1. Roman Catholicism
Major Doctrines:
- Authority of the Church – Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture are equally authoritative.
- Papal Infallibility – The Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra on faith and morals.
- Apostolic Succession – Church authority comes from the apostles through an unbroken line of bishops.
- Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
- Transubstantiation – The bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.
- Salvation – Through faith, works, and sacraments (cooperation with God’s grace).
- Mary’s Role: Immaculate Conception (Mary was born without sin), Assumption (Mary was taken body and soul into Heaven), Perpetual Virginity.
- Purgatory – A state of purification before entering Heaven.
- Intercession of Saints – Saints in Heaven can intercede for believers on Earth.
Minor Doctrines:
- Celibacy of Priests – Required in the Latin Rite but not in Eastern Catholic Churches.
- Use of Latin in Liturgy – Traditional in the Tridentine Mass (Latin Mass).
- Rosary and Marian Devotion – Encouraged but not required.
- Indulgences – Remission of temporal punishment for sins.
- Fasting and Abstinence – Required on certain days (e.g., Lent, Fridays).
2. Eastern Orthodoxy
Major Doctrines:
- Holy Tradition and Scripture – Equally authoritative.
- Seven Sacraments – Similar to Catholicism but with different theological emphasis.
- Theosis – Salvation is a process of becoming one with God.
- Real Presence in Eucharist – Christ is present, but the mechanism is a mystery.
- Icon Veneration – Icons are sacred and serve as windows to Heaven.
- Apostolic Succession – Authority passed down through bishops.
- No Original Sin Guilt – Humans inherit death, not guilt, from Adam.
- No Purgatory – The afterlife is mysterious, but no defined doctrine of purgatory.
Minor Doctrines:
- Leavened Bread in Eucharist – Unlike Catholics, Orthodox use leavened bread.
- Married Priests Allowed – Only bishops must remain celibate.
- Fasting and Feasts – Strict fasting rules (e.g., Great Lent, Wednesdays and Fridays).
- Mysticism and Hesychasm – Prayer methods such as the Jesus Prayer.
3. Protestantism (Broad Overview)
Major Doctrines:
- Sola Scriptura – Bible alone is the authority.
- Sola Fide – Justification by faith alone.
- Sola Gratia – Salvation by grace alone.
- Solus Christus – Christ alone is the mediator.
- Priesthood of All Believers – No need for priestly mediation.
- Two Sacraments – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- Rejection of Transubstantiation – Different views on Christ’s presence in communion.
Minor Doctrines (vary by denomination):
- End Times Beliefs – Premillennialism, Amillennialism, Postmillennialism.
- Predestination vs. Free Will – Calvinism vs. Arminianism.
- Charismatic Gifts – Cessationist vs. Continuationist views.
4. Lutheranism
Major Doctrines:
- Justification by Faith Alone – Salvation is through faith, not works.
- Sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist.
- Consubstantiation – Christ is present “in, with, and under” the elements.
- Law and Gospel Distinction – The law condemns; the gospel saves.
- Infant Baptism – Baptism is a means of grace.
Minor Doctrines:
- Liturgical Worship – Many retain traditional liturgies.
- Church Government – Some episcopal (bishops), some congregational.
5. Calvinism (Reformed Theology)
Major Doctrines (TULIP):
- Total Depravity – Humans are completely sinful.
- Unconditional Election – God chooses who will be saved.
- Limited Atonement – Christ died only for the elect.
- Irresistible Grace – God’s grace cannot be resisted by the elect.
- Perseverance of the Saints – True believers will remain in faith.
Minor Doctrines:
- Covenant Theology – Church is the continuation of Israel.
- Infant Baptism – Some branches practice it.
6. Anglicanism
Major Doctrines:
- Via Media – Middle way between Catholicism and Protestantism.
- Scripture, Tradition, and Reason – Authority comes from all three.
- Eucharist Views Vary – Some believe in Real Presence, others symbolic.
Minor Doctrines:
- High Church vs. Low Church – Some more Catholic, others more Protestant.
- Female Clergy – Allowed in many branches.
7. Baptists
Major Doctrines:
- Believer’s Baptism – Only professing believers are baptized.
- Congregational Governance – Local churches are independent.
- Salvation by Faith Alone – Rejects sacramental grace.
Minor Doctrines:
- Once Saved, Always Saved – Some believe in eternal security.
- Differing Views on Spiritual Gifts – Some are cessationist, some are charismatic.
8. Methodism
Major Doctrines:
- Arminian Free Will – Rejects Calvinist predestination.
- Sanctification – A process leading to Christian perfection.
- Sacraments: Baptism and Communion.
Minor Doctrines:
- Social Justice Focus – Strong emphasis on charity.
- Open Communion – All believers may partake.
9. Pentecostalism
Major Doctrines:
- Baptism in the Holy Spirit – A second blessing after salvation.
- Speaking in Tongues – Evidence of Spirit baptism.
- Miraculous Gifts – Healing, prophecy, miracles.
Minor Doctrines:
- Lively Worship – Emphasis on emotional expression.
- Holiness Movement – Some branches emphasize strict lifestyle choices.
10. Seventh-day Adventism
Major Doctrines:
- Saturday Sabbath – Worship on the seventh day.
- Investigative Judgment – Christ is reviewing believers’ lives before returning.
- Health Laws – Avoiding unclean foods.
Minor Doctrines:
- Vegetarianism Encouraged – Many follow plant-based diets.
- Ellen G. White’s Writings – Considered an inspired prophet.
11. Jehovah’s Witnesses (Not Orthodox Christianity)
Major Doctrines:
- God’s Name is Jehovah – Emphasized uniquely.
- Jesus is Not God – Jesus is a created being.
- No Trinity – God is one, no three persons.
Minor Doctrines:
- No Celebrations – No birthdays, Christmas, or Easter.
- No Blood Transfusions – Based on biblical interpretation.
12. Mormonism (Not Orthodox Christianity)
Major Doctrines:
- God Has a Body – Unlike traditional Christian theology.
- Book of Mormon – Additional scripture.
- Exaltation – Humans can become gods.
Minor Doctrines:
- Baptism for the Dead – A unique practice.
- Health Code – No coffee, tea, alcohol.