Christianity is the collective term for the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The denominations below are the largest and most historically significant branches, all tracing their roots to early Christian communities.
| Feature | Christianity (The Whole) | Catholicism (Roman Catholic) | Eastern Orthodoxy | Protestantism | Anglicanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Figure | Jesus Christ | The Pope (Bishop of Rome) | Self-governing Patriarchs/Synods | Varies (No single global leader) | Archbishop of Canterbury/Monarch |
| Source of Authority | The Bible (New and Old Testaments) | Scripture AND Church Tradition | Scripture AND Church Tradition | Scripture ALONE (Sola Scriptura) | Scripture and Tradition (Varies) |
| Celibacy for Clergy | Varies by Denomination | Mandatory for priests/bishops | Mandatory for bishops only | Not required | Not required |
| Saints/Mary Veneration | All honor Jesus Christ | Highly emphasized | Highly emphasized (via Icons) | Minimal or rejected | Moderate/Varied |
Also known as: The Catholic Church, Roman Catholicism.
Key History: The largest and oldest continuous branch, led by the Pope in Vatican City.
Also known as: Orthodox Church, Greek/Russian Orthodoxy.
Key History: Split from Catholicism in the Great Schism of 1054. Highly values ancient tradition and mystical worship.
Includes: Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.
Key History: Started with the Reformation (16th Century). Emphasizes Sola Fide (faith alone) and Sola Scriptura (scripture alone).
Also known as: The Anglican Communion, Episcopalian (in some regions).
Key History: Separated from Rome due to King Henry VIII. Often seen as a 'middle way' (via media) between Catholicism and Protestantism.