Denomination Differences

Church of Christ vs. Quaker Beliefs

Church of ChristQuaker
a.k.a.Friend
Number of Members2,000,000400,000
How does one get saved?Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, and be baptized.Varies widely
Who gets saved?Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved.No established doctrine
Can one lose his salvation?Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy.Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy.
Who gets baptized and why?The believing but unsaved get baptized as part of their salvation.Baptism not practiced.
How should baptism be done?Baptism should be by immersion.Baptism not practiced.
When does one receive the Holy Spirit?The Holy Spirit is received at baptism.There is "that of God in everyone".
What is the trinity?The Trinity is God existing as one god in three equal, eternal, cosubstantial persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.The Trinity is God existing as one god in three equal, eternal, cosubstantial persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.
What is the human nature?Most believe human nature tends to sin, but it's not depraved.There is "that of God in everyone", making humans inherently good.
Are we guilty of Adam's original sin?No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, nor did we inherit a sinful nature from him, but we did inherit the consequences.[1][2][3][4]No established doctrine
Are Christians required to keep the Old Testament ceremonial laws?No, the ceremonial laws of Judaism were fulfilled and done away with by Jesus.No, the ceremonial laws of Judaism were fulfilled and done away with by Jesus.
Can Christians become sinless in this earthly life?Christian perfection is possible and a major goal of Quakers.
Do the elements of communion become the body and blood of Christ?No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ.Communion not practiced.
Can one be baptized of behalf of someone who has died?No, the dead cannot be baptized.No, the dead cannot be baptized.
What happens if a saved person dies without being perfect?Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.Perfection must take place during life, not after death.[5]
Did Mary ever sin?Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus.Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus.
What spiritual gifts are available today?Cessationism: Spiritual gifts used for serving are available today, while gifts used as signs have ceased.[6]Continuationism: All spiritual gifts are still available to believers.
How many church ordinances/​sacraments are there?The church has two ordinances: Baptism and Holy Communion.[7]The church does not have any ordinances more sacred than any other practice.[8]
To whom do Christians need to confess their sins?Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.[9]Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.
How should a church be structured?Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members.Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members.
What day of the week should Christians worship?Christians worship on Sunday.Christians worship on Sunday.
How does God's revelation come to us today?Sola scriptura: The Bible is the only infallible source of God's revelation, sufficient for all faith and practice.Varies widely[10]
How was the Bible written?Verbal plenary inspiration: The Bible was written by men who had every word supernaturaly inspired by God.
How many books are in the Bible?There are 66 canonical books of the Bible: 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.There are 66 canonical books of the Bible: 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books.
Was the Bible written inerrantly?Yes, the Bible was written without any error.Varies widely[11]
Who can speak with God's authority today?Nobody today can speak for God.
How was the earth created?Creationism: The earth was spoken into existence by God.The earth was formed by gravity pulling dust together, which ultimately came from the Big Bang.
What is marriage?Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[12][13]Varies widely
Is sex permissible outside marriage?No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[14][15]Varies widely
When is divorce permissible?Most believe divorce is only permissible for adultery.[16][17]
When does a fetus become human?Humanity begins at conception.Most believe humanity begins sometime between conception and birth.[18]
Is contraception permissible?Yes, contraceptives are permissible.Yes, contraceptives are permissible.
Are blood transfusions permissible?Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.
Should women cover their heads?Most believe no, women's long hair is enough of a covering.
Should Christians drink alcohol?Most believe no, alcohol should be totally avoided.No, alcohol should be totally avoided.[19][20]
Should Christians fight in wars?No, Christians should never fight.[21][22]
How should Christians musically worship God?Worship should be a cappella.
Where does a Christian's soul go after death?Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.No established doctrine