5: Methodism within Christianity

Comparison of Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Mainline Protestant Denominations

ORIGINS AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• Methodism: Methodism originated in the 18th century as a revival movement within the Church of England, led by John Wesley and his brother Charles. It eventually became a separate denomination due to differences in theology and practice.
• Roman Catholicism: It traces its origins back to the early Christian community and sees itself as the continuation of the original church established by Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic Church became a distinct entity following the Great Schism of 1054, which divided it from the Eastern Orthodox Church.
• Eastern Orthodox Church: Traces its roots back to the early Christian communities established by the apostles. It formally separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the Great Schism of 1054, due to theological, political, and cultural differences.
• Anglicans: Emerged in the 16th century during the English Reformation when the Church of England broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. It retains many elements of Catholic liturgy and structure but incorporates Reformation principles.
• Baptists: Emerged in the early 17th century, with roots in English Separatism. The Baptist movement was strongly influenced by the Anabaptists and emphasized believer’s baptism and the authority of Scripture.
• Presbyterians: Traces its roots back to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, particularly the teachings of John Calvin and John Knox. It became a distinct tradition with a strong emphasis on Reformed theology and governance by elders.
• Pentecostals: Emerged in the early 20th century during the Pentecostal revival movement, particularly marked by events such as the Azusa Street Revival in 1906. It emphasizes a direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

AUTHORITY AND LEADERSHIP

• Methodism: Methodism does not have a single central authority like the Pope. Leadership structures can vary, but they typically include a system of conferences (local, regional, and general) and a variety of clergy and lay leaders. Bishops are prominent in some Methodist branches but do not hold the same level of authority as in Catholicism.
• Roman Catholicism: The Pope, who is considered the successor of Saint Peter, is the supreme authority in the Roman Catholic Church. The church’s hierarchy includes cardinals, bishops, and priests, and it places a strong emphasis on apostolic succession.
• Eastern Orthodox Church: Organized as a communion of autocephalous (self-governing) churches, each led by a bishop, often titled a patriarch, metropolitan, or archbishop. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holds a position of honor but does not have the same authority as the Pope in Catholicism.
• Anglicans: Governed by a system of bishops, with the Archbishop of Canterbury being the symbolic leader of the global Anglican Communion. Authority is shared between bishops and synods (councils) at various levels (parish, diocesan, provincial, and national).
• Baptists: Generally embrace a congregational form of church governance, where each local congregation is autonomous and self-governing. Leadership structures can vary, but there is no hierarchical authority above the local church.
• Presbyterians: Governed by a system of elders (presbyters) in a representative form of church government. Local congregations elect elders to the session (local governing body), and representatives to presbyteries (regional bodies) and the General Assembly (national body).
• Pentecostals: Generally features a more decentralized and congregational form of governance, though some denominations have a hierarchical structure. Authority is often vested in charismatic leaders and pastors. Examples of Pentecostal denominations include the Assemblies of God and the Church of God in Christ.

DOCTRINE AND THEOLOGY

• Methodism: Methodists generally recognize two sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper). They emphasize personal faith and the importance of scripture. Methodists believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist but typically do not hold to the doctrine of transubstantiation.
• Roman Catholicism: Key doctrines include the belief in the seven sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony), the authority of the Pope, the veneration of saints, and the belief in transubstantiation (the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist).
• Eastern Orthodox Church: Emphasizes the continuity of Holy Tradition, which includes the Scriptures, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the decisions of ecumenical councils. Recognizes seven sacraments (Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Holy Orders, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick). It places a strong emphasis on theosis (divinization or becoming one with God).
• Anglicans: Holds to the “via media” or “middle way” between Roman Catholicism and Protestant Reformation principles. It values the authority of Scripture, tradition, and reason. Anglicans recognize two sacraments as generally necessary for salvation (Baptism and the Eucharist) and other rites that are sacramental in nature (such as Confirmation, Ordination, Marriage, Confession, and Anointing of the Sick).
• Baptists: Emphasize the authority of Scripture and the necessity of personal conversion and believer’s baptism (baptism only of those who profess faith in Jesus Christ). They generally do not recognize infant baptism. Baptists also believe in the priesthood of all believers and the autonomy of the local church.
• Presbyterians: Adheres to Reformed theology, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of grace through faith. Presbyterians adhere to the Westminster Confession of Faith and recognize two sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper).
• Pentecostals: Emphasizes the baptism with the Holy Spirit, which is often evidenced by speaking in tongues (glossolalia), prophecy, healing, and other spiritual gifts. Pentecostals stress a personal and experiential faith, the authority of Scripture, and a vibrant, expressive form of worship. They typically recognize two ordinances (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), though the emphasis on the Holy Spirit sets them apart.

WORSHIP AND LITURGY

• Methodism: Methodist worship services are more flexible and can vary widely, though they often include hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and a sermon. The style of worship can range from formal to informal, and there is a strong tradition of hymn singing.
• Roman Catholicism: Catholic worship is highly liturgical and follows a set form of prayers and rituals, with the Mass as the central act of worship. The liturgical calendar, including feasts and saints’ days, plays a significant role in Catholic practice.
• Eastern Orthodox Church: Worship is highly liturgical and follows a set structure, with the Divine Liturgy as the central act of worship. The liturgy involves chanting, incense, icons, and a series of prescribed prayers and rituals. The liturgical calendar, including numerous feasts and fasts, plays a significant role in Orthodox practice.
• Anglicans: Worship is liturgical, following the Book of Common Prayer (or equivalent in different Anglican provinces). Services include structured prayers, readings from Scripture, creeds, and sacraments. The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is central to worship, and services are often more formal and ceremonial.
• Baptists: Worship services typically include congregational singing, prayers, scripture reading, and a sermon. The style of worship can range from traditional to contemporary, often reflecting the preferences of the local congregation. Baptists emphasize preaching and Bible teaching.
• Presbyterians: Worship is generally orderly and reverent, with a strong emphasis on preaching and the reading of Scripture. Services typically include hymns or Psalms, prayers, a sermon, and the sacraments.
• Pentecostals: Worship services are often characterized by expressive and spontaneous elements, including speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing services, vibrant singing, clapping, dancing, and sometimes shouting. Worship is typically more informal and emotional, focusing on an immediate experience of the Holy Spirit.

SOCIAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES

• Methodism: Methodism also addresses social and ethical issues, often emphasizing social justice, charity, and community service. Methodist teachings on issues like marriage, sexuality, and social issues can vary, particularly among different Methodist denominations.
• Roman Catholicism: The Catholic Church holds specific teachings on social and ethical issues based on its doctrines and the teachings of the Pope and church councils. It has definitive positions on issues such as abortion, contraception, marriage, and social justice.
• Eastern Orthodox Church: Holds traditional views on many social and ethical issues, often emphasizing the teachings of the Church Fathers and the decisions of ecumenical councils. The Orthodox Church tends to be conservative on issues such as marriage, sexuality, and bioethics.
• Anglicans: Also emphasizes social justice and involvement in societal issues. Views on social and ethical issues can vary widely among different Anglican provinces and congregations, reflecting the diversity within the Anglican Communion.
• Baptists: Teachings on social and ethical issues can vary widely among different Baptist groups. Some Baptists emphasize individual responsibility and local church autonomy, leading to a range of views on social issues. Many Baptists focus on evangelism and personal morality.
• Presbyterians: Historically, Presbyterians have emphasized social responsibility and involvement in societal issues. Views on social and ethical issues can vary, but there is often a focus on education, mission work, and social justice.
• Pentecostals: Views on social and ethical issues can vary widely. Some Pentecostal groups emphasize personal morality and holiness, including conservative views on issues like alcohol, tobacco, and modesty. Others may be actively engaged in social justice and community service.

PRACTICES

• Methodism: Methodists typically emphasize personal and communal prayer, Bible study, and active participation in social justice causes. Confession is usually a personal practice rather than a sacrament involving a priest.
• Roman Catholicism: Practices such as the rosary, veneration of relics, and pilgrimages are common. Confession to a priest is a regular practice for the forgiveness of sins.
• Eastern Orthodox Church: Practices include the use of icons, fasting, liturgical prayer, and participation in the sacraments. The Orthodox spiritual life emphasizes asceticism, monasticism, and the Jesus Prayer.
• Anglicans: Practices include structured liturgical worship, the use of the Book of Common Prayer, participation in the sacraments, and a strong emphasis on the liturgical calendar. Anglicans also engage in personal and communal prayer, Bible study, and social justice work.
• Baptists: Practices typically include personal and communal prayer, Bible study, and participation in the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptists often emphasize evangelism, missions, and personal morality.
• Presbyterians: Practices include personal and communal prayer, Bible study, and participation in the sacraments. Presbyterians place a strong emphasis on the preached Word and catechism for teaching the faith.
• Pentecostals: Practices include vibrant and spontaneous worship, speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing services, personal and communal prayer, and active evangelism. Pentecostals place a strong emphasis on personal conversion experiences and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.