Christianity is an Abrahamic Religion , that through centuries of development gradually diversified into multiple denominations. These denominations have sprung into different affiliations but still maintain its common ancestor. Similar to branches of a tree; The Early Church serves as the roots to all of Christianity, from that point denominations appear as a byproduct. The denominations itself branch out into further subcategories of independent Christian entities. Thus, the three distinct main branches of Christianity subject to analysis for this essay is, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism(Living Religions: p.335). Many of the fundamental beliefs exist in unison between these denominations, however the adoption and interpretation of multiple Christian aspects vary. The goal of this essay is to discuss the rise and differences of the three major Christian denominations. The distinctions will be observed through the use of, ‘The Seven Dimensions of Religion Model’. Ninian Smart, pioneered a model, highlighting the main dimensions of differentiation between religious associations. Known as the Seven Dimensions of Religion, it is a model that allows for precise analysis between religious sects, through the comparison and identification of seven main areas of belief: Doctrinal, Ritual, Mythic or Narrative, Experiential and Emotional, Ethical and Legal, Social, Material. (Smart, N. (2015). Dimensions of the sacred: an anatomy of the worlds beliefs). The presentation; including historical commentary, of the denominations will take place in the order of, Western Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism. For the sake of simplicity in a much complex area of discussion, this essay will refrain from venturing into more modern changes of the denominations, and will instead focus on the earliest or most prominent form of each Christian sub category.
Christianity initially began as a ‘movement’ within Judaism. Preaching of the gospel occurred in synagogues. As the Christian notion began to separate itself, since there were no churches built to begin with, religious meetings took place in private homes and appointed spaces. Due to the nature of the Early Christians, this allowed for the spread from the east into the west. Eventually establishing itself in places like Alexandria, Antioch and Rome. (Hart, D. B. (2013). The story of Christianity). Following the death of the apostolic generation and its successors, institutional power began to appear more and more necessary through the important role of priests, bishops and elders in maintaining multiple aspects of Christian liturgy. It was at this point that, .. “ the bishop’s role came to be recognized as an indispensable instrument of Church unity and order.” (Hart, D. B. (2013). The story of Christianity). The power of the Christian institution began to grow, gaining a grasp on direct political influence. Disagreement between Church monarchy and groups of believers were common. Christianity had familiarized itself with schisms quite quickly, the people of the church did not always agree with what the pope had to say, thus the symptoms of appearing denominations had become present. Religious disagreement had manifested itself, and through a series of events, the schism of the Western and Eastern Church had occurred. Calls for reformation may have occurred throughout the centuries of Christian progression however it seemed to have been effectively silenced up until the 13-16th century in which Protestantism became more vibrant through the ‘protesting’ of John Wycliffe, Martin Luther and Thomas Muntzer.
Firstly, Catholicism or the Catholic church refers to the continuous teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles on a universal level. The word catholic itself is defined as (per,google), “including a wide variety of things; all-embracing.”. This is distinctly important when it is dated back to the time of Christian separation from Judaism as a religious entity. The Apostle Paul had differentiated Christian teaching from Jewish Law during his time of preaching, he had attempted to unify the gentiles under Christianity; it was through this process that he negated much of the Jewish obligations and ‘fought’ for christian freedom. He distinguished Gospel teachings from Jewish law presenting them as different entities and finally liberating the two, “Paul’s understanding of the Gospel was accepted by the Church as its own.”(Bokenkotter, T. (1990), p.21) ‘As a result of the event ,the church had no longer been a byproduct of Judaism, but now a church for all of humanity; a Catholic Church.’ (Bokenkotter, T. (1990), p.21) The separation signified immense change and allowed for the spread of Christianity to go into the West and establish itself in areas like Alexandria, Antioch, and Rome. Christians were persecuted amongst their arrival to the western kingdom by preceding emperors and opposing religious/political institutions. Persecution continued up until the year 325, in which the Edict of Milan was established by the, Caesar of the West Constantine. Constantine ended the persecution because of a ‘mystical’ religious experiences followed up by converting to Christianity, in which he then proceeded to indirectly establish it as the main religion of the Roman Empire. Christians were granted legal freedom, as well as encouraged influence. The Catholic Church of Rome was established as an ecumenical institution and the ‘only true branch’ of Christianity. Popes accumulated significant political and religious power throughout decades and centuries. The Church of Rome was initially establish as an ecumenical christian icon. It was believed to be the governing force of other churches and christian liturgy, manifesting its role of continuing apostolic teachings through making important papal and doctrinal decisions. Observably, this was the major cause for conflict, churches across the relative globe did not want to be dictated by the Roman Catholic Empire and respectively had differing views on a multitude of occurring concerns.
The Seven Dimensions of Catholicism begins with the ‘Ritual Dimension’, the major catholic ritual of worship, is the ‘Mass’ . It essentially is the reenactment of ‘The Passover’, in which Jesus Christ broke bread and drank wine with his disciples during his last meal. In catholicism, the bread is a of Christ’s body, and the wine is of Christ's blood. This is interpreted as the embodiment of Christ in the believers as one. The second dimension, being the ‘Narrative and Mythic Dimension’ constitutes holy scripture as the word of god. However The Catholic church had always emphasized the need for a simultaneous belief and practice of holy scripture and tradition this includes apostolic practices. The third dimension is ‘Experiential and Emotional’. The experiential dimension of Catholicism lies within the embodiment of Jesus Christ. More simply, a personal relationship with God. The fourth dimension, the ‘Social and Institutional Dimension’ is a major figure in Catholicism. This begins with the church. The Church had been appointed a sacred symbol since the time of the Early Christians. It is believed to be founded by Jesus and the apostles, and is the only one true universal Church and religion.The first appointed Bishop, by Jesus Christ himself, was Saint Peter. The bishop/pope is seen as to be the most supreme figure of the monarchy, who by the decree of Christ has the authority and responsibility of continuing Christ’s teachings by making decisions that dictate aspects of religion. The Catholic Church today is seen to be the living spirit of Jesus Christ.The Church to Catholics is truly more than a place for worship or just a political body. The ‘Ethical and Legal Dimension’ comes in fifth, this covers the rules and ethics that govern the way of Catholic living. Although the ten commandments incorporates the idea of ethics and legality in religion fairly precisely, Catholics ethical sense comes from various sources including, holy scriptures, apostolic traditions, and pope biddings. Catholicism and its influence governed the lives of its believers, through the relative spectrums. The Doctrinal and Philosophical dimension of Catholicism is presented upon, The Bible, The Holy Trinity, The ‘revised’ Nicene Creed. These three embody the general idea of Catholic theology, incorporating and summarizing the domains of divinity, scripture and natural law. They provide the fundamental base in which Catholic doctrine is built upon. The final dimension, the material dimension of Catholicism has become familiar to most people through its unique art, literature, music, and architecture.(examples like: Fra Angelico, 1438,Annunciation,45(art), Cathedral Architecture.) Symbolism constitutes the material dimensions as well; most notably ‘The Cross’, as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for the salvation of man.
Secondly, Eastern Orthodoxy has its doctrinal roots in the teachings of Christ and the Apostolic traditions. That being said, it does not insinuate that any other denomination operates as a form of heretical christianity. “The first period of christian history ,extending from the day of pence coast to the conversion of Constantine, has a special relevance for contemporary Orthodox” This excerpt from Timothy Ware:Part 1; The beginnings , informs us of the special theological value placed on historical events and practice. An example of this would be Orthodoxies attention to the teachings of Ignatius.According to Orthodox Christianity the view of inhabiting a eucharist society was an important collective goal that could be achieved by the Episcopate of all churches and its patriarchal but equal construction of bishops, followed by priests, followed by deacons. The councils importance was too an important operating ‘cog’ in the christian hemisphere. “Council is the chief organ..”(Ware, T. (2015),part 1; 1The beginnings ) Although these beliefs may be shared amongst other denominations it is worth mentioning Orthodox Christianity emphasized preserving the constructs of a eucharist community and christian council to its most divine essential form. Orthodox belief within the council constitutes the five major holy sees, Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem. Within these five, it is believed Rome embraces a unique apostolic see with respects to its historical and doctrinal context, however according to Orthodoxy, the doctrine of papal authority of Rome over the remaining sees is rejected. It has been historically noted as the centralization of the West. Had it since grown so vastly, the Western Pope had assumed himself more than just the divine honour of the five sees but supreme dominance and authority. Doctrinal disputes of the Holy Trinity continued upwards from the fourth century up until the major conflict between the East and West took a major turn in the form of The Great Schism. It is important to note the occurrence of The Great Schism was a gradual process that manifested in political, economical, geographical and theological form. Due to the indifferent nature of the east and west, theological teachings and schools had been conducted in different manners and different language, this combined with the already politically separating entities of east and west, made the possibility of misunderstandings between doctrinal content much more frequent and, possible. The two major unfolding events of direct conflict that made the clashing of both entities much more public, was The Western Church’s extension of monarchial power over to the East and the issue of ‘The Filioque’. Essentially as opposed to the initial evenly-spread authority, portrayed in council meetings, The west had begun to dictate its supreme right across the region, in which The Eastern Church had declined to adhere to. Further more the additions made to ‘The Filioque’ cornering The Holy trinity, was the solidifying occurrence of The Great Schism in 1054, as both The Eastern and The Western Church had excommunicated each other.
The application of the Seven Dimensions of Religion to Orthodox Christianity, begins with the first, The Ritual Dimension. The Ritual dimension of Orthodoxy is mainly constituted by Orthodox Pontifical Liturgy and the eucharist; this includes the ritual ‘Mass’, and Christian liturgy with its Orthodox ‘additions’, as well as the ritual, ‘Baptism’ and its emphasis in immersion during the process. The Social and Institutional Dimension consists of The Eastern Church(s); along with its patriarchal hierarchy, going in order of authority : Pope, priest, deacon, and the Five Ecumenical Councils equal in sovereignty. Additionally, Orthodox institutional belief opposes the Catholic belief in which the Western Church retains the right and supreme authority to extend its monarchal power into the East, that being said Orthodox Christianity acknowledges the divine and holy specialness that is exalted within the Roman Church. An existing notion increasingly unique to Orthodox Christianity is its efforts in containing a eucharist society, in which the, “outward organization is secondary to its sacrament” (Ware, T. (2015),part 1; 1The beginnings ). The Ethical and Legal dimension, is dictated via the apostolic teachings and the teachings of Jesus Christ as being held the moral authority, additional to these are the dogmas that exist within holy scripture, for example the Ten Commandments of God. The Doctrinal and philosophical Dimension is initially conveyed through Orthodox theology which is essentially expressed in the Orthodox tradition. The ‘original’ Nicene Creed, The Holy trinity, The revealed words of God, etc. To compare, there are differences between Orthodox and Catholicism such as, “…the Greeks allowed married clergy, the Latins insisted on priestly celibacy; the two sides had different rules of fasting; the Greeks used leaved bread in the Eucharist, the Latins unleavened bread or ‘azymes.” (Ware, T. (2015),part 1; 3 Byzantium, II; The Great Schism)The Seventh Dimension, the material dimension holds an interestingly unique value to Orthodoxy. “The Orthodox doctrine of icons is bound up with the orthodox belief that the whole of Gods creation, material as well as spiritual, is to be redeemed and glorified” (Ware, T. (2015),part 1; 3 Byzantium, I; The Church of the Seven Councils)Through this it is clear of the indifferent ‘liberal’ value attributed to symbols in Orthodox belief. Symbols are prostrated upon, kissed, etc… They are described as an ‘open book to God’, and this covers a large general area of symbols(candles, sculptures, paintings etc). It is according to Orthodox belief that the wearing of a cross around ones neck, is a reminder of ones baptism; of ones embodiment with Christ. Symbolism within Orthodoxy is of great significance and are present in playing a role in defining the Orthodox Christology.
Centuries later after the establishment of Catholicism and Orthodoxy, appears the ‘Protestant’ reformation. Within Protestantism itself exists various denominative branches that adhere to specific theologies, thus it is important to note, the word ‘Protestantism’ operates as somewhat an abstract concept. The idea of reformation exists as it is non arbitrary, this is the fundamental concept to Protestantism; the initial existing idea of reforming the Church during the times of the Holy Roman Empire. The gradual rise of protestant reformation is not the sole direct cause of rising protestant theology but also matters of the social, political and economical domain. Calls for reformation had been made all throughout the gradual progression of the Early Church into more specific entities, however it seems that for the most part, the calls had been effectively silenced; at least until the 11th century. At the point of the Holy Roman Empire, it had become large in influence and politically powerful, governing aspects of life that exceeded just the spiritual boundaries. One of the earliest dated reform activists, John Wycliffe(1330-1384), demanded the Church surrender its financial gains and serve to aid instead of profit of the poor.(Hart, D. B. (2013); Ch: The Reformation Begins) These construed the general ‘triggers’ for the protestant reformation, Churches were being pressured regarding the ‘sales of indulgence’, and needed to be reminded of the scripture as its sole doctrine of authority, along with other doctrinal practice issues. Along such proclamations, came political and economical issues that shaped the demographics of the time into a position, deemed favourable for protestant reformers. The rise of the middle class constituted by a spike in educational aspirations which in term lead to financially independent individuals and politically enfranchised Catholics.(Hart, D. B. (2013); p.252)The Church had begun to lose its influence, additionally European leaders had begun to lean towards favouring a more secular (with respect to its religious context) society and relieving the Church of its supreme monarch power. Since Protestantism has its branches remained distinct, the focus will be on the prominent Lutheran form of Protestantism. Indicative of its name, this branch of Protestantism emerged from the theological perspective of Martin Luther. Luther was a monk and theologian. Upon Luther’s visitation to Rome, he had become disturbed by the witnessing of papal authority; he had been ‘triggered’ by the Churches administration of purgatory exemption through financial contributions. In 1517, he wrote his ‘academic proposition for debate’ known as the “Ninety Five Theses”.(Hart, D. B. (2013);p.255) His work was publicly noticed, in which the Church responded by condemning him, and through a series of events, he was then excommunicated. The Lutherism reform falls under the category of ‘Magisterial Reformation’. This phrase refers to not only Martin Luther's perspective on reformation but others like, Calvin(ism). Despite the theologies not being identical, they qualify under the phrase ‘Magisterial Reformation’ because of the nature present in the consideration of secular authority as well as religious as equal entities, this and the rejection of certain practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church. Luther, who preferred to refer to his form of reformation as ‘evangelical’, constituted the principles of the movement.
These principles can be highlighted to contrast and compare via the “Seven Dimensions of Religion”. The Ritual Dimensions of Protestantism (Lutheranism) revolves around the sacraments of The Eucharist and Baptism. Luther emphasized the explicitness of rituals, and attributed as to what is explicitly told or mentioned in the Holy Bible as opposed to other Christian tradition, thus it only constitutes the two sacraments mentioned. In the Social Dimensions, this form of Protestantism rejects the divine authority and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church considering itself to be the “all-embracing” one true church, instead Protestantism has many churches in which they are recognized as separate; with no superior force governing the rest, also adding; the position of priesthood may be attained by any believer regardless of denomination and may be either male or female. The Narrative and Mythic dimension is governed by the Protestant belief of Gods forgiving grace and the gratuity of justification as opposed to, what Lutheran considered ‘unnecessary and incorrect’; Catholic practice such as purgatory in the preservation of salvation . Experiential and Emotional Dimension of Protestantism can be described, with most clarity, as ‘liberal’. Emphasis on the individuals connection with God exists, without the interference of any external influence. Relative to the previous dimension, the Ethical and Legal Dimension, generally holds a ‘liberal’ stance, in which the individuals religious experience is tied explicitly between him and God, rejecting any form of physical purgatory, financial indulgence or institutionalized system/operation of non-divine judgement. This being mentioned, is of course not to forget that the legal and ethical guidelines are constituted by The Holy Bible. The Doctrinal and Philosophical Dimension, is like others still based on the fundamental beliefs of The Resurrection, The Holy Trinity, Two natures of Christ, Baptism, following classic dogma and practice of the Early Church. However Protestantism(Lutheranism) rejects certain doctrinal practices of the Catholic Church and holds a ‘Consubstantiation’ stance on The Eucharist as opposed to other denominative belief of a ‘Transubstantiation’. The Material Dimension within Protestantism(Lutheranism) holds no particularly significant change, for Lutheranism much of symbolic conceptualization within Catholicism is mimicked, however some denominations of Protestantism do indeed reject a multitude of varying symbols.
Conclusively, throughout the course of this paper the common beliefs regarding the Christian religion has been separated into three distinct denominations and from then on, subject to analysis through the use of Ninian Smart’s model: “The Seven Dimensions of Religion”. As determined, The Early Church provides the fundamental basis to the aspects of Christian life, as Jesus Christ, Apostolic tradition and the founding doctrine of Christianity lives within. This paved way onto what would next become an extremely influential entity of the West; The Roman Catholic Church, however through a multitude of complex unfolding events a separation had occurred between the Eastern and Western region, known as “The Great Schism”. Centuries following the gradual gaining momentum of The Holy Roman Empire, the protestant reformation appears. Despite it publicly appearing at around the thirteenth century, it is agreed that ideas of reformation have been proposed frequently beginning much earlier, before what was considered the official Protestant reformations, but may have been effectively silenced. Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism effectively summarize to an extent, the general distinct beliefs that exist within Christianity, this means that these do not constitute all Christians, but a relative generality. Neither does this paper go into precise description regarding a complete definitive overview of each presented denomination, nevertheless offers an entry level observation and introduction to the distinct Christian denominations.