Both names refer to Christians who broke with the Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation. The term “Protestant” comes from the formal protest document – protest – that the Lutherans presented in an assembly in 1529, expressing their opposition to the religious policy adopted by the Church.
The name “evangelical” comes from the believer who submits to the teaching contained in the “good news” (evangelium, in Latin) brought by Jesus. Protestants declared themselves to be followers of the Gospel – one of their principles during the Reformation was that of Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone” in Latin). This meant that, for Protestants, only the Bible it was the source of supreme revelation, and that the Church should not be permitted to make doctrines out of it.
All these movements encouraged the end of the Church’s monopoly on the interpretation of the Bible and they claimed that any and all Christians could read the Scriptures and get what they wanted out of them. Protestants rejected the idea that a single leader – the pope – should guide the course of religion. Without a “head”, each group began to break up into different currents, with small doctrinal divergences.
Below you can see the difference between the main branches of Christianity.
Each with their cross
Differences between Christians gave rise to various religious denominations
Christianity
Jesus preached that God’s message was intended for all humanity, not just the chosen people as the Jews said. Communion of goods, sharing bread and baptism were some of Jesus’ teachings to his apostles and followers, who formed a small community near Jerusalem.
Catholic church
After Christ’s death and resurrection, his apostles begin to organize a religion, with hierarchy and rules. The basic belief of the early Church was one: Jesus is Lord, and salvation depended on faith in Him.
orthodox church
The name “Orthodox Church” only appears in the 11th century. The Orthodox only admit icons as representations of Christ and saints. They believe that the Holy Spirit only proceeds from the Father, not from the Father and the Son as Catholics do.
Protestant Reformation (1517)
Martin Luther published “95 Theses” criticizing the conduct of Christianity, such as the sale of a place in paradise (indulgences). John Wyclif, Jan Huss and John Calvin also wanted a more “rational” Church.
Lutherans
One of the novelties introduced by Martin Luther is the possibility of free interpretation of the Bible – in Catholicism at the time, the book was in Latin and only priests could “translate” what the verses of the Scriptures meant
Anglicans
The religion emerged in 1534 because of King Henry VIII, who wanted to divorce, which was not allowed by the pope. He appointed himself «Supreme Head of the Church of England» and broke with the Roman Catholics.
Baptists
Only adult Christians, already aware of their actions, can be baptized, but the act is not mandatory for salvation. For Baptists, the believer must choose by his own conscience to serve God.
Methodists
John Wesley left the Anglican Church to preach on the streets of England and made several disciples, who created a new denomination. In Methodist doctrine, the Bible it is at the center of the sources of theological knowledge.
Calvinist
John Calvin wanted a religion with greater observance of Bible and stricter moral principles. One of the doctrines of Calvinism is that of predestination: some humans are born saved, while others are not.
Pentecostalism
Movements with Baptist and Methodist influence emerged in the US. They accepted manifestations of the Holy Spirit, such as the ability to heal the sick, perform miracles and speak in tongues.
Neo-Pentecostalism
They differ from Pentecostals for their more liberal customs and for adopting the theology of prosperity, which values material wealth. They also believe that the Devil is responsible for all evil.
Anabaptist
Anabaptists were known as the “radical wing” of the Protestant Reformation. Pacifists, they refuse to carry weapons, use swords or even do military service.
amish
Christian group based in the United States and Canada famous for isolation. The Amish avoid contact with the outside world: the use of electronic equipment such as telephones and automobiles is prohibited, and intra-religious marriage is practiced.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
They do not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ or in the Holy Trinity. They claim to worship Jehovah (God) exclusively. Among some of the controversial points defended by them is the prohibition of blood transfusion among the faithful.
mormons
Known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – the name “Mormon” comes from a prophet. Baptism is done in a special font, on 12 oxen, which represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
Adventists
Adventists preach the return of Jesus Christ. Some believe in the sleep of the soul between death and resurrection, and others keep the Sabbath, the day they cannot work. They avoid meat and narcotics.
Restorationism
Theologians differ on the classification of witnesses, Adventists and Mormons. Some claim that it came from the dissatisfaction of Protestants of various currents, who wanted to «restore» the original Christianity in the USA.