Three Branches of Christianity

Venn Diagram Activity

Beliefs All branches of Christianity agree that God is 3 persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit – the Trinity) Doctrine (teachings) are very similar between Roman Catholic and Orthodox. Protestant doctrine can be quite different (scripture interpretation, sacraments) Protestant teaching – People are saved… Sola fide – by faith alone Sola scriptura – by scripture alone Sola gratia – by God’s grace alone Protestants (and later Catholics, as well) accept a priesthood of all believers – this encourages all Christians to spread the Gospel (evangelize).

Rituals and Practices All Christians believe that baptism is a sacrament (a visible sign of God’s grace) Baptism varies by branch: Catholic – generally infants, sprinkling of water Orthodox – generally infants, full immersion (all initiation sacraments in infancy) Protestant – more often adults, more often full immersion Only the Catholic and Orthodox Churches accept 7 sacraments The Eucharist is sacramental in Catholic and Orthodox faiths – it becomes the body and blood of Christ, no “open table” – is celebrated at every liturgy The Eucharist is symbolic in most Protestant faiths – therefore, many have an “open table” – is not celebrated at every liturgy Marriage is sacramental in Catholic and Orthodox faiths (how is divorce handled?) but not in Protestant faiths

Church organization Catholic church believes in apostolic succession (trace Pope’s position back to St. Peter) – authority is centralized with the Pope Orthodox church also believes in apostolic succession – however has no central authority (local bishops) Protestant church has some central authority (depending on denomination) – some are fully independent Church appearance: Roman Catholic – generally more ornate (statues, stained glass, altar vessels, vestments) Orthodox – generally more ornate (icons, altar vessels, vestments) Protestant – generally simpler (plain altar table, no statues, focus on choir and pulpit)