Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Methodism is very focused on good works. Anglicans are catholic light. Presbyterians are focused on local control

I grew up in the Methodist church and “good works” is not a tenet of salvation belief doctrine. As the PP above stated, good works are not frowned upon and are even encouraged because it’s something we do as Christ followers to show and share His love with others, but it’s not a requirement of salvation. Methodists believe that faith in Christ as savior is the requirement.

I grew up Methodist too and I don't remember anything about good works. I do remember that communion was only once a month and it was with oyster crackers and grape juice!

I go to a Methodist church. I'm not really clear on doctrine for salvation but there is a very strong focus at least in our individual congregation on social justice and activism. Also, while a PP noted that Methodist is the farthest from Catholicism, I was raised Catholic and actually found Methodist very comfortable as there are a lot of similarities in the worship style, at least in my church's "traditional" service (they also offer a contemporary version). I know a bunch of former-Catholics who are now Methodist. FWIW, my church now does communion weekly while it used to be monthly. Again, this may be very congregation-dependent which I think overall is one of the biggest difference between protestant vs. Catholic churches. A Catholic mass is the same everywhere.

That ChatGPT + the additional comments is actually pretty good!

I'm also a cradle Catholic who joined an ELCA church for a while. But I drifted back. I thought I was leaving for something more progressive, and I guess it is in some senses (female clergy, pro-LGBTQ). But in reality, my local Catholic church is plenty pro-LGBTQ, and I missed certain aspects of Catholicism.

They’re all terrible dancers, I can tell you that.

So you've used Google? I used Google and found this relatively quickly. It's a start to what you are asking.

Quick Guide to Christian Denominations
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/quick-guide-christian-denominations/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reformed of the Calvinist churches believe in TULIP: Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Presbyterians are Calvinists, and Baptists broke off from Calvinism but are not nearly as theologically preoccupied as the mainline churches so I don’t know they adhere to TULIP in a strict sense.

All of Protestantism is like that, start with Catholic theology and start taking away, interpreting differently, internally schisming ad infinitum. Episcopalians think they’re Catholics but have female priests and gay marriage. Lutherans think they’re Catholics but one of their their pope lives in Missouri and one of them lives in Wisconsin, and the third is also a lady priest.

Neither Episcopalians nor Lutherans think they’re Catholic.

They think they have high liturgy, the true faith, everybody else is wrong (the Ls anyway), etc. They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed (although it is unclear what they mean when they say “I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church). A couple of Lutheran friends told me St. Augustine was a Lutheran, even.

You do realize that the word “catholic” in this context means “universal,” right? Not the name of the religion/church.

Of course I know that’s the answer given. But what does universal mean? What does apostolic mean? What does one as it relates to unity mean? And how did Luther or King Henry VIII (if I’m not mistaken, Episcopalianism is the American offshoot of the Anglican church) come to those conclusions and why is their intepretation the right one? That’s what is unclear to me.

Have you never done any reading on this?

Universal means exactly what it says. The word is from the Greek katholikos, derived from kath holos, meaning “throughout the whole" and describes the unity of the church under Christ.

Apostolic means derived from the twelve apostles, who Jesus Christ sent out to spread the Gospel. The Church's existence is rooted in the apostles, upon whom Jesus established his Church. These apostles ensure what Christ hands on to them is handed on continuously through apostolic succession in the ministry of the bishops and ministers.

How did Luther or King Henry VIII come to those conclusions and why did each believe that his interpretation was the right one? Do some reading on this, it's too much to go into here.

RE Saint Augustine and Luther: http://www.augnet.org/en/history/people/4341-martin-luther/4344-luther-and-augustine/

And then “nondenominational” usually means evangelical?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reformed of the Calvinist churches believe in TULIP: Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Presbyterians are Calvinists, and Baptists broke off from Calvinism but are not nearly as theologically preoccupied as the mainline churches so I don’t know they adhere to TULIP in a strict sense.

All of Protestantism is like that, start with Catholic theology and start taking away, interpreting differently, internally schisming ad infinitum. Episcopalians think they’re Catholics but have female priests and gay marriage. Lutherans think they’re Catholics but one of their their pope lives in Missouri and one of them lives in Wisconsin, and the third is also a lady priest.

Neither Episcopalians nor Lutherans think they’re Catholic.

They think they have high liturgy, the true faith, everybody else is wrong (the Ls anyway), etc. They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed (although it is unclear what they mean when they say “I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church). A couple of Lutheran friends told me St. Augustine was a Lutheran, even.

They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed because that is the underlying basis of their faith and theology.

Actually, they say, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."

The word "catholic" here means "universal." The Roman church uses the upper-case "C" because it thinks it has a monopoly on the universal church, and everything else is heresy.

Cradle Catholic here, I now worship in an ELCA Lutheran congregation.

The liturgy in the Lutheran, Anglican, and Episcopal services are almost identical to the one in the Roman Catholic Church. The other denominations' services are much more different.

Chat GPT explains it this way but I've added my own notes.

Presbyterian:
Key Beliefs: Follow the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and predestination. Governance is typically based on a system of elders and elected representatives.
Church Structure: Hierarchical with elected elders at various levels of church government.
Worship Practices: Simple and reverent, often with a focus on preaching.

Sub-denominations: Within the Presbyterian tradition, there are various denominations and groups, such as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, among others.
Differences: These differences often relate to variations in theology, worship style, and ecclesiastical governance.

Lutheran:
Key Beliefs: Rooted in the teachings of Martin Luther, emphasizing justification by faith alone. Lutherans have a sacramental theology and adhere to the Augsburg Confession.
Church Structure: Can vary, but some have a hierarchical structure with bishops while others have a more congregational approach.
Worship Practices: Liturgical, with a strong emphasis on preaching and sacraments.

Sub-denominations:
ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America): The largest Lutheran body in the United States, known for its more liberal theological stance.
WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod): A more conservative Lutheran body, emphasizing traditional Lutheran doctrines.
LCMS (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod): Another conservative Lutheran body, known for its emphasis on traditional Lutheran teachings and practices.
Differences: These sub-denominations often differ in their interpretation of Lutheran doctrines, worship styles, and social issues.

Anglican:
Key Beliefs: Rooted in the Church of England. Holds a via media (middle way) between Catholicism and Protestantism. Adheres to the Book of Common Prayer.
Church Structure: Episcopalian (governed by bishops), but the degree of hierarchy can vary.
Worship Practices: Liturgical, with variations in worship styles.

Sub-denominations: The Anglican Communion is a global association of churches. Sub-denominations include the Episcopal Church (USA), the Church of England, the Anglican Church of Canada, and many others.
Differences: While they share common historical roots, differences can arise over theological issues, particularly regarding interpretations of scripture and social issues.

Methodist:
Key Beliefs: Founded by John Wesley, emphasizing personal holiness and social justice. Holds to the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, incorporating scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
Church Structure: Connectional, with a system of conferences and bishops.
Worship Practices: Can vary, but often includes a focus on music, preaching, and the sacraments.
Sub-denominations: The United Methodist Church is one of the largest Methodist denominations globally. Other Methodist denominations include the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the Free Methodist Church, and the Wesleyan Church, each with its own distinctive practices and emphases.
Differences: Variations in theology, governance structures, and worship styles can be observed among Methodist sub-denominations.

Episcopalian:
Key Beliefs: Part of the Anglican Communion, with similar beliefs to Anglicanism. Holds to the Book of Common Prayer and traditional liturgy.
Church Structure: Episcopalian, with bishops overseeing dioceses.
Worship Practices: Liturgical, with a strong emphasis on sacraments and traditional worship.
Sub-denominations: The Episcopal Church (USA) is the primary branch in the United States. Other Anglican churches that share historical roots may use the term "Episcopal" or "Anglican" depending on their location.

Differences: Differences can emerge over theological interpretations, liturgical practices, and responses to contemporary social issues.
It's important to note that within each sub-denomination, there can be a diversity of theological perspectives and local practices. Denominational differences can also be influenced by cultural contexts and historical developments. As with any religious tradition, individual congregations may have unique emphases and practices within the broader denominational framework.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reformed of the Calvinist churches believe in TULIP: Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Presbyterians are Calvinists, and Baptists broke off from Calvinism but are not nearly as theologically preoccupied as the mainline churches so I don’t know they adhere to TULIP in a strict sense.

All of Protestantism is like that, start with Catholic theology and start taking away, interpreting differently, internally schisming ad infinitum. Episcopalians think they’re Catholics but have female priests and gay marriage. Lutherans think they’re Catholics but one of their their pope lives in Missouri and one of them lives in Wisconsin, and the third is also a lady priest.

Neither Episcopalians nor Lutherans think they’re Catholic.

They think they have high liturgy, the true faith, everybody else is wrong (the Ls anyway), etc. They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed (although it is unclear what they mean when they say “I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church). A couple of Lutheran friends told me St. Augustine was a Lutheran, even.

It is very clear "what they mean." The word "catholic" simply means universal.

+1

+2. Lower-case "catholic" means "universal."

What does universal mean?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reformed of the Calvinist churches believe in TULIP: Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Presbyterians are Calvinists, and Baptists broke off from Calvinism but are not nearly as theologically preoccupied as the mainline churches so I don’t know they adhere to TULIP in a strict sense.

All of Protestantism is like that, start with Catholic theology and start taking away, interpreting differently, internally schisming ad infinitum. Episcopalians think they’re Catholics but have female priests and gay marriage. Lutherans think they’re Catholics but one of their their pope lives in Missouri and one of them lives in Wisconsin, and the third is also a lady priest.

Neither Episcopalians nor Lutherans think they’re Catholic.

They think they have high liturgy, the true faith, everybody else is wrong (the Ls anyway), etc. They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed (although it is unclear what they mean when they say “I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church). A couple of Lutheran friends told me St. Augustine was a Lutheran, even.

It is very clear "what they mean." The word "catholic" simply means universal.

+1

+2. Lower-case "catholic" means "universal."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reformed of the Calvinist churches believe in TULIP: Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Presbyterians are Calvinists, and Baptists broke off from Calvinism but are not nearly as theologically preoccupied as the mainline churches so I don’t know they adhere to TULIP in a strict sense.

All of Protestantism is like that, start with Catholic theology and start taking away, interpreting differently, internally schisming ad infinitum. Episcopalians think they’re Catholics but have female priests and gay marriage. Lutherans think they’re Catholics but one of their their pope lives in Missouri and one of them lives in Wisconsin, and the third is also a lady priest.

Neither Episcopalians nor Lutherans think they’re Catholic.

They think they have high liturgy, the true faith, everybody else is wrong (the Ls anyway), etc. They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed (although it is unclear what they mean when they say “I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church). A couple of Lutheran friends told me St. Augustine was a Lutheran, even.

It is very clear "what they mean." The word "catholic" simply means universal.

+1

Who cares? One supernatural story vs another. All fake manmade control. We’d all be better off without any religion.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reformed of the Calvinist churches believe in TULIP: Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Presbyterians are Calvinists, and Baptists broke off from Calvinism but are not nearly as theologically preoccupied as the mainline churches so I don’t know they adhere to TULIP in a strict sense.

All of Protestantism is like that, start with Catholic theology and start taking away, interpreting differently, internally schisming ad infinitum. Episcopalians think they’re Catholics but have female priests and gay marriage. Lutherans think they’re Catholics but one of their their pope lives in Missouri and one of them lives in Wisconsin, and the third is also a lady priest.

Neither Episcopalians nor Lutherans think they’re Catholic.

They think they have high liturgy, the true faith, everybody else is wrong (the Ls anyway), etc. They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed (although it is unclear what they mean when they say “I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church). A couple of Lutheran friends told me St. Augustine was a Lutheran, even.

It is very clear "what they mean." The word "catholic" simply means universal.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reformed of the Calvinist churches believe in TULIP: Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Presbyterians are Calvinists, and Baptists broke off from Calvinism but are not nearly as theologically preoccupied as the mainline churches so I don’t know they adhere to TULIP in a strict sense.

All of Protestantism is like that, start with Catholic theology and start taking away, interpreting differently, internally schisming ad infinitum. Episcopalians think they’re Catholics but have female priests and gay marriage. Lutherans think they’re Catholics but one of their their pope lives in Missouri and one of them lives in Wisconsin, and the third is also a lady priest.

Neither Episcopalians nor Lutherans think they’re Catholic.

They think they have high liturgy, the true faith, everybody else is wrong (the Ls anyway), etc. They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed (although it is unclear what they mean when they say “I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church). A couple of Lutheran friends told me St. Augustine was a Lutheran, even.

You do realize that the word “catholic” in this context means “universal,” right? Not the name of the religion/church.

Of course I know that’s the answer given. But what does universal mean? What does apostolic mean? What does one as it relates to unity mean? And how did Luther or King Henry VIII (if I’m not mistaken, Episcopalianism is the American offshoot of the Anglican church) come to those conclusions and why is their intepretation the right one? That’s what is unclear to me.

It doesn’t mean they think they’re Catholic, though. You are obviously very confused about words and their meanings.

You need to do a lot of reading. Is there a comparative religions course available at a local community college that you could take? That’s what you need to answer your questions.

The Lutherans I know think they are what Trad Catholics think they are. Obviously they don’t think they’re literally Catholic. If you couldn’t surmise, that part of the OP is tongue in cheek. Next thing you’ll tell me is there are not actually 3 popes in the Lutheran church, shocker!

You think the Lutherans you know are representative of all Lutherans?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reformed of the Calvinist churches believe in TULIP: Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Presbyterians are Calvinists, and Baptists broke off from Calvinism but are not nearly as theologically preoccupied as the mainline churches so I don’t know they adhere to TULIP in a strict sense.

All of Protestantism is like that, start with Catholic theology and start taking away, interpreting differently, internally schisming ad infinitum. Episcopalians think they’re Catholics but have female priests and gay marriage. Lutherans think they’re Catholics but one of their their pope lives in Missouri and one of them lives in Wisconsin, and the third is also a lady priest.

Neither Episcopalians nor Lutherans think they’re Catholic.

They think they have high liturgy, the true faith, everybody else is wrong (the Ls anyway), etc. They adhere to the Apostle’s Creed (although it is unclear what they mean when they say “I believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church). A couple of Lutheran friends told me St. Augustine was a Lutheran, even.

You do realize that the word “catholic” in this context means “universal,” right? Not the name of the religion/church.

Of course I know that’s the answer given. But what does universal mean? What does apostolic mean? What does one as it relates to unity mean? And how did Luther or King Henry VIII (if I’m not mistaken, Episcopalianism is the American offshoot of the Anglican church) come to those conclusions and why is their intepretation the right one? That’s what is unclear to me.

It doesn’t mean they think they’re Catholic, though. You are obviously very confused about words and their meanings.

You need to do a lot of reading. Is there a comparative religions course available at a local community college that you could take? That’s what you need to answer your questions.

The Lutherans I know think they are what Trad Catholics think they are. Obviously they don’t think they’re literally Catholic. If you couldn’t surmise, that part of the OP is tongue in cheek. Next thing you’ll tell me is there are not actually 3 popes in the Lutheran church, shocker!