Protestant

Protestantism is a form of Christianity that originated with the 16th-century Reformation, a movement against what its followers perceived to be errors in the Roman Catholic Church. Protestants reject the Roman Catholic doctrine of papal supremacy and sacraments, but disagree among themselves regarding the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. They emphasize the priesthood of all believers, justification by faith alone (sola fide) rather than also by good works, and the highest authority of the Bible alone (rather than also with sacred tradition) in faith and morals (sola scriptura).

History

Protestantism began in Germany in 1517, when Martin Luther published his Ninety-five Theses as a reaction against abuses in the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church, which purported to offer the remission of the temporal punishment of sins to their purchasers.

Theology

Protestant theology, like all Christian theology, is based on the Bible. Protestants believe that the Bible is the only source of God's revelation to humanity and the only guide for Christian faith and life. They reject the Catholic belief in the authority of the Church's tradition and the Pope to interpret the Bible.

Branches

There are many branches of Protestantism, each with its own distinctive beliefs and practices. These include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism, Baptist, and Pentecostalism.

See also

• Christianity
• Reformation
• Martin Luther
• Ninety-five Theses
• Lutheranism
• Calvinism
• Anglicanism
• Methodism
• Baptist
• Pentecostalism

Protestant Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia