Denominations

DENOMINATIONS are religious organisations that are midway between churches and sects.

An example of this is Methodism.

This is when they broadly accept society’s values, but they are not linked to the function of the state.

This means that they can restrict their members, such as banning alcohol, but they do not restrictthose who do not believe, and do not insist that their way is the one way of truth.

Denominations often form gradually. This can be the effect of historical events, culture, influence, power and geographic location. They can also happen rather rapidly, for example when somebody rather influential experiences something that questions their pattern of thought. Theories of existence, science etc. can really alter the way people believe, and form new versions of former religions.

Christian Denominations

All of these different denominations still follow the same common name, structure, and doctrine (set of beliefs taught by a church or a group) within Christianity.

The main differences between each denomination is that certain members have various doctrines about the Church and the story of Jesus Christ.

Examples of denominations within Christianity are Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans etc.

Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches are separate from western Christianity as they separate themselves geographically.