Church History Denominations Flashcards
What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
Methodist Churches.
Origins: Began in Oxford University as a movement in within the Church of England (Anglican Church) and expanded under the leadership of Charles and John Wesley and George Whitefield.
Distinctives: Typically has been concerned with evangelism, ministry to the poor and disadvantaged, expressing its faith in compassion for the human condition.
What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
Episcopal Churches.
Origins: The Episcopal Church began in America as an extension of the Church of England. However, During the American Revolution a great controversy arose over prayers for the monarchy in the liturgy, so after the revolution it severed all ties with the Church of England and became its own denomination.
Distinctives: Acknowledges no central authority but maintain a hierarchy of bishops, relies totally on traditional liturgical worship while not defining the exact nature of the communion element (regards them as a mystery).
What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
Baptist Churches
The Baptist Church has its origins in the early 17th century during a time of significant religious upheaval in England. Here’s a summary of its historical origins and distinctives:
Origins:
Third-Generation Reformation Development: The Baptist movement emerged as a third-generation development of the Protestant Reformation, which itself had begun in the early 1500s. The Reformers had sought to correct perceived errors in the Roman Catholic Church, and by the early 1600s, groups like the Puritans sought further reform within the Church of England.
Separation from the Church of England: By about 1610, a group of English Separatists, who were dissatisfied with the level of reform in the Church of England, began to form their own congregations. These early Baptists sought to take Protestantism to its logical conclusion, particularly in terms of church polity and the practice of baptism.
Belief in Believer’s Baptism: The defining feature of the movement was its rejection of infant baptism, a practice which had persisted in both Catholic and Protestant traditions. Baptists believed that only self-professed believers—those who made a personal declaration of faith—should be baptized.
Distinctives:
Believer’s Baptism:
Baptists practice baptism by immersion, and it is reserved only for those who have made a conscious profession of faith in Christ. This marks a significant distinction from denominations that practice infant baptism.
Church Membership Based on Belief:
The Baptist church teaches that only self-professed believers—those who have publicly declared faith in Christ—should be admitted into the church. This reflects a focus on personal conviction and genuine faith.
Evangelism and Missions:
Baptists are evangelistic and prioritize missions, aiming to spread the gospel to the world. The emphasis on personal faith leads to a strong focus on converting non-believers and building up the church through outreach and discipleship.
Biblically Minded:
Baptists hold to a high view of Scripture, emphasizing its authority in matters of faith and practice. Their beliefs and practices are rooted in biblical teaching, with a strong focus on the New Testament as the guide for church life and doctrine.
What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
Mennonite Churches
Origins: Dating from 1520s in central Europe, they take their name from Menno Simons who lead them in a radical pursuit to get to the roots of biblical living.
Distinctives: No common doctrine, rejection of infant baptism, rejection of church organization, real presence in the Lord’s Supper, and the refusal of military service, public office and taking oaths.
What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
Pentecostal Churches
The Pentecostal Church emerged in the early 20th century, with distinctive beliefs and practices centered around the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the experience of spiritual gifts.
Origins:
1901: The Beginning of Pentecostalism: The Pentecostal movement began in 1901 when Miss Agnes Ozman, a student at Bethel Bible College in Topeka, Kansas, spoke in tongues after Charles Parham, the school’s principal, laid hands on her and prayed for her to receive the Holy Spirit. This event is considered the birth of the modern Pentecostal movement.
Emphasis on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Following this experience, Parham and others began to teach that speaking in tongues was the initial evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. This belief sparked a broader Pentecostal revival, particularly in the United States.
Azusa Street Revival (1906): The Pentecostal movement gained widespread attention during the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles in 1906. Led by William J. Seymour, this revival became a major catalyst for the growth of Pentecostalism, drawing thousands of people and spreading Pentecostal beliefs across the country and globally.
Distinctives:
Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
Pentecostals believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct and necessary experience for all Christians, which empowers believers for service and Christian living. This experience is typically evidenced by speaking in tongues (glossolalia), and is seen as a prerequisite for full discipleship.
Speaking in Tongues as Evidence:
Speaking in tongues is viewed as the initial sign of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals believe that speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that serves as both a personal spiritual experience and a testimony of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life.
Pursuit of Spiritual Gifts:
Pentecostals believe that the Holy Spirit continues to bestow spiritual gifts on believers, including not just tongues, but also healing, prophecy, miracles, and other manifestations of the Spirit’s power. They actively seek these gifts as part of their faith experience and a sign of God’s ongoing work in the world.
Empowerment for Christian Living:
Pentecostals emphasize that the Holy Spirit’s empowerment goes beyond spiritual gifts and includes the cultivation of Christian virtues, such as love, joy, and the ability to experience answered prayer. These gifts and the presence of the Holy Spirit are seen as evidence of a transformed, Spirit-filled life.
What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
Presbyterian Churches
Origins: Originated between 1534 and 1560 with the Protestant theological program of John Calvin in France and Switzerland.
Distinctives: Presbyterian or federal government (church ruled by elders/presbyters), Reformed theology as spelled out in the Westminster Standards.
What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
Orthodox Churches
Origins: Church of the eastern/Byzantine Empire. Split from the western church in 1054.
Distinctives: Focus on liturgical worship, have a high view of the Trinity, Sight-oriented in its use of icons in worship.
What are the historical origins and distinctives of the following:
Lutheran Churches
Origins: Earliest dissenting movement among those that comprised the Protestant Reformation. Dates from Luther’s theological discoveries and attempt to reform the church. (95 Theses, 1517)
Distinctives: Bible is the sole authority of the church life, Christian belief, and practice. Use the Book of Concord from 1580 as their confession.
