Protestant History

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Protestantism and Its Many Denominations

The word “protestatio” was invoked in 1529, in reference to those princes that supported Martin Luther and spoke out against religious persecution. These royal supporters were eventually known as Protestants, a name that spread to the vast number of religious denominations that sprang from the beliefs associated with the Reformation. This guide attempts to straighten out the differences among the sects, pinpoint their commonalities, indicate their historical foundations and show you how to connect with Protestants everywhere.

Read a Spanish-language version of this Web Guide.

Protestant History

A large part of the world, particularly the West, is very much a product of what happened almost 500 years ago in Europe. Today, most Americans consider themselves to be Protestants. The Reformation caused a rift in Christianity, and the views of Protestant groups gradually diverged, resulting in the wide variety of denominations that currently exist. Use the sites below to explore the Protestant history and the people, places and events that shaped the religious sects we have today.

Insights for Protestant History

  • This section covers Protestant history, which technically begins around the time of the Reformation in the first half of the 16th century. If you're unfamiliar with Catholic/Christian history, some of the information presented below may be confusing. For context, try this one-page summary of the history of Christianity.
  • Later sections of this guide have information on individual Protestant denominations. You’ll find links in those sections about the history of those specific denominations, many of which reach back to the Reformation.

Top Sites for Protestant History

For general Protestant history …
ReligionFacts offers a detailed chart (scroll down to find it) listing notable Protestant reformers. The chart has information about each individual, including his “Associated Tradition” and “Works.” Some of the reformers are linked to more extensive profiles of their lives and work.
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Association of Religion Data Archives has a feature called “Denominational Family Trees.” Trace the history and evolution of various Protestant sects (including Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians and Mennonites) in the United States. If you hover your cursor over an event or church on the tree, you’ll get a brief summary and statistical data.
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The Spurgeon Archive offers a number of links around the Web on the Reformation, the history of Protestantism, Martin Luther, John Calvin and the Huguenots, and more.
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About Martin Luther …
PBS traces the life of Martin Luther on this rich and interactive Web site. Also learn about the characters surrounding Luther, such as Charles V, Frederick the Wise and Luther’s wife. 
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Project Wittenberg provides the “Selected Works of Martin Luther: 1483–1546.” Whether you’re looking for something specific or just want to get a taste of Martin Luther’s character, this site is a great resource.
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Jewish Virtual Library briefly introduces and provides excerpts from one of Luther’s most inflammatory pieces of writing, “The Jews and Their Lies” (1543).
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About John Calvin …
Calvin College has a short biography of John Calvin. This passage focuses more on Calvin’s personal life and early years and offers less about his founding of Calvinism.
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European Institute of Protestant Studies presents an account of John Calvin's life. Read about Calvin’s major accomplishments and life's work.
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For other Reformation figures…
Boise State University has an account of the life of Ulrich Zwingli, credited with starting the Swiss Protestant Reformation. Find details on Zwingli’s life, his religious views and his impact on Christianity.
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Christianity Today presents a selection on John Knox, taken from the book "131 Christians Everyone Should Know." The excerpt covers the life and doctrine of Knox and focuses on how Scottish history has interpreted Knox. Knox helped introduce Protestantism into Scotland, and he is credited with founding the Presbyterian denomination.
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About the English Reformation …
BBC examines the English Reformation. This historical account paints the British social, political and religious landscape during the 16th century, and then lays out the story of Henry VIII, the Tudors and the rise of the Church of England.
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Protestant Beliefs and Practices

Although the various denominations differ on many religious tenets, they do share similar ... read more »

Pentecostal Beliefs, Practices and Community

The Pentecostal name is derived from the events described in the New Testament: On the Day of ... read more »

Presbyterian Beliefs, Practices, News and Blogs

At 75 million members in the world, Presbyterianism is one of the most populous Protestant ... read more »

Anglican and Episcopalian Beliefs, Practices and Community

Episcopalianism is the strain of Anglicanism that developed in the United States. The ... read more »

Methodist Beliefs, Practices and Blogs

Methodists care strongly about spreading the word of God’s kindness through missionary work ... read more »

Lutheran Beliefs, Practices and Blogs

Lutherans follow the beliefs of Martin Luther, stressing the important role that faith plays in ... read more »

Baptist Beliefs, Practices and News

Numbering about 40 million worldwide, Baptists make up a large Protestant denomination. One of the ... read more »

Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs, Traditions and Community

Seventh-day Adventists came from the millennialist Millerite movement in 19th-century America, and ... read more »

Anabaptist Denominations

Anabaptists were those that sprang from the Radical Reformation, as compared to the Evangelical ... read more »

Quaker Beliefs, Traditions and Community

The Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, number about 210,000 throughout the world. ... read more »

Unitarian Universalist Beliefs, Traditions and Blogs

Unitarian Universalism may not belong in the Protestant guide per se; it may not even fall fully ... read more »

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