Compare Protestant denominations
People often present a dichotomy between Protestants and Catholics. While there are other denominations that fit neither category, "Protestant" is itself a broad group of separate denominations. While they have many typical beliefs in common, such as the five solas, the 66-book Bible, the rejection of purgatory, and more independent governance, these are not present in every Protestant denomination and they can vary greatly on other issues.
| Amish | Anglican | Baptist | Calvary Chapel | Church of Christ | Lutheran | Mennonite | Methodist | Messianic Judaism | Pentecostal | Presbyterian | Quaker | Reformed | Seventh-Day Adventist | The Salvation Army | Three-Self Patriotic Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a.k.a. | Episcopal |
| Assemblies of God | Friend | Calvinist | Chinese Patriotic | ||||||||||
| Number of Members | 374,000[1] | 80,000,000[2] | 100,000,000 | 300,000 | 2,000,000 | 77,000,000[3] | 2,130,000[4] | 80,000,000[5][6] | 350,000[7] | 280,000,000 | 39,000,000 | 400,000 | 75,000,000 | 22,000,000[8] | 1,800,000 | 20,000,000[9] |
| How does one get saved? | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you. | Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to save you, be baptized, and participate in the Eucharist. | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you.[10][11] | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you.[12][13] | Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, and be baptized. | Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, and be baptized. | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you. | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you. | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you. | Most believe sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you. Oneness Pentecostals believe you must also be baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit. | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you. | Varies widely | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you. | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you.[14] | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you. | Sola fide: Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection alone to save you.[15] |
| Who gets saved? | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved. | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved. | Most believe anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved.[16] | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved.[17][18] | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved. | Those who God chooses to call will be saved and no one else. | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved. | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved. | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved. | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved.[19] | Those who God chooses to call will be saved and no one else. | No established doctrine | Those who God chooses to call will be saved and no one else. | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved. | Anyone who chooses by his own free will to believe and accept God's gift of grace will be saved. | |
| Can one lose his salvation? | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy. | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy. | Most believe eternal security: No, once a Christian is saved, he is always saved.[11][20][21] | Eternal security: No, once a Christian is saved, he is always saved.[22] | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy. | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy. | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy. | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy. | Eternal security: No, once a Christian is saved, he is always saved. | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy.[19] | Eternal security: No, once a Christian is saved, he is always saved. | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy. | Eternal security: No, once a Christian is saved, he is always saved. | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy.[14] | Yes, a Christian can lose his salvation by apostasy. | |
| Who gets baptized and why? | Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives. | The unsaved, typically as infants, get baptized as the first sacrament of Christian initiation, cleansing them of all sins. | Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives.[23] | Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives.[24] | The believing but unsaved get baptized as part of their salvation. | The unsaved, typically as infants, get baptized as the first sacrament of Christian initiation, cleansing them of all sins. | Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives. | Saved people and their infant children get baptized by as the first sacrament of Christian initiation, cleansing them of all sins. | Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives. | Most believe saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives.[25][26] | Saved people and their infant children get baptized as a sign of God's grace.[27] | Baptism not practiced. | Saved people and their infant children get baptized as a sign of God's grace.[28] | Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives.[29] | Baptism not practiced.[30] | Saved people get baptized as a public demonstration of their new lives.[31][32] |
| How should baptism be done? | Baptism should be by sprinkling water on the head. | Baptism should be by pouring water on the head. | Baptism should be by immersion.[23] | Baptism should be by immersion.[24] | Baptism should be by immersion. | Baptism should be by pouring water on the head. | Baptism can be by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. | Baptism should be by sprinkling water on the head. | Baptism should be by immersion. | Most believe baptism should be by immersion.[25][26] | Baptism should be by sprinkling water on the head. | Baptism not practiced. | Baptism can be by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. | Baptism should be by immersion.[29] | Baptism not practiced.[30] | Baptism should be by sprinkling or immersion.[31] |
| When does one receive the Holy Spirit? | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation. | The Holy Spirit is received at baptism. | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation.[33] | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation.[12][13] | The Holy Spirit is received at baptism. | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation. | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation. | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation. | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation. | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation, but being filled with, or baptized in, the Holy Spirit happens later. | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation.[34] | There is "that of God in everyone". | The Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation.[35] | The Holy Spirit is received at baptism.[36] | ||
| 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. | 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.[20][33][37] | 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.[12][13] | 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. | 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. | Most believe 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. | Most believe 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. Oneness Pentecostals believe Modalism: that God has no distinct persons and just manifests Himself in different ways. | 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. | 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. | 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.[38] | 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.[39] |
| What is the human nature? | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own. | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own. | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own.[11][37] | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own.[40] | Most believe human nature tends to sin, but it's not depraved. | Bondage of the will: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own. | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own. | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own. | Humans have a יֵצֶר הַרַע (yetzer hara)—an inclination to do evil—and, upon reaching 12 for girls and 13 for boys, develop a יֵצֶר הַטוֹב (yetzer hatov)—a weaker inclination to do good. | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own.[41] | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own. | There is "that of God in everyone", making humans inherently good. | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own. | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own. | Total depravity: Human nature is corrupt, naturally inclined to evil, and incapable of choosing God on his own.[42][43] | |
| Are we guilty of Adam's original sin? | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin. | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin. | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to 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.[44][45][46][47] | Federalism: Yes, Adam represented all of the human race, and all are guilty of his sin. | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin. | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin. | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin. | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin. | Federalism: Yes, Adam represented all of the human race, and all are guilty of his sin. | No established doctrine | Federalism: Yes, Adam represented all of the human race, and all are guilty of his sin. | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin. | No, we are not guilty of Adam's sin, but we did inherit the consequences and a corrupt human nature from him, causing us all to sin.[43] | ||
| 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | Yes, Messianic Jews should follow the Torah, although Gentile Christians are not required to. | 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. | 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. | Yes, all Old Testament laws are binding on Christians except for animal sacrifices. | 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? | Yes, Christian perfection is possible. | No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life. | No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life. | No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life.[48] | No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life. | Yes, Christian perfection is possible. | Yes, Christians can become evangelically perfect through sanctification. | No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life. | Holiness Pentecostals believe that Christians can become perfect and must do so before receiving the Holy Spirit. Other branches of Pentecostalism reject Christian perfection. | No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life. | Christian perfection is possible and a major goal of Quakers. | No, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life. | Most believe no, although Christians can and should sin less, they can never become sinless in this life.[49] | |||
| Do the elements of communion become the body and blood of Christ? | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ. | Consubstantiation: No, the elements do not become the body and blood of Christ, but Christ's body and blood are present alongside them. | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ. | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ. | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ. | Sacramental union: No, the elements do not become the body and blood of Christ, but Christ's body and blood are non-physically joined to the elements. | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ. | No, the elements do not become the body and blood of Christ, but Christ is present in an unknown way. | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ. | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ. | No, the elements do not become the body and blood of Christ, but Christ is present in an unknown way. | Communion not practiced. | No, the elements do not become the body and blood of Christ, but Christ is present in an unknown way. | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ. | Communion not practiced. | No, the elements merely symbolically represent the body and blood of Christ.[31] |
| Can one be baptized of behalf of someone who has died? | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | No, the dead cannot be baptized. | 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. | There is no purgatory, but Christians may need to be purified after death in some way.[50][51] | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[52][53] | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[52][54] | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies. | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[55][56][57] | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies. | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[58] | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies. | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies. | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[59][60] | Perfection must take place during life, not after death.[61] | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[62][63] | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[64] | Once Christians leave their sinful bodies, nothing else is needed to receive glorified, sinless bodies.[65] | |
| Did Mary ever sin? | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | No established doctrine | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Most believe that, yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | Yes, Mary sinned like all other humans except Jesus. | |
| What spiritual gifts are available today? | Continuationism: All spiritual gifts are still available to believers.[66][67] | Cessationism: Spiritual gifts used for serving are available today, while gifts used as signs have ceased.[68][69] | Continuationism: All spiritual gifts are still available to believers.[70] | Cessationism: Spiritual gifts used for serving are available today, while gifts used as signs have ceased.[71] | Most believe cessationism: Spiritual gifts used for serving are available today, while gifts used as signs have ceased.[72] | Continuationism: All spiritual gifts are still available to believers. | Cessationism: Spiritual gifts used for serving are available today, while gifts used as signs have ceased.[34] | Continuationism: All spiritual gifts are still available to believers. | Cessationism: Spiritual gifts used for serving are available today, while gifts used as signs have ceased.[73] | Continuationism: All spiritual gifts are still available to believers.[74] | ||||||
| What framework has God used in dealing with man? | Covenant theology: God acts either within the covenant of works or the covenant of grace. | Dispensationalism: God acts differently with humanity in seven different periods of history. | Dispensationalism: God acts differently with humanity in seven different periods of history. | Covenant theology: God acts either within the covenant of works or the covenant of grace. | Dispensationalism: God acts differently with humanity in seven different periods of history. | Covenant theology: God acts either within the covenant of works or the covenant of grace.[75] | Covenant theology: God acts either within the covenant of works or the covenant of grace.[76] | |||||||||
| What is the gift of tongues? | Varies widely | The gift of tongues is the ability to speak foreign human languages without knowing how. | Speaking in tongues is sometimes unintelligible and sometimes foreign human languages.[77] | The gift of tongues is the ability to speak foreign human languages without knowing how.[78][79] | Speaking in tongues is speaking the language of angels, unintelligible without an interpreter. | The gift of tongues is the ability to speak foreign human languages without knowing how.[80] | ||||||||||
| What are the requirements for clergy? | Priests must be unmarried men over 25 ordained by bishops. | Experienced men above reproach, faithful to their wives and with with obedient children if applicable, and able to teach are to be appointed as pastors. | Varies widely | Varies widely | Experienced men above reproach, faithful to their wives and with with obedient children if applicable, and able to teach are to be appointed as pastors. | |||||||||||
| How many church ordinances/sacraments are there? | The church has three ordinances: Baptism, Holy Communion, and Footwashing.[81][82] | The church has two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.[83] | The church has two ordinances: Baptism and Holy Communion. | The church has two ordinances: Baptism and Holy Communion. | The church has two ordinances: Baptism and Holy Communion.[84] | The church has two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. | Traditionally, the church has seven signs/ordinances: Baptism, Holy Communion, Footwashing, the Holy Kiss, Anointing of the Sick, and Marriage.[85][86] | The church has two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.[87] | Messianic Jews should practice Immersion.[88][89][90][91][92] | Most believe the church has two ordinances: Baptism and Holy Communion.[93] | The church has two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.[94] | The church does not have any ordinances more sacred than any other practice.[95] | The church has two ordinances: Baptism and Holy Communion. | The church has three ordinances: Baptism, Holy Communion, and Footwashing.[96] | Jesus is the only true Sacrament.[97] | The church has two ordinances: Baptism and Holy Communion.[31] |
| To whom do Christians need to confess their sins? | Confession should be made directly to God unless the church might discipline for such sin, in which case it must be confessed to the bishop.[98][99] | General sinfulness should be confessed to a priest. This is usually done as a group during a service.[100] | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins. | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.[101] | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.[102] | General sinfulness should be confessed to a priest. This is usually done as a group during a service. | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins. A general confession of sinfulness is usually done as a group during a service. | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.[103][104] | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.[105] | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins. | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins. | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins. | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins. | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins. | Confession should be made directly to God, but confession to another believer is beneficial for some sins.[15] | |
| How should a church be structured? | Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members.[106] | Episcopal: Churches should be governed by the bishop in that diocese, who in turn is governed by a primate of an autonomous province. The Archbishop of Canterbury is first among equals and is appointed by the King of England. | Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members. | Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members. | Varies widely | Generally congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members.[107] | Connectionalism: Churches are governed by conferences of representatives. How respresentatives and pastors are chosen varies widely. | Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members. | Presbyterian: Churches should be governed by its own deacons, who in turn are governed by a district comprising the pastors and representatives from the region, which is governed by a general council of delegates from all churches.[108] | Presbyterian: Churches should be governed by its own elders, who in turn are governed by a presbytery comprising the elders from the region, which is governed by a general assembly of commissioners from each presbytery. | Congregationalist: Every church congregation should be independent and governed by its members. | Varies widely | Church congregations should be governed by a local conference which its congregation elects a representative to, and conferences elect representatives to higher conferences governing them. | Corps should be governed by an officer, appointed by and governed by higher and higher officers in the hierarchy until reaching the General of The Salvation Army. | Every church congregation should be governed by its members and the Chinese Communist Party. | |
| What day of the week should Christians worship? | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Messianic Jews observe Shabbat on Saturday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians should worship on Saturday. | Christians worship on Sunday. | Christians worship on Sunday.[109] |
| How does God's revelation come to us today? | Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible. | Sola scriptura: The Bible is the only infallible source of God's revelation, sufficient for all faith and practice. | Sola scriptura: The Bible is the only infallible source of God's revelation, sufficient for all faith and practice.[110] | Sola scriptura: The Bible is the only infallible source of God's revelation, sufficient for all faith and practice. | Sola scriptura: The Bible is the only infallible source of God's revelation, sufficient for all faith and practice. | Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible. | Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible.[111] | Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible. | Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible. | Varies widely[112] | Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible. | Sola scriptura: The Bible is the only infallible source of God's revelation, sufficient for all faith and practice.[113] | Prima scriptura: There are many sources of God's revelation, although none can contradict the Bible. | Sola scriptura: The Bible is the only infallible source of God's revelation, sufficient for all faith and practice.[114] | ||
| How was the Bible written? | Dynamic inspiration: God inspired the thoughts of the human authors, but the words were chosen by the authors. | Verbal plenary inspiration: The Bible was written by men who had every word supernaturaly inspired by God.[11][115] | Verbal plenary inspiration: The Bible was written by men who had every word supernaturaly inspired by God.[116][117][12][13] | Verbal plenary inspiration: The Bible was written by men who had every word supernaturaly inspired by God. | Varies widely[118][119] | Verbal plenary inspiration: The Bible was written by men who had every word supernaturaly inspired by God.[120] | Dynamic inspiration: God inspired the thoughts of the human authors, but the words were chosen by the authors.[121] | |||||||||
| 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, but the Apocrypha is regularly used for examples of life and instruction of manners. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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.[114] |
| Is the Bible inerrant? | No, the Bible is not inerrant in any respect.[122] | Yes, the Bible was written without any error.[11][115] | Yes, the Bible was written without any error.[116][117][12][13] | Yes, the Bible was written without any error. | Varies widely[123][124] | The Bible is infallible, but not every word is without error.[125][126][127] | No, the Bible is not inerrant in any respect.[128] | Yes, the Bible was written without any error.[129] | Varies widely[130] | Varies widely[131] | Yes, the Bible was written without any error.[120] | The Bible is infallible, but not every word is without error.[132][133] | Yes, the Bible was written without any error.[134] | |||
| Who can speak with God's authority today? | Nobody today can speak for God. | Nobody today can speak for God. | Nobody today can speak for God. | Nobody today can speak for God. | The church as a whole speaks with God's authority at ecumenical councils.[135] | Nobody today can speak for God. | Nobody today can speak for God. | Nobody today can speak for God. | ||||||||
| How was the earth created? | The earth was formed by gravity pulling dust together, which ultimately came from the Big Bang. | Creationism: The earth was spoken into existence by God. | Creationism: The earth was spoken into existence by God. | Creationism: The earth was spoken into existence by God. | Creationism: The earth was spoken into existence by God. | |||||||||||
| What is marriage? | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman. | Varies widely | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[20][136] | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[137][138] | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[139][140] | Varies widely[141][142][143] | Varies widely | Varies widely[144][145][146][147] | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[148] | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[149] | Varies widely[150][151][152] | Varies widely | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[153] | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[154] | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman. | Marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman.[155] |
| Is sex permissible outside marriage? | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible. | Varies widely | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[20] | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[156] | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[157][158] | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[159][160] | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible. | Varies widely[144][145][146][147] | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[161] | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible. | Varies widely[162][152] | Varies widely | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[163][164] | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[165] | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible. | No, sex outside of marriage is not permissible.[155] |
| When is divorce permissible? | Divorce is never permissible. | Most believe divorce is only permissible for adultery.[166] | Divorce is only permissible for adultery. | Divorce is permissible for adultery or desertion.[167][138] | Most believe divorce is only permissible for adultery.[168][169] | Divorce is permissible for adultery or desertion.[170][171] | Divorce is only permissible for adultery. | Varies widely[172][173] | Divorce is permissible for adultery, abuse, or abandonment.[174] | Divorce is permissible for adultery or desertion.[149] | Divorce is permissible for adultery or desertion.[175] | Divorce is permissible for adultery or desertion.[175][176] | Divorce is permissible for adultery or desertion.[154][177] | |||
| May a Christian remarry while his former spouse is still alive? | Divorce is never permissible. | Yes, a Christian may freely remarry after divorce.[178][179][180] | No, a Christian should not remarry while his former spouse lives. | Yes, a Christian may freely remarry after divorce.[138] | The innocent party to the adultery may remarry. | No, a Christian should not remarry while his former spouse lives. | Varies widely[172][173] | Yes, a Messianic Jew may freely remarry after a divorce which was for a valid reason.[174] | The innocent party to the adultery may remarry.[149] | The innocent party to the adultery may remarry.[181] | The innocent party to the adultery may remarry.[181] | The innocent party to the adultery may remarry.[177] | Yes, a Christian may freely remarry after divorce. | |||
| When does a fetus become human? | Humanity begins at conception. | Humanity begins at conception.[182] | Humanity begins at conception.[136][183] | Humanity begins at conception.[184] | Humanity begins at conception. | Most have no established doctrine. The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod believes life begins at conception.[185][186][187] | Humanity begins at conception.[188] | No established doctrine[189][190] | Humanity begins at conception.[191][192] | Humanity begins at conception.[193] | Most believe humanity begins at conception. Some say it is unknown when humanity begins.[194][195][196] | Most believe humanity begins sometime between conception and birth.[197] | Humanity begins at conception.[198][199] | Humanity begins at conception.[200] | Humanity begins at fertilization.[201] | |
| Is contraception permissible? | No, contraceptives are not permissible. | Yes, contraceptives are permissible.[202][203] | Yes, contraceptives are permissible. | Yes, contraceptives are permissible.[204] | Yes, contraceptives are permissible. | Yes, contraceptives are permissible.[159][205] | Yes, contraceptives are permissible. | Yes, contraceptives are permissible. | Yes, contraceptives are permissible as long as the couple eventually have at least two children.[206] | Yes, contraceptives are permissible.[193] | Yes, contraceptives are permissible. | Yes, contraceptives are permissible. | Yes, contraceptives are permissible.[207] | Yes, contraceptives are permissible.[208] | Yes, contraceptives are permissible as long as they work before fertilization.[201] | |
| Are blood transfusions permissible? | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.[209] | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.[210][211] | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible.[212] | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. | Yes, blood transfusions are permissible. |
| Should women cover their heads? | Yes, women should cover their heads to symbolize submission whenever in public. | No, head coverings are no longer required due to cultural changes. | No, women's long hair is enough of a covering.[213][214] | No, head coverings are no longer required due to cultural changes.[215][216] | Most believe no, women's long hair is enough of a covering. | No, head coverings are no longer required due to cultural changes.[217][218][219] | Yes, women should cover their heads to symbolize submission whenever in public.[220] | No, head coverings are no longer required due to cultural changes.[221] | Varies widely[222][223][224] | No, women's long hair is enough of a covering. | ||||||
| Should Christians drink alcohol? | Most believe no, alcohol should be totally avoided. | Yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[225] | Most believe no, alcohol should be totally avoided. | Yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[226][227] | Most believe no, alcohol should be totally avoided. | Yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk. | Varies widely[228] | Most believe that yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[229][230] | Yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[231] | No, alcohol should be totally avoided.[232] | Yes, drinking alcohol is fine as long as one does not get drunk.[233] | No, alcohol should be totally avoided.[234][235] | Varies widely | No, alcohol should be totally avoided.[236][237][238] | No, alcohol should be totally avoided.[239] | |
| Should Christians fight in wars? | No, Christians should never fight.[240] | Most believe that yes, Christians should fight in just wars.[241][242][243] | Yes, Christians should fight in just wars. | Yes, Christians can fight in just wars. | Yes, Christians should fight in just wars.[244][245] | No, Christians should never fight.[246] | Most believe that no, Christians should never fight.[247][248] | Yes, Christians should fight in just wars. | Yes, Christians should fight in just wars.[249] | No, Christians should never fight.[250][251] | Yes, Christians should fight in just wars.[252] | Varies widely | Varies widely[253] | Yes, Christians should fight in just wars. | ||
| How should Christians musically worship God? | Any style of worship music is acceptable. | Varies widely | Any style of worship music is acceptable. | Worship should be a cappella. | Any style of worship music is acceptable.[254][255] | Any style of worship music is acceptable.[256] | ||||||||||
| Whom does the Holy Spirit come from? | Varies widely[257][258] | No established doctrine | The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[259][260] | The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[261] | No established doctrine | The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[262][263] | The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[264] | The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[265] | The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.[266] | |||||||
| Who can be demon-possessed? | Demons can possess unbelievers but not Christians. | Demons can possess unbelievers but not Christians. | Demons can possess unbelievers but not Christians. | |||||||||||||
| Do icons glorify God? | No, icons and images of people violate the Second Commandment against graven images.[267][268] | Yes, icons can be an aid to worship, but they are not used in liturgy.[269][270] | No, icons violate the Second Commandment against graven images. | No, icons violate the Second Commandment against graven images. | Varies widely[271][272][273][274] | Most believe no, icons violate the Second Commandment against graven images. Icons of Christ are especially prohibited.[275][276][277] | ||||||||||
| Where does a Christian's soul go after death? | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die. | No established doctrine[51] | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.[52][54] | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.[278] | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die. | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.[55] | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die. | No established doctrine[279] | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die. | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.[60] | No established doctrine | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.[62][280] | Souls are unconscious after death until God raises them from "sleep".[281][282][283] | Christians immediately go to heaven when they die.[65] | ||
| When does the Tribulation happen? | Futurism: The Tribulation will happen at a time in the future which no man knows the time of. | Futurism: The Tribulation will happen at a time in the future which no man knows the time of.[284] | ||||||||||||||
| When will the church be raptured? | The church will not be raptured at any point. | Pretribulationism rapture: The church will be raptured sometime before the Tribulation. | Pretribulationism rapture: The church will be raptured sometime before the Tribulation.[284] | |||||||||||||
| When is the millennial reign of Christ happen? | Premillennialism: The millennial reign of Christ will be the 1,000 years immediately after the Tribulation. | Premillennialism: The millennial reign of Christ will be the 1,000 years immediately after the Tribulation.[285] |