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Christianity's Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe and Why
This book is excellent for individual reading or can be used as the small group study book for the Christianity's Family Tree DVD-based study.
Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, he contends that each denomination has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith.
The traditions he examines are Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Methodism. For each group, Hamilton gives a brief history, outlines major beliefs, and describes some things we can learn from that tradition to strengthen our own Christian faith.
Adam Hamilton is, in my opinion, a national treasure. He embodies the kind of generous orthodoxy so many of us have been dreaming of and praying for. This book provides something truly unique—a kind of orientation to Christianity in its wide array of forms that not only educates but inspires. It’s one of the few books I wish every single Christian would read and share with their friends.
- Brian McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christian
In this wise and practical book, Adam Hamilton serves as a trusted guide to some of the rich diversity of Christian belief and practice. It is a rare feat to acknowledge differences and distinctiveness appreciatively, and Hamilton does it with exceptional grace and insight.
- L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School
I love this book. Adam Hamilton teaches us that we are far richer than we know, because the beauty and the fullness of the whole church is ours. Read, learn, and be happy.
- John Ortberg, author of God Is Closer Than You Think
Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, he contends that each denomination has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith.
The traditions he examines are Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Methodism. For each group, Hamilton gives a brief history, outlines major beliefs, and describes some things we can learn from that tradition to strengthen our own Christian faith.
Adam Hamilton is, in my opinion, a national treasure. He embodies the kind of generous orthodoxy so many of us have been dreaming of and praying for. This book provides something truly unique—a kind of orientation to Christianity in its wide array of forms that not only educates but inspires. It’s one of the few books I wish every single Christian would read and share with their friends.
- Brian McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christian
In this wise and practical book, Adam Hamilton serves as a trusted guide to some of the rich diversity of Christian belief and practice. It is a rare feat to acknowledge differences and distinctiveness appreciatively, and Hamilton does it with exceptional grace and insight.
- L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School
I love this book. Adam Hamilton teaches us that we are far richer than we know, because the beauty and the fullness of the whole church is ours. Read, learn, and be happy.
- John Ortberg, author of God Is Closer Than You Think
136 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2007
72 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hamilton
302 books289 followersRev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
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March 5, 2024
Most books that discuss different flavors of Christianity have an ax to grind, proving how the author’s own branch is right and pointing out the errors of the others. This book does not do that. It is a brief history of how eight strains of Christianity came to be and highlights the positive attributes of each tradition. Hamilton is not exhaustive in his write up nor does he intend to be. He writes a good broad stroke overview to help the reader appreciate the contributions of many churches.
October 24, 2011
Many people in the church today do not know much about their denomination’s history and even less about the history of other Christian denominations. Why is it important to know these things? What is the difference? Hamilton begins to answer these questions in this study while providing the historical knowledge and background needed to understand the branches on Christianity’s family tree. Starting at the very beginning with Orthodoxy and leading up to Methodism, Hamilton shows where eight different Christian denominations originated and what distinguishes them from each other. The emphasis is on what we can learn from other denominations rather than what is wrong about other denominations. In each session, we see a little bit of our own history and understand more about the overall history of Christianity. Hamilton brings it together beautifully at the end as the image of a tree emerges from the map of denominations that has grown throughout the study. By learning more about all of Christianity, we can find new ways to glorify God and love our neighbors.
The study covers Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Methodism. With the introductory and concluding chapters, there are ten sessions. Each session has a video portion that features Hamilton’s sermons on these denominations and interviews with local church leaders.
The study covers Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Methodism. With the introductory and concluding chapters, there are ten sessions. Each session has a video portion that features Hamilton’s sermons on these denominations and interviews with local church leaders.
June 4, 2015
An easy to read book that highlights the foundation, themes and differences between some of the major branches of Christianity. We read this as part of a small group and the video that goes along with it of Adam Hamilton's sermons on the same topic provided additional information. The book and video did not generate a lot of discussion among our group but maybe groups where members have more of a background in the various religions would find more to discuss.
March 24, 2009
This is something everyone who's interested in Christianity should read. Hamilton is very fair-minded and focuses on the positive aspects of eight denominations, even the ones that are easy to make fun of. It's very concise and educational. Not exactly gripping, but that's not why you'd read it, so that's OK. He has a similar book on world religions that I look forward to reading someday.
March 25, 2008
At our church we completed this journey via sermon series and evening study. Helpful introduction to other 'movements' or branches of Christianity. Especially poignant is Hamilton's intent to learn from these branches, rather than merely dismiss them as different.
May 9, 2015
This is a very illuminating explanation and history of the Christian denominations. The theme is that most Christian denominations have progressed from one root and essentially constitute a united tree of diversified, yet complimentary branches. I’ll briefly address the denominations in the chronology by which they developed.
The Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church is identified as the first Christian church to become distinct from Judaism. The Orthodox Church became distinguished as the eastern church of the Roman Empire when Western Christians altered the Nicene Creed to read that the Holy Spirit proceeded not only from the Father but also from the Son. As a result, in 1054, the Eastern Orthodox Church became separate from Western Catholicism.
Orthodox Christians believe they are the continuous successors of the apostles and that Catholics have departed from the path by giving too much authority to the pope. Today, Eastern Orthodox Christians are the second-largest denomination after Roman Catholics. They are still located primarily in the east, with the largest number found in Russia.
Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus came as a ransom for all humanity to redeem humankind from death and that once this gift is accepted a person begins a lifelong journey towards becoming like God. This is referred to as “sanctification” and the means for accomplishing it is participation in worship, prayer, and pursuit of seven sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing, Matrimony, & Holy Orders). Orthodox Christians believe that the sacraments are the way in which the Holy Spirit imparts grace. The sacrament of baptism begins the Christian life, even in infancy. The sacrament of the Eucharist is even conducted for infants, with a drop of wine placed on the innocent infant’s unresisting tongue.
In addition to the scriptures, the Orthodox believe the Holy Spirit has continued to guide subsequent religious writings. These writings begin in AD 96 with the First Letter of Clement and stretch for hundreds of years.
Orthodox Christians venerate icons of saints and may even pray to a saint. The Orthodox believe that God and the saints are constantly by our side, cheering us on, as witnesses encircling us. Contemporary believers are called to be living icons, both in the church and in the world.
Orthodox worship is designed to help the worshiper see divine reality. The Orthodox Church building is designed to transport the worshiper into the heavenly realm, often with a mosaic or fresco of Jesus looking down on the congregation. Painted images of Mary, the apostles, martyrs, and saints are common. The Orthodox perceive their building as an earthly foreshadowing of a real place in the heavenly realm. The liturgy itself is meant to usher worshipers into heavenly places with prayers, scripture readings, chanting, the Eucharist, incense, lighting, a message, etc. – such that all five senses are used in worship. The Orthodox are keen upon maintaining sacred space in which adherents may be continuously reminded of who they are and the reality of the kingdom of God.
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church
Catholicism
Although in the United States Protestants outnumber Catholics two to one, Catholics are the largest group of Christians in the world. Worldwide, there are more Catholics than all the Protestants and Orthodox Christians combined.
As the Orthodox was the eastern side of the Roman Empire, so Catholicism was the western side, with the bishop of Rome coming to be known as “pope”.
Like the Orthodox, Catholics believe the Holy Spirit did not cease to guide the church with the death of the apostles and has continued to reveal truth and doctrine through the bishops, theologians, and councils of the church. Catholics point out that it was the bishops of the church, led by the Spirit, who initially determined which books would be included in the New Testament and the idea that the Bible should be the only source of doctrines ignores the promise of Jesus that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide the church.
Catholics believe that Mary was immaculately conceived, perpetually a virgin, and assumed into heaven at her death like Jesus.
Unlike Protestants, Catholics are very ritualistic, emphasizing Advent, Ash Wednesday, Lent, the rosary (which includes the “Hail Mary” taken from Luke’s Gospel, the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed; and the recounting of the story of Jesus), bowing the knee, holding special reverence for sacred things, and completion of various perceived superstitious rituals. Catholics believe that in the midst of the prayer offered by the priest, the bread and wine of the Eucharist actually become the body and blood of Christ (a doctrine called transubstantiation). Catholics believe they physically cannibalize Christ in the ceremony of the Eucharist.
As an older and more dated denomination, Catholicism is less evolved and retains much superstitious ritualism. It embraces certain “works” based theological components that Protestants find untenable.
Lutheranism
Martin Luther led the Protestant Reformation in 1517 with the understanding that human beings are justified by God’s work in Jesus Christ and not by any works they themselves might accomplish. Luther felt that all people can come directly to God through Christ without the intervention of a Catholic priest.
Three of the most important beliefs expounded by Luther in the Reformation are:
(1) The Priesthood of all believers – as the vocation to which each and every Christian is called. Everyone who follows Jesus is called to use the gifts God has given in life’s ministry to the world. Luther maintained that all believers were ordained to serve God and to do God’s work; and that true joy is found in responding to God’s call. Luther cited 1 Peter 2:4-5 in support of the priesthood of all believers:
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” -1 Peter 2:4-5 New International Version (NIV)
(2) Scripture Alone – is Luther’s affirmation that the Bible is the primary authority in defining the faith, not the pope, councils, or church. Luther believed that individual Christians should read the Bible and interpret it with direct help from the Holy Spirit. This is in contrast to the Catholic perception of being spoon-fed the Word by elaborately clad priests. One great legacy of the Reformation is the placing of the Bible into the hands of the laity, for them to read it, and live by it.
Luther insisted that all doctrine must be supported by scripture. For example, because he could not find anywhere in the New Testament where it said that priests were forbidden to marry, Luther rejected the practice of forbidding clergy to marry, as something non-biblical. Indeed, the doctrine of celibacy has in many ways been a curse upon Catholicism, leading its clergy into struggles with pedophilia. Instead, Luther married a former nun and asserted openly that marriage was not against God’s will for clergy. Similarly, because Luther couldn’t discover the seven sacraments of Catholicism in the New Testament, he reduced them to only two: Baptism and the Eucharist. Luther contended things not supported in the New Testament were nonbinding on the believer.
(3) Justification by Faith – is Luther’s contention that we are made right with God as a free gift from God and not by anything that we do. This became a central tenet of the entire Protestant Reformation. Luther writes as follows:
“Faith is God’s work in us, that changes us and gives new birth from God. It kills the Old Adam and makes us completely different people. It changes our hearts, our spirits, our thoughts and all our powers. It brings the Holy Spirit with it. Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith … Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God’s grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. “ –Martin Luther, Preface to Book of Romans
Luther saw that God is a God of love and mercy and that the response required from us as Christians is simply to trust in this love.
Presbyterianism
Luther’s assertions led to the splintering and fracturing of the Christian church into a multitude of Protestant denominations. The next wave of reformation was led by John Calvin and resulted in the formation of the Presbyterian churches. John Calvin was born in 1509 and was only eight years old when Luther posted his 95-theses on the door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg. (It is interesting to know that in 1858, by order of Frederick William IV of Prussia, commemorative bronze doors were mounted where the original wooden ones had been located, with the 95 Theses inscribed in their original Latin form.)
The Theses Doors at Wittenberg, Germany
Presbyterianism supports five theological points: (1) total depravity meaning human beings are utterly sinful, (2) unconditional election based on Calvin’s doctrine of predestination that God has chosen from the foundation of the world some to be saved and some to be damned. (3) Limited atonement in that Christ’s death brought salvation only for the elect and not for all. (4) Irresistible grace being that if you are among the elect you will be unable to refuse God’s salvation and (5) perseverance, in that, if you are elect, you cannot lose your salvation.
Anglicanism (Episcopalian)
Protestants, primarily Calvinists, came to England, spurring reforms to the Church of England, which split from the Catholic Church in 1533. During the reign of King James, a new translation of the Bible was authorized intended to navigate between Catholicism and Calvinism. This Bible was published in 1611 as the King James Version.
The Anglican church that began seeking a middle way between Catholicism and Calvinism came to be known in America as Episcopalian. It has continued to seek middle ground between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Anglicans generally believed that Luther and Calvin both went a bit too far and so they sought to navigate a middle path and, as a result, Episcopal worship looks more Catholic than that of other Protestant churches.
Sermon of Feb. 15, 2015 at Christ Church, Pensacola
Baptists
In the 1600’s, in England, the Puritans were dissatisfied with the middle way of the Anglican Church. Many of the Puritans left the church and among them were the Baptists, with the most radical idea that the sacrament of baptism was only for adults. All of the branches of Christianity listed here previously practiced infant baptism, but the New Testament only reports the baptism of repentant adult converts.
Generally, Baptists also believe in general atonement; that Christ died to save all who would repent. Baptists rejected the liturgical elements of worship, such as the vestments, the elaborate dress of the priesthood, and generally any elements deemed to be even remotely Catholic. Communion for Baptists was more of a memorial than a sacrament and as a ritual was observed much less frequently than in the sacramental churches. Instead of people coming forward to participate in some complicated Eucharistic ritual, Baptists invited peopled forward to confess publicly their need for Christ and to invite Christ to forgive them and become Lord of their lives.
Baptists generally disliked the vain repetition of words, as associated with chanting, oral praying, responsive readings, and recitations. Baptists also generally avoided recognition of special holy days like Ash Wednesday, Lent, or Advent. Baptists pushed the Reformation even further than their Protestant predecessors and some even refused to acknowledge any lineage whatsoever with the Catholic Church.
Baptists begin the idea of a “Believers Church”, which is the idea that the church is composed, not of baptized infants, but of adults who have made a conscious confession of faith in their maturity. Baptists believe that the Christian life doesn’t begin until a personal conscious decision is made to follow Christ. Once we do that, we are new and the Holy Spirit begins to work in us to change us. Once we accept forgiveness and gain the knowledge of grace, we gain a new sense of purpose. But we must make that decision for ourselves; we must claim Christ. Christ will not force himself upon us; nor can we force Christ upon others, especially not by application of some ritual inflicted upon infants while they are still dependent babies
Baptists also hold to the Protestant emphases of justification by faith, scripture, and grace alone. Many Baptists believe in the inerrancy of scripture. Baptists place a strong emphasis on a personal relationship with God, Bible study, missions, and evangelism.
Early Puritans
Methodists
The struggle for control of the Church of England was a three-way tug of war among Catholics, Puritans, and those who sought a middle way. Among those wanting a middle way was John Wesley, who was born in 1703. Wesley’s conversion experience was influenced by his readings of Martin Luther.
Wesley’s primary motivation was to hold reason and passionate faith together within a single belief system, embodying a middle way between the Church of England and the more-puritanical movements that became the Baptist Church.
Wesley and his church sought to focus on three rules: (1) to avoid doing what you know is wrong (2) to do all the good that you can, and (3) to pursue the spiritual disciplines: prayer, worship, scripture, fasting, etc.
Wesley’s Methodists stood against Calvin’s teaching on predestination and instead emphasized free will. Wesley believed that it was possible to become wholly sanctified in this life and that anyone might receive the gift of sanctification by pursuing God.
A key characteristic of Methodism is the ability to hold together disparate ideas and practices: emphasis on both the social and evangelical gospels, linking of both grace and works, coupling of passionate experience with intellectual reason, and love of both liturgy and simplicity in worship. Methodists clearly do seek the middle way.
Wesley’s passions were to seek out people who did not know Christ and to work in transforming the world to look more like the kingdom of God. Methodists pursue a life of faith by maintaining a balance between grace & holiness, intellect & emotion, and evangelism & social justice.
Pentecostalism
Pentecostalism is the youngest of the major bodies of Christianity. The Pentecostals take their name from the AD 30 Jewish festival of Pentecost at which, the Holy Spirit descended on the first Christians. Pentecostals are known for energetic passion-filled worship with an emphasis on supernatural experiences.
During the 19th century a number of groups broke away from the Methodist movement and one of these was Pentecostalism. Pentecostalism was founded in 1901 in Topeka Kansas by Charles Fox Parham. Parham came to believe in what is called “baptism in the Holy Spirit”, as something additional to a believer’s normal commitment of faith. Parham felt this second impact of the Holy Spirit to be characterized by speaking in tongues. Those today having had this experience with the Holy Spirit are called Charismatics.
There are four major emphases in Pentecostal churches: (1) Belief in and desire to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals believe there is a second work of grace that comes after we commit our lives to Christ. At this second experience, the Holy Spirit fills believers with power to be a real witness. (2) Belief in harboring a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (3) Belief that the second coming of Christ is imminent. There is a sense among many in the Pentecostal movement that the return of Jesus Christ will be within the lifetimes of most of us living today. (4) Pentecostals believe in modern day miracles and healing, citing James 5:14-15:
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” -James 5:14-15 New International Version (NIV)
Pentecostals teach us to be aware of what the author refers to as “God-incidences” and to daily invite the Holy Spirit to fill us. Pentecostals teach us to enter into bold prayer with the full expectation that God can and will do wonderful things
Pentecostal Worshippers
Conclusion
Paul lists the various gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians:
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
-1 Corinthians 12:7-12 New International Version (NIV)
These scriptures go on to say that the body of Christ, the church, has many diversified parts, as reflected in these varied gifts, and in the myriad denominations forming the family tree of Christianity. The denominations are nourished by the same sap, connected to the same trunk, and anchored by the same roots. Together, the denominations form the body of Christ.
None of us should be so arrogant as to think we have the whole and only truth about God. God is diversified, elusive, and so far beyond us that our perceptions are like mere shadows. We must not chastise, berate, and belittle those with alternative belief systems. Instead, we must look to how we are connected, to the trunk and roots, and work together so that the entire organism thrives.
This book does much to dispel ignorance about other denominations. I strongly recommend it.
The Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church is identified as the first Christian church to become distinct from Judaism. The Orthodox Church became distinguished as the eastern church of the Roman Empire when Western Christians altered the Nicene Creed to read that the Holy Spirit proceeded not only from the Father but also from the Son. As a result, in 1054, the Eastern Orthodox Church became separate from Western Catholicism.
Orthodox Christians believe they are the continuous successors of the apostles and that Catholics have departed from the path by giving too much authority to the pope. Today, Eastern Orthodox Christians are the second-largest denomination after Roman Catholics. They are still located primarily in the east, with the largest number found in Russia.
Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus came as a ransom for all humanity to redeem humankind from death and that once this gift is accepted a person begins a lifelong journey towards becoming like God. This is referred to as “sanctification” and the means for accomplishing it is participation in worship, prayer, and pursuit of seven sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing, Matrimony, & Holy Orders). Orthodox Christians believe that the sacraments are the way in which the Holy Spirit imparts grace. The sacrament of baptism begins the Christian life, even in infancy. The sacrament of the Eucharist is even conducted for infants, with a drop of wine placed on the innocent infant’s unresisting tongue.
In addition to the scriptures, the Orthodox believe the Holy Spirit has continued to guide subsequent religious writings. These writings begin in AD 96 with the First Letter of Clement and stretch for hundreds of years.
Orthodox Christians venerate icons of saints and may even pray to a saint. The Orthodox believe that God and the saints are constantly by our side, cheering us on, as witnesses encircling us. Contemporary believers are called to be living icons, both in the church and in the world.
Orthodox worship is designed to help the worshiper see divine reality. The Orthodox Church building is designed to transport the worshiper into the heavenly realm, often with a mosaic or fresco of Jesus looking down on the congregation. Painted images of Mary, the apostles, martyrs, and saints are common. The Orthodox perceive their building as an earthly foreshadowing of a real place in the heavenly realm. The liturgy itself is meant to usher worshipers into heavenly places with prayers, scripture readings, chanting, the Eucharist, incense, lighting, a message, etc. – such that all five senses are used in worship. The Orthodox are keen upon maintaining sacred space in which adherents may be continuously reminded of who they are and the reality of the kingdom of God.
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church
Catholicism
Although in the United States Protestants outnumber Catholics two to one, Catholics are the largest group of Christians in the world. Worldwide, there are more Catholics than all the Protestants and Orthodox Christians combined.
As the Orthodox was the eastern side of the Roman Empire, so Catholicism was the western side, with the bishop of Rome coming to be known as “pope”.
Like the Orthodox, Catholics believe the Holy Spirit did not cease to guide the church with the death of the apostles and has continued to reveal truth and doctrine through the bishops, theologians, and councils of the church. Catholics point out that it was the bishops of the church, led by the Spirit, who initially determined which books would be included in the New Testament and the idea that the Bible should be the only source of doctrines ignores the promise of Jesus that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide the church.
Catholics believe that Mary was immaculately conceived, perpetually a virgin, and assumed into heaven at her death like Jesus.
Unlike Protestants, Catholics are very ritualistic, emphasizing Advent, Ash Wednesday, Lent, the rosary (which includes the “Hail Mary” taken from Luke’s Gospel, the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed; and the recounting of the story of Jesus), bowing the knee, holding special reverence for sacred things, and completion of various perceived superstitious rituals. Catholics believe that in the midst of the prayer offered by the priest, the bread and wine of the Eucharist actually become the body and blood of Christ (a doctrine called transubstantiation). Catholics believe they physically cannibalize Christ in the ceremony of the Eucharist.
As an older and more dated denomination, Catholicism is less evolved and retains much superstitious ritualism. It embraces certain “works” based theological components that Protestants find untenable.
Lutheranism
Martin Luther led the Protestant Reformation in 1517 with the understanding that human beings are justified by God’s work in Jesus Christ and not by any works they themselves might accomplish. Luther felt that all people can come directly to God through Christ without the intervention of a Catholic priest.
Three of the most important beliefs expounded by Luther in the Reformation are:
(1) The Priesthood of all believers – as the vocation to which each and every Christian is called. Everyone who follows Jesus is called to use the gifts God has given in life’s ministry to the world. Luther maintained that all believers were ordained to serve God and to do God’s work; and that true joy is found in responding to God’s call. Luther cited 1 Peter 2:4-5 in support of the priesthood of all believers:
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” -1 Peter 2:4-5 New International Version (NIV)
(2) Scripture Alone – is Luther’s affirmation that the Bible is the primary authority in defining the faith, not the pope, councils, or church. Luther believed that individual Christians should read the Bible and interpret it with direct help from the Holy Spirit. This is in contrast to the Catholic perception of being spoon-fed the Word by elaborately clad priests. One great legacy of the Reformation is the placing of the Bible into the hands of the laity, for them to read it, and live by it.
Luther insisted that all doctrine must be supported by scripture. For example, because he could not find anywhere in the New Testament where it said that priests were forbidden to marry, Luther rejected the practice of forbidding clergy to marry, as something non-biblical. Indeed, the doctrine of celibacy has in many ways been a curse upon Catholicism, leading its clergy into struggles with pedophilia. Instead, Luther married a former nun and asserted openly that marriage was not against God’s will for clergy. Similarly, because Luther couldn’t discover the seven sacraments of Catholicism in the New Testament, he reduced them to only two: Baptism and the Eucharist. Luther contended things not supported in the New Testament were nonbinding on the believer.
(3) Justification by Faith – is Luther’s contention that we are made right with God as a free gift from God and not by anything that we do. This became a central tenet of the entire Protestant Reformation. Luther writes as follows:
“Faith is God’s work in us, that changes us and gives new birth from God. It kills the Old Adam and makes us completely different people. It changes our hearts, our spirits, our thoughts and all our powers. It brings the Holy Spirit with it. Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith … Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God’s grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. “ –Martin Luther, Preface to Book of Romans
Luther saw that God is a God of love and mercy and that the response required from us as Christians is simply to trust in this love.
Presbyterianism
Luther’s assertions led to the splintering and fracturing of the Christian church into a multitude of Protestant denominations. The next wave of reformation was led by John Calvin and resulted in the formation of the Presbyterian churches. John Calvin was born in 1509 and was only eight years old when Luther posted his 95-theses on the door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg. (It is interesting to know that in 1858, by order of Frederick William IV of Prussia, commemorative bronze doors were mounted where the original wooden ones had been located, with the 95 Theses inscribed in their original Latin form.)
The Theses Doors at Wittenberg, Germany
Presbyterianism supports five theological points: (1) total depravity meaning human beings are utterly sinful, (2) unconditional election based on Calvin’s doctrine of predestination that God has chosen from the foundation of the world some to be saved and some to be damned. (3) Limited atonement in that Christ’s death brought salvation only for the elect and not for all. (4) Irresistible grace being that if you are among the elect you will be unable to refuse God’s salvation and (5) perseverance, in that, if you are elect, you cannot lose your salvation.
Anglicanism (Episcopalian)
Protestants, primarily Calvinists, came to England, spurring reforms to the Church of England, which split from the Catholic Church in 1533. During the reign of King James, a new translation of the Bible was authorized intended to navigate between Catholicism and Calvinism. This Bible was published in 1611 as the King James Version.
The Anglican church that began seeking a middle way between Catholicism and Calvinism came to be known in America as Episcopalian. It has continued to seek middle ground between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Anglicans generally believed that Luther and Calvin both went a bit too far and so they sought to navigate a middle path and, as a result, Episcopal worship looks more Catholic than that of other Protestant churches.
Sermon of Feb. 15, 2015 at Christ Church, Pensacola
Baptists
In the 1600’s, in England, the Puritans were dissatisfied with the middle way of the Anglican Church. Many of the Puritans left the church and among them were the Baptists, with the most radical idea that the sacrament of baptism was only for adults. All of the branches of Christianity listed here previously practiced infant baptism, but the New Testament only reports the baptism of repentant adult converts.
Generally, Baptists also believe in general atonement; that Christ died to save all who would repent. Baptists rejected the liturgical elements of worship, such as the vestments, the elaborate dress of the priesthood, and generally any elements deemed to be even remotely Catholic. Communion for Baptists was more of a memorial than a sacrament and as a ritual was observed much less frequently than in the sacramental churches. Instead of people coming forward to participate in some complicated Eucharistic ritual, Baptists invited peopled forward to confess publicly their need for Christ and to invite Christ to forgive them and become Lord of their lives.
Baptists generally disliked the vain repetition of words, as associated with chanting, oral praying, responsive readings, and recitations. Baptists also generally avoided recognition of special holy days like Ash Wednesday, Lent, or Advent. Baptists pushed the Reformation even further than their Protestant predecessors and some even refused to acknowledge any lineage whatsoever with the Catholic Church.
Baptists begin the idea of a “Believers Church”, which is the idea that the church is composed, not of baptized infants, but of adults who have made a conscious confession of faith in their maturity. Baptists believe that the Christian life doesn’t begin until a personal conscious decision is made to follow Christ. Once we do that, we are new and the Holy Spirit begins to work in us to change us. Once we accept forgiveness and gain the knowledge of grace, we gain a new sense of purpose. But we must make that decision for ourselves; we must claim Christ. Christ will not force himself upon us; nor can we force Christ upon others, especially not by application of some ritual inflicted upon infants while they are still dependent babies
Baptists also hold to the Protestant emphases of justification by faith, scripture, and grace alone. Many Baptists believe in the inerrancy of scripture. Baptists place a strong emphasis on a personal relationship with God, Bible study, missions, and evangelism.
Early Puritans
Methodists
The struggle for control of the Church of England was a three-way tug of war among Catholics, Puritans, and those who sought a middle way. Among those wanting a middle way was John Wesley, who was born in 1703. Wesley’s conversion experience was influenced by his readings of Martin Luther.
Wesley’s primary motivation was to hold reason and passionate faith together within a single belief system, embodying a middle way between the Church of England and the more-puritanical movements that became the Baptist Church.
Wesley and his church sought to focus on three rules: (1) to avoid doing what you know is wrong (2) to do all the good that you can, and (3) to pursue the spiritual disciplines: prayer, worship, scripture, fasting, etc.
Wesley’s Methodists stood against Calvin’s teaching on predestination and instead emphasized free will. Wesley believed that it was possible to become wholly sanctified in this life and that anyone might receive the gift of sanctification by pursuing God.
A key characteristic of Methodism is the ability to hold together disparate ideas and practices: emphasis on both the social and evangelical gospels, linking of both grace and works, coupling of passionate experience with intellectual reason, and love of both liturgy and simplicity in worship. Methodists clearly do seek the middle way.
Wesley’s passions were to seek out people who did not know Christ and to work in transforming the world to look more like the kingdom of God. Methodists pursue a life of faith by maintaining a balance between grace & holiness, intellect & emotion, and evangelism & social justice.
Pentecostalism
Pentecostalism is the youngest of the major bodies of Christianity. The Pentecostals take their name from the AD 30 Jewish festival of Pentecost at which, the Holy Spirit descended on the first Christians. Pentecostals are known for energetic passion-filled worship with an emphasis on supernatural experiences.
During the 19th century a number of groups broke away from the Methodist movement and one of these was Pentecostalism. Pentecostalism was founded in 1901 in Topeka Kansas by Charles Fox Parham. Parham came to believe in what is called “baptism in the Holy Spirit”, as something additional to a believer’s normal commitment of faith. Parham felt this second impact of the Holy Spirit to be characterized by speaking in tongues. Those today having had this experience with the Holy Spirit are called Charismatics.
There are four major emphases in Pentecostal churches: (1) Belief in and desire to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals believe there is a second work of grace that comes after we commit our lives to Christ. At this second experience, the Holy Spirit fills believers with power to be a real witness. (2) Belief in harboring a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (3) Belief that the second coming of Christ is imminent. There is a sense among many in the Pentecostal movement that the return of Jesus Christ will be within the lifetimes of most of us living today. (4) Pentecostals believe in modern day miracles and healing, citing James 5:14-15:
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” -James 5:14-15 New International Version (NIV)
Pentecostals teach us to be aware of what the author refers to as “God-incidences” and to daily invite the Holy Spirit to fill us. Pentecostals teach us to enter into bold prayer with the full expectation that God can and will do wonderful things
Pentecostal Worshippers
Conclusion
Paul lists the various gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians:
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
-1 Corinthians 12:7-12 New International Version (NIV)
These scriptures go on to say that the body of Christ, the church, has many diversified parts, as reflected in these varied gifts, and in the myriad denominations forming the family tree of Christianity. The denominations are nourished by the same sap, connected to the same trunk, and anchored by the same roots. Together, the denominations form the body of Christ.
None of us should be so arrogant as to think we have the whole and only truth about God. God is diversified, elusive, and so far beyond us that our perceptions are like mere shadows. We must not chastise, berate, and belittle those with alternative belief systems. Instead, we must look to how we are connected, to the trunk and roots, and work together so that the entire organism thrives.
This book does much to dispel ignorance about other denominations. I strongly recommend it.
August 27, 2018
Helpful intro
A shallow introductory overview of the various denominations of Christianity, where they came from and some of their distinguishing characteristics. As a fellow Methodist I appreciated the emphasis on embracing each denomination for what it is; that said, at the end of the day you are definitely reading a (inherently biased) Methodist perspective.
There are some traditions/details I was a little disappointed to find omitted, e.g. what qualifies one to participate in Catholic communion and why, but I appreciate the suggested follow-up resources for more detail on each group.
A shallow introductory overview of the various denominations of Christianity, where they came from and some of their distinguishing characteristics. As a fellow Methodist I appreciated the emphasis on embracing each denomination for what it is; that said, at the end of the day you are definitely reading a (inherently biased) Methodist perspective.
There are some traditions/details I was a little disappointed to find omitted, e.g. what qualifies one to participate in Catholic communion and why, but I appreciate the suggested follow-up resources for more detail on each group.
May 3, 2022
This is an insightful book, and a must-read for Christians. It compares the history and different traditions and practices of several main branches of Christianity, and rather than try to compare them as to which is better, instead shows how they are all part of the same family tree of Christianity, and that there is something from each branch from which others can take away to better understand their own faith.
January 5, 2025
great for conversation and discussion
We used this book as a discussion platform in our Sunday School class. The discussion was so rich as each person brought forth questions, childhood understandings, and life experiences. Although reading the book on its own could have benefits, I believe reading it together, in book club style, really helped me further digest and think about the many different religious groups we have today.
We used this book as a discussion platform in our Sunday School class. The discussion was so rich as each person brought forth questions, childhood understandings, and life experiences. Although reading the book on its own could have benefits, I believe reading it together, in book club style, really helped me further digest and think about the many different religious groups we have today.
June 30, 2018
This is a good book if you want to understand how one Methodist pastor views other denominations. This book over does it with generalities, and in doing so fails to set forth the correct distinctives of each tradition.
January 4, 2019
Good, simple overview of the major denominations. I appreciate his desire to show the strengths of each denomination though it is sad he overlooks the serious doctrinal issues which is not surprising considering he is United Methodist.
May 30, 2019
This book accomplished its purpose. It was boring to me since I’ve studied church history, but would be a very good and informative read for most people and probably a good basis for a small group study of other traditions.
January 3, 2020
I loved this author's book, Making Sense of the Bible. This book evolved from a sermon series and is both more simple and more preachy. The 8 denominations discussed are interesting and the book worth reading, I just would have liked more information and less urging to study the Bible.
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February 24, 2021Helpful
I enjoyed reading and understanding other religions and how they came to be. We used this at my church in a Bible study setting. I found out how others believe and practice and how similar we all are.
I enjoyed reading and understanding other religions and how they came to be. We used this at my church in a Bible study setting. I found out how others believe and practice and how similar we all are.
December 6, 2021
This is a simple and fairly straightforward look into several denominations or sects of Christianity. While the writing is well done, I felt that he tried not to ruffle feathers, even when it was a bit necessary. Overall worthwhile read.
April 4, 2022
This is a handy little book for understanding Christian denominations. Though I disagree with some of the author’s goals, I appreciate his family tree charts and way he teaches the contributions of each faith tradition.
September 20, 2024
A Helpful Way at looking at the major churches in your community.r
I liked learning more about the UMC and the other major churches in the US. I learned a lot. It is a helpful read.
I liked learning more about the UMC and the other major churches in the US. I learned a lot. It is a helpful read.
October 3, 2025
Nice little easy read / he doesn’t go too deep into the denominations he’s talking about but I love that he shares what we can learn and appreciate from each group - and it is a good easy overview of how the denominations developed
July 27, 2017
This is an excellent book. Our group had a great time studying and watching the DVDs. We had very enlightening discussions and learned about our fellow Christian brothers and sisters.
March 21, 2018
Short, to the point, and very helpful guide to the eight main Christian denominations. He was particularly helpful in showing how Methodists view denominational differences. Great book!
November 27, 2018
Pretty interesting.
March 1, 2019
offers an overview different demonination roots and reasons for separating from the current church
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September 10, 20198 sessions. We have leader guide, participant book, and DVD.
November 25, 2019
Excellent book if you are interested in understanding the differences in different religions
December 9, 2020
A very good digest of various Christian religions with a wonderful conclusion. He doesn't get into the polity of the churches much but focuses on beliefs with interviews of pastors/priests.
November 17, 2021
Great overview of 8 branches of the Christian family tree. I actually read the book, not the participants’ guide.
November 30, 2023
Immaculate and brief work on the history of the church and her denominations.
August 1, 2024
Great book. It is so interesting reading about different denominations, their history and theology. It is so important to know the similarities and differences between denominations.
February 28, 2017
It was a great book and course to use with an adult study at church. Adam Hamilton is engaging and the book is easy to understand but not overly simplistic.
October 22, 2007
If you want a quick tour through the major Christian denominations, mixing history and theology and some positivist advice, you couldn't do better than this short book.
It is written by a Methodist pastor near Kansas City, and he does an excellent job of boiling down the complexities of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal and Methodist branches of Christianity in terms of how they got started, what distnguishes them, and equally important, what binds them together.
As a Presbyterian, my only reservation is that he put a little too much emphasis on the old (some would say outmoded) Calvinist doctrine of TULIP. While you Reformed theology insiders smile to yourselves, I will avoid boring the others wtih this doctrine, except to say that the "T" stands for "total depravity," the state into which we are all born (hah! -- take that, you Rousseauians).
This can be read in a day or two at most. It's accompanied by videos for each chapter, for use in small group instruction.
It is written by a Methodist pastor near Kansas City, and he does an excellent job of boiling down the complexities of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal and Methodist branches of Christianity in terms of how they got started, what distnguishes them, and equally important, what binds them together.
As a Presbyterian, my only reservation is that he put a little too much emphasis on the old (some would say outmoded) Calvinist doctrine of TULIP. While you Reformed theology insiders smile to yourselves, I will avoid boring the others wtih this doctrine, except to say that the "T" stands for "total depravity," the state into which we are all born (hah! -- take that, you Rousseauians).
This can be read in a day or two at most. It's accompanied by videos for each chapter, for use in small group instruction.
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