Protestantism

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Protestantism and Its Many Denominations

The word “protestatio” was invoked in 1529, in reference to those princes that supported Martin Luther and spoke out against religious persecution. These royal supporters were eventually known as Protestants, a name that spread to the vast number of religious denominations that sprang from the beliefs associated with the Reformation. This guide attempts to straighten out the differences among the sects, pinpoint their commonalities, indicate their historical foundations and show you how to connect with Protestants everywhere.

Read a Spanish-language version of this Web Guide.

Protestant History

A large part of the world, particularly the West, is very much a product of what happened almost ... read more »

Protestant Beliefs and Practices

Although the various denominations differ on many religious tenets, they do share similar ... read more »

Pentecostal Beliefs, Practices and Community

The Pentecostal name is derived from the events described in the New Testament: On the Day of ... read more »

Presbyterian Beliefs, Practices, News and Blogs

At 75 million members in the world, Presbyterianism is one of the most populous Protestant ... read more »

Anglican and Episcopalian Beliefs, Practices and Community

Episcopalianism is the strain of Anglicanism that developed in the United States. The ... read more »

Methodist Beliefs, Practices and Blogs

Methodists care strongly about spreading the word of God’s kindness through missionary work ... read more »

Lutheran Beliefs, Practices and Blogs

Lutherans follow the beliefs of Martin Luther, stressing the important role that faith plays in ... read more »

Baptist Beliefs, Practices and News

Numbering about 40 million worldwide, Baptists make up a large Protestant denomination. One of the ... read more »

Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs, Traditions and Community

Seventh-day Adventists came from the millennialist Millerite movement in 19th-century America, and ... read more »

Anabaptist Denominations

Anabaptists were those that sprang from the Radical Reformation, as compared to the Evangelical ... read more »

Quaker Beliefs, Traditions and Community

The Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, number about 210,000 throughout the world. ... read more »

Unitarian Universalist Beliefs, Traditions and Blogs

Unitarian Universalism may not belong in the Protestant guide per se; it may not even fall fully ... read more »

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