Important theological terms for the beginners - Part IV || Denominations || 2025

 

The original creator of this information: Bijay BK, Aradhana Platform

Christianity: Denominations and Branches

Denomination

This might be commonly heard but widely misunderstood or often untaught subject in typical Nepali churches. Nepali soil is more focused on church and false teachings. General believers, hence, often mistake or confuse denominational issues with false teachings. We must learn that it is a distinct group within Christianity that shares a common tradition, theology, and practice. Denominations are rooted in shared fundamental beliefs but differ in governance, worship, and interpretation of Scripture having no barrier to the Gospel and salvation.

Reasons for Denominations:

• Historical Divisions: Theological disagreements during the Reformation.
• Cultural Factors: Adaptation to local customs and languages.
• Theological Emphasis: Different interpretations of Scripture and doctrine (e.g., baptism, communion).
• Governance: Preferences for centralized vs. local church authority.

Major Christian Branches and Denominations

Protestantism

A branch of Christianity that emerged during the Reformation in the 16th century. It focuses on Scripture as the ultimate authority and justification by faith alone. There are diverse traditions and practices under the broader Protestant umbrella.

Lutheran

• Began with Martin Luther's Reformation in 1517, sparked by his Ninety-Five Theses criticizing Catholic Church practices.
• Emphasizes justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers.
• Might be rarely heard but these churches are also in Nepal and has its significance with regard to historical development and refinement of Christianity.

Reformed Churches

• Emerged from the Reformation in Europe in the 16th century.
• Emphasizes the centrality of God's glory and sovereignty, salvation by grace through faith, total depravity, and unconditional election.
• These churches are rapidly growing in Nepal and do not entertain charismatic activities.

Presbyterian

• Originated during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
• Heavily influenced by John Calvin and John Knox.
• Emphasizes God's sovereignty and the authority of Scripture.
• Features church governance by elders (presbyters).
• Adheres to the doctrines of grace (TULIP).
• These are common churches in Nepal. One of the popular theological colleges namely RPS (Reformed and Presbyterian Seminary) in Nepal falls under this community. They do not entertain charismatic environment in their practice.  

Methodist

• Founded by John Wesley and Charles Wesley in the 18th century as a revival movement within the Church of England.
• Became a separate denomination after the American Revolutionary War.
• Emphasizes grace (prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace) and the importance of personal and social holiness.
• Follows Arminian theology emphasizing free will and human responsibility.
• These are common churches and even some popular leaders from this denomination in Nepal.

Baptist

• Originated in the early 17th century among English Separatists.
• Grew significantly in the United States during the Great Awakenings.
• Focuses on the authority of Scripture in faith and practice.
• Practices believer's baptism by full immersion.
• Upholds the priesthood of all believers and separation of church and state.
• These are common churches in Nepal.

Calvinistic Baptist

• Emerged in the 17th century among Particular Baptists in England.
• Influenced by Reformed theology.
• Emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation.
• Believes in the doctrines of grace (TULIP), Scripture as the sole authority, predestination and election, and perseverance of the saints.

Arminian Baptist

• Originated in opposition to Calvinistic Baptists.
• Influenced by the teachings of Jacobus Arminius.
• Emphasizes human free will in salvation.
• Believes salvation is available to all through faith in Christ, authority of Scripture, conditional election based on foreknowledge, possibility of falling from grace, and general atonement.

Reformed Baptist

• Developed in the 17th century among Particular Baptists.
• Influenced by the broader Reformed tradition.
• Places strong emphasis on God's sovereignty and covenant theology.
• Values the importance of expository preaching.
• Adheres to the doctrines of grace (TULIP).
• Practices believer's baptism by immersion.

Pentecostal

• Emerged in the early 20th century during the Azusa Street Revival (1906-1915) in Los Angeles.
• Rooted in the Holiness movement of the late 19th century.
• Emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit and the direct experience of God by believers.
• Believes in the continuation of spiritual gifts (e.g., speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing).
• Core pillar is baptism in the Holy Spirit as a separate experience from salvation, evidenced by speaking in tongues.
• Most widespread church under this specific denomination is Assemblies of God (AG). One of the popular theological institution in Nepal namely ‘Nepal Theological College’ situated at Satdobato, Lalitpur is a pioneer college under this denomination equipping students regardless of any denomination in God’s word, leadership and evangelism.

Independent/Non-denominational

• Grew significantly in the 20th century, particularly in the United States.
• Often a response to perceived denominational rigidity or decline.
• Encompasses diverse theological perspectives.
• May include Baptist, evangelical, or charismatic influences.
• Typically non-denominational in structure.
• Places focus on missions and evangelism.
• These churches are also growing rapidly in Nepal but suffer much mixed theological perspectives making it difficult to recognize what they precisely believe.