Different Denominations

What was the Great Schism?

The division between the Eastern and Western Churches in 1054.

What event in the 4th century contributed to the eventual division of Christianity?

The split in the Roman Empire, which resulted in two capitals.

What were the two capitals of the divided Roman Empire?

Rome in the West and Constantinople in the East.

What language was primarily spoken by Christians in the Western Church?

Latin

What language was primarily spoken by Christians in the Eastern Church?

Greek

Which Christian leader did Western Christians look to for authority?

The Bishop of Rome (Pope).

Which Christian leader did Eastern Christians look to for authority?

The Patriarch of Constantinople.

What were two major issues involved in the conflict leading to the Great Schism?

The authority of the Pope and the relationship between the members of the Trinity.

What two major churches emerged from the Great Schism?

The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Catholic Church.

What year did the Great Schism traditionally occur?

1054

When did the Protestant Reformation occur?

During the 16th century.

What did the Protestant Reformation lead to?

The formation and growth of the Protestant Church.

Which major Christian tradition did Protestantism split from?

Roman Catholicism.

Where does the Roman Catholic Church trace its origins?

To the community founded by Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Which Bible passage is associated with the beginning of the Christian community at Pentecost?

Acts 2

Who do Roman Catholics regard as the leader of the worldwide Christian Church?

The Pope, the Bishop of Rome.

What Bible passage is used to support the Pope's authority?

Matthew 16:18.

What did Jesus say to Peter in Matthew 16:18?

Jesus said, "You are Peter... and on this rock I will build my church."

Why is Matthew 16:18 important to Roman Catholics?

It is understood as Jesus giving Peter a special leadership role, which is connected to the authority of the Pope.

What did most Christians regard the Pope as during approximately AD 100–300?

The figurehead of the Christian movement.

What was affirmed about the Pope's authority in the 5th century?

Official doctrine affirmed the Pope's universal authority over matters of faith and morality.

What areas does the Catholic Church continue to provide authority on today?

Matters of faith and morality.

What figure does the Roman Catholic Church place strong emphasis on besides Jesus?

Mary, the mother of Jesus.

What titles are associated with Mary in Catholicism?

Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

How is Mary treated within Roman Catholic practice?

She is venerated with great reverence.

Why do Catholics pray to Mary?

They ask Mary to intercede with Jesus on their behalf.

How many sacraments does the Roman Catholic Church recognise?

Seven.

What are the seven Catholic sacraments?

Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Holy Orders, Matrimony and Anointing of the Sick.

What is the Eucharist?

The Catholic celebration of the Lord's Supper, in which Catholics believe Christ is truly present in the bread and wine.

What is transubstantiation?

The belief that the substance of the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Jesus, while the physical appearances remain.

What does the word "transubstantiation" mean?

Change of substance.

What do Catholics believe happens to the bread and wine during the Eucharist?

The bread becomes Christ's body and the wine becomes Christ's sacrificial blood in substance.

What does the priest do during the Catholic Mass in relation to Christ's sacrifice?

The Mass re-presents/re-enacts Christ's offering, according to Catholic theology.

How does the Orthodox Church view its origins?

It regards itself as being in the direct line of the apostles.

How does the Orthodox Church view its form of Christianity?

It sees itself as preserving a pure and ancient form of Christianity.

Name some Orthodox Christian traditions/churches.

Is the Orthodox Church governed by one central figure like the Pope?

No. It is governed by individual bishops who have authority over their dioceses/regions.

What is a diocese?

A region of the Church under the authority of a bishop.

How do Orthodox bishops make decisions together?

They meet in councils (synods).

Who is regarded as the honorary head of the Orthodox Church?

The Bishop/Patriarch of Constantinople.

What is the key difference between Catholic and Orthodox authority?

Catholics recognise the Pope as having universal authority, while Orthodoxy is governed through bishops and synods, without a single universal leader.

What does the Orthodox Church emphasise about salvation?

That believers can share in the nature of God.

What Bible passage supports the Orthodox understanding of participation in the divine nature?

2 Peter 1:3–4.

What does "participate in the divine nature" mean in Orthodox Christianity?

Through God's grace, believers are transformed and come to share in God's life and nature.

What are icons?

Sacred images used extensively in Orthodox worship.

What forms of symbolism are prominent in Orthodox worship?

Icons, paintings, incense, chants and ornate vestments.

Why are symbols important in Orthodox worship?

They help communicate and express spiritual truths and create a rich worship experience.

What is the main source of authority for Protestants?

The Bible

What do Protestants generally believe about interpreting the Bible?

Authority for Christian belief and way of life ultimately rests in Scripture, rather than with a Pope.

Name several Protestant denominations.

Anglican, Presbyterian, Uniting Church, Baptist and Seventh-day Adventist, among others.

Do Protestants recognise a figure equivalent to the Pope?

No

Do Protestant churches have forms of leadership and hierarchy?

Yes, although these vary between denominations.

What leadership structure does the Anglican Church have?

Archbishops and bishops.

What leadership structure is associated with Presbyterian churches?

Moderators and church councils/elders.

Are Protestant leaders considered infallible in matters of faith?

No

What is central to many Protestant worship services?

Bible-based preaching or sermons.

What do Protestants emphasise about salvation?

Salvation by grace.

What does salvation by grace mean?

Salvation is a free gift from God, made possible through Jesus' death, rather than something humans earn.

How does this differ from the idea of earning salvation through works?

Salvation is understood primarily as God's freely given gift, rather than something a person can earn through good deeds.

Do Protestants generally accept the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation?

No

What words of Jesus are particularly important to Protestant understandings of the Lord's Supper?

"Do this in remembrance of me."

How do Protestants generally understand the Lord's Supper in relation to Christ's sacrifice?

They do not re-enact Christ's sacrifice in the same way as the Catholic Mass.

What is a key difference between Catholic and Protestant understandings of the Lord's Supper?

Catholics believe in transubstantiation, while Protestants generally reject transubstantiation and emphasise remembrance of Jesus.

What was the Anglican Church historically known as?

The Church of England.

What are the two broad styles within Anglicanism mentioned in your notes?

Low Anglican (Evangelical) and High Anglican (Anglo-Catholic).

What does Low Anglicanism emphasise?

Personal conversion, the Bible and preaching.

What does High Anglicanism emphasise?

Ritual and sacraments.

Why can High Anglican worship sometimes be confused with Roman Catholic worship?

Because of its emphasis on ritual, sacraments and traditional forms of worship.

What is a major emphasis of Pentecostal Christianity?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit.

What are examples of gifts of the Holy Spirit emphasised by Pentecostals?

Speaking in tongues, healing and prophecy.

What is an example of a Pentecostal church?

Hillsong

How does Pentecostalism connect to the events of Pentecost in Acts 2?

It places strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, reflecting the experience of the disciples at Pentecost.

Who is the central authority in Eastern Orthodoxy?

There is no single central leader; authority rests with bishops and synods.

What is the Catholic view of the Eucharist?

Transubstantiation, the bread and wine become Christ's body and blood in substance.

What is the general Protestant view of the Lord's Supper?

It is primarily understood as remembrance of Jesus, and transubstantiation is rejected

hat is a major difference in worship between Catholic and Orthodox churches?

Both have highly symbolic and sacramental worship, but Orthodox worship places especially strong emphasis on icons, chants, incense and traditional symbolism.