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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.

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Protestant History

A large part of the world, particularly the West, is very much a product of what happened almost ... read more »

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. Members of this faith are convinced that God resides in everyone (“the light of God”); that is why Quakers believe in human equality, religious tolerance, social betterment and peace. There is no formal creed, and the Bible is generally not considered the only authority. Learn more about Quaker beliefs, traditions and community with the sites below.

Insights for Quaker Beliefs, Traditions and Community

Not all Quakers consider themselves to be Protestant, or even Christian.

Quakers are called “Friends” because of Jesus’ line: “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

The name Quaker has two possible derivations. According to George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, “Justice Bennet was the first that called us Quakers, because we did bid them tremble at the word of the Lord.” The name may also come from the “quaking” that members do at meetings when taken over by the Holy Spirit.

Top Sites for Quaker Beliefs, Traditions and Community

For information about Quakers …

BBC provides plenty of information on Quaker beliefs, traditions, customs, history, and wedding and funeral services. The site explains the Quaker beliefs on various topics, such as homosexuality, euthanasia and abortion.

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Quaker Information Center is “a gateway to Quaker heritage and to modern Quakerism in Philadelphia and worldwide.” Find introductory information about Quakers and a number of links and books to learn more about them. The Quakerism link details Quaker beliefs, history, practices and branches.

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For connecting with the Quaker community online …

Friends Journal is an independent monthly magazine for Quakers worldwide. The journal touches on a wide variety of issues, such as the separation between church and state and the Quaker view on torture in the War on Terror. The magazine has articles, poetry, book reviews, art and news.

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Quaker Quaker provides a guide to "the best Quaker media" on the Web. Find blogs, videos, events, a forum and more, all with a Quaker sensibility.

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