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a warm welcome to this web site.
This web site provides a short introduction to Protestantism, exploring its multi-faceted nature and development. There are approximately 500 million Protestants worldwide, making up nearly 30% of all Christians. Protestantism continues to shape and influence Christianity in the modern world.
The challenge for all Protestants is to reflect on their shared history within the church that Christ himself founded, and find new ways of relating to non-Protestant Christians. Particularly in the last 30 years or so, the growth of the ecumenical movement has led to new ways by which Christians of all denominations can engage in dialogue and work together in proclaiming the gospel.
What is 'Protestantism' ?
The word 'Protestant' derives from the protests made by German princes at the Diet of Speyer in 1529. The Diet voted to end the toleration of those who followed the teachings of Martin Luther within Germany.
The core of Protestant teaching lies within the Five Soli (Latin: 'Alone'), which we will discuss in detail. Essentially, Protestantism is characterised by emphasis on the Bible as the sole source of infallible truth and the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone. In addition, Protestants have traditionally encouraged private interpretation of the scriptures by individuals rather than relying on the interpretation of the church (as is the case in Roman Catholicism). As a result, differing groups have emerged (e.g. Baptists, Lutherans and Methodists), each holding distinctive doctrines. The are discussed in the denominations section.
NOTE: The term Evangelical (from the Greek evangelion : 'Good news') is often used as a synonym for 'Protestant'. However it can be used for anyone with an desire to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, irrespective of denomination.
The Reformation Wall, Geneva.
From left to right: William Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza and John Knox.
Protestantism as we now know it dates from the 16th century, but the church from which it sprang is of course much older. History should be something that all Christians can learn from. The reformers saw themselves as returning to a bibliocentric form of Christianity and the reformation was seen by some as tragic, but still necessary.
Let us remind ourselves of the words of Christ:
"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one."
John 17:21-12 (KJV)
A Prayer for Unity
A personal prayer:
Lord, thank you for making us part of the Body of Christ. We praise you for your mercy, your goodness and your unfailing love. Throughout the ages, countless peoples have given testimony of your grace and mercy. We pray that this same grace and mercy may be given to us today. Though your church has faltered, it can never fail because you uphold it. May all of us, no matter what our individual denominational reasonings lead us to believe, serve you with openness of heart, gentleness of spirit and keenness of mind. You prayer was that we may be one: may we strive for that oneness today, recognising our common bond as Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Amen
Christian denominations
Also recommended are the web sites of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox denominations respectively. A Comparison table between Orthodoxy, Protestantism and Roman Catholicism is also available.
May God bless you as you read these pages.
Iain
