What are the key denominations and religious groups within American Christianity?

Research questions and objectives

American Christianity is comprised of a wide range of denominations and religious groups. Here are some key ones:

  1. Catholicism: The Catholic Church is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States. It is organized into dioceses led by bishops and headed by the Pope. The Catholic Church follows the teachings and traditions of the Vatican and places importance on sacraments, the authority of the Pope, and devotion to Mary and the saints.
  2. Protestantism: a. Baptist: Baptists emphasize the importance of personal faith, baptism by immersion, congregational governance, and the authority of Scripture. They have diverse theological perspectives, including Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist Churches, and National Baptist Convention. b. Methodist: Methodists follow the teachings of John Wesley and emphasize personal piety, social justice, and the importance of Christian community. The United Methodist Church is the largest Methodist denomination in the United States. c. Presbyterian: Presbyterians have a form of governance led by elders and emphasize the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and Reformed theology. The largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States is the Presbyterian Church (USA). d. Lutheran: Lutherans follow the teachings of Martin Luther and emphasize salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, and sacraments. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. e. Pentecostal and Charismatic: Pentecostal and Charismatic movements emphasize spiritual gifts, the work of the Holy Spirit, and charismatic worship. Key denominations include the Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ, and various non-denominational charismatic churches. f. Episcopal/Anglican: The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion and follows a liturgical tradition influenced by the Church of England. It emphasizes sacraments, apostolic succession, and social justice. g. Reformed and Calvinist: Reformed and Calvinist denominations follow the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the authority of Scripture. Denominations include the Reformed Church in America and the Christian Reformed Church. h. Church of Christ: Churches of Christ emphasize the authority of Scripture, simplicity of worship, and autonomy of each local congregation. They do not typically have a hierarchical structure or central governing body.
  3. Orthodox Christianity: Eastern Orthodox Christianity is represented by various jurisdictions in the United States, including the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Orthodox Church in America, and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. They follow the traditions and teachings of the early Christian church and are led by bishops.
  4. Mormonism (Latter-day Saints): The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormons, follows the teachings of Joseph Smith and believes in additional scriptures, including the Book of Mormon. They have a hierarchical structure and unique beliefs about the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and the afterlife.
  5. Jehovah’s Witnesses: Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their distinctive beliefs, including the rejection of the Trinity, the belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ, and the avoidance of military service and blood transfusions. They engage in extensive door-to-door evangelism and place importance on biblical study and worship.
  6. Restorationist Movements: These include various Christian groups that emerged in the 19th century, seeking to restore what they believed to be the original form of Christianity. Examples include the Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and Christian Scientists.
  7. Non-denominational Churches: Non-denominational churches are independent congregations that are not affiliated with a specific denomination. They vary in their beliefs, practices, and worship styles but typically emphasize personal faith and a direct relationship with God, often emphasizing contemporary worship styles and a focus on practical application of biblical teachings.
  1. Historic Black Churches: These include predominantly African American Christian denominations such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), National Baptist Convention, Church of God in Christ (COGIC), and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion). These churches have a rich history of community activism and social justice engagement.
  2. Anabaptist Traditions: Anabaptist traditions include Mennonite, Amish, and Brethren in Christ denominations. They emphasize discipleship, pacifism, community, and the separation of church and state.
  3. Adventist Movement: The Seventh-day Adventist Church follows the teachings of Ellen G. White and places emphasis on the Second Coming of Christ, the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, and holistic health principles.

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other denominations, religious groups, and movements within American Christianity. The diversity within American Christianity reflects the varying theological perspectives, worship practices, and cultural expressions that exist within the broader Christian faith.