many different types of Christianity, with as many as 45,000 Christian denominations estimated to exist around the world. However, these denominations can be broken down into three broad categories: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant.

 

• Roman Catholic:Catholicism places priority on public, ritual worship. The Pope is the head of the Catholic church, “the key human authority over the church, who is infallible when speaking ex cathedra (from the full seat of authority on issues of faith or morals).”
• Eastern Orthodox: The Orthodox church also prioritizes liturgical worship, but rejects the Catholic idea of an infallible Pope. 
• Protestant: The Protestant church separated from the Catholic church during the Protestant Reformation. Protestants also reject papal primacy, and believe in justification through faith alone. There are many denominations within the Protestant church, including Baptist, Episcopalian, Evangelist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and many more.

 

What Is a Non-Denominational Christian?

 

Non-denominational churches are “those not formally aligned with an established denomination or those that remain otherwise officially autonomous.” Non-denominational Christians do not see themselves as belonging to any particular denomination; instead, they “have an inclination to regard the Bible itself as their authority rather than the customs of a distinct church.”

 

Here at the Massachusetts Bible Society, we’re dedicated to promoting biblical literacy. Biblical texts have been interpreted in diverse ways from generation to generation and are always filtered through the lens of the reader’s faith and life experiences. The Bible has authority for communities of faith who take time to study and prayerfully interpret its message, but it is also important for anyone who wants more fully to understand culture, religious thought, and the world in which we live. We believe that everyone should know the Bible, whether they accept it as their sacred text or not. To that end, we have created accessible and comprehensive resources for all who are curious.

Check out our Exploring the Bible courses and claim your free sample chapters, or explore our website for more! The Massachusetts Bible Society is a Christian organization that exists to promote biblical literacy, understanding, and dialogue that is grounded in scholarship, socially relevant, and respectful of the many voices within the Bible and all those who turn to the Bible in faith. Donate today or consider planned giving to help us bring biblical understanding to the world!