Major+Groups



Christianity is sorted into many different groups (over 38,000!). These groups, called denominations, do not believe in drastically different views, but they do worship differently. Some major denominations are:
 * Roman Catholic
 * Eastern Orthodox
 * Protestant/Baptist
 * Anglicanism
 * Seventh-day Adventists

The idea that separates Roman Catholics from the other denominations is the pope. Roman Catholics believe that the pope has a special authority. As compared to other groups, Roman Catholics usually have stricter, more formal Masses. Another distinct difference that Roman Catholics believe in is Purgatory. In their view, Purgatory is where you go to be purified, after you die, but before you are allowed to enter Heaven.

The Eastern Orthodox church can trace it's origin back to apostolic times. It was founded by Jesus Christ himself, almost 2,000 years ago. Sometimes, the Eastern Orthodox Church is called the Orthodox Catholic Church, and therefor is sometimes categorized under the Catholic denomination. The goal of the church is to continuously grow closer to god throughout one's life. Eastern Orthodox Churches are know for being beautifully decorated.

"Protestant denominations differ in the degree to which they reject Catholic belief and practice."([]) The degree in which each denominations are usually shown in the formalness of the services; some have more relaxed services, some have more formal. Protestants still follow the bible, and the doctrines.

Anglicans are usually defined as a middle between Catholicism and Protestantism. Like Protestants, Anglicans are not bound to the Pope, however, they do have a Bishop hierarchy like Catholics. Anglican churches are all affiliated with the Church of England.

Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) have two main differences from other denominations: they observe Sabbath on Saturday, and they believe that the end of the world is coming. Seventh-day Adventists also follow some Jewish dietary laws. Seventh-day Adventists also believe that death is a form of sleep, during which, the deceased isn't conscious. Because of this, they also don't believe in an afterlife.

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church