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{{Christianity}}

{{Christianity}}

[[File:Martin Luther by Cranach-restoration.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Martin Luther]] was one of the most important leaders in [[Christian]] and [[Germany|German]] history. An Augustinian monk, priest, and professor of theology, he unintentionally launched the Protestant Reformation and founded the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].]]

[[File:Martin Luther by Cranach-restoration.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Martin Luther]] was one of the most important leaders in [[Christian]] and [[Germany|German]] history. An [[St. Augustine|Augustinian]] monk, priest, and professor of theology, he unintentionally launched the Protestant Reformation and founded the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].]]

 

'''Protestantism''' is one of the three major divisions in [[Christendom]]; the others are [[Catholicism]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox]] Churches.   

'''Protestantism''' is one of the three major divisions in [[Christendom]]; the others are [[Catholicism]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox]] Churches.   

Protestantism began in Europe with the [[Reformation]] of the 16th century. Early leaders were [[Jan Hus]], [[Martin Luther]] and [[John Calvin]]. [[King Henry VIII]] in England led the church in his country out of communion with the Church of Rome. Although he opposed Protestant doctrines, his action in ending the Pope's role in England contributed to the advance of Protestantism under Henry's successors.  

Protestantism began in Europe with the [[Reformation]] of the 16th century. Early leaders were [[Jan Hus]], [[Martin Luther]] and [[John Calvin]]. [[King Henry VIII]] in England led the church in his country out of communion with the Church of Rome. Although he opposed Protestant doctrines, his action in ending the Pope's role in England contributed to the advance of Protestantism under Henry's successors.  

Protestant Christianity rejects the Roman Catholic belief that Christ founded the Catholic Church as his sole representative and rejects the notion that priests or saints have special access to the divine.  Although Protestantism accepts that Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ while still a virgin, they reject the teaching of her [[perpetual virginity]], and although she is greatly admired they do not elevate her to the status she holds within Catholicism.  

Protestant Christianity rejects the Roman Catholic belief that Christ founded the Catholic Church as his sole representative and rejects the notion that priests or saints have special access to the divine.  Although Protestantism accepts that Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ while still a virgin, they reject the teaching of her [[perpetual virginity]], and although she is greatly admired, they do not elevate her to the status she holds within Catholicism.  

Most Protestants stress their belief that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, although Quakers and Pentecostals believe in personal revelation as a factor in God's connection to believers.  Protestants reject the Catholic concept that Tradition—beliefs held consistently by the people of God since the time of the Apostles—is a second means (alongside Scripture) by which God reveals his will to the Church, nor do they accept Papal pronouncements as binding on all believers. With few exceptions, Protestant churches observe only two sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper; on the former Protestants differ between those who baptize infants and those who baptize children and adults), not the seven sacraments that the Catholic Church accepts.

Most Protestants stress their belief that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, although Quakers and Pentecostals believe in personal revelation as a factor in God's connection to believers.  Protestants reject the Catholic concept that Tradition—beliefs held consistently by the people of God since the time of the Apostles—is a second means (alongside Scripture) by which God reveals his will to the Church, nor do they accept Papal pronouncements as binding on all believers. With few exceptions, Protestant churches observe only two sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper; on the former, Protestants differ between those who baptize infants and those who baptize children and adults), not the seven sacraments that the Catholic Church accepts.

==Politics==

==Politics==

Europe was polarized by the Reformation, with most of northern Europe becoming Protestant while most of the Mediterranean regions remained loyal to the Roman Catholic Church. In the mid-sixteenth century, the Catholic Church struck back with a [[Counter-Reformation]] that is considered to be responsible for keeping such areas as Italy, France and Poland in the Catholic fold.  

Europe was polarized by the Reformation, with most of northern Europe becoming Protestant while most of the Mediterranean regions remained loyal to the Roman Catholic Church. In the mid-sixteenth century, the Catholic Church struck back with a [[Counter-Reformation]] that is considered to be responsible for keeping such areas as Italy, France and Poland in the Catholic fold.  

Religious wars broke out, the worst being the [[Thirty Years War]] (1618-1648) that devastated much of Germany and neighboring areas. By 1648 a compromise was reached such that, in the Holy Roman Empire, the religion of the Prince determined the official religion of the people.  Nevertheless, religious strife continued in Germany as late as the 1870s in the [[Kulturkampf]], and in [[Ireland]] into the late 20th century.

Religious wars broke out, the worst being the [[Thirty Years War]] (1618-1648) that devastated much of Germany and neighboring areas. By 1648, a compromise was reached such that, in the Holy Roman Empire, the religion of the Prince determined the official religion of the people.  Nevertheless, religious strife continued in Germany as late as the 1870s in the [[Kulturkampf]], and in [[Ireland]] into the late 20th century.

==Missions==

==Missions==

==Numbers and Distribution in 1900==

==Numbers and Distribution in 1900==

In terms of Europe, Due to the history of the Protestant [[Reformation]], significant Protestant populations can be found in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the northern part of Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the east, north and west of Switzerland.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/adh_predom.html Predominant religions], Adherence.com</ref>

In terms of Europe, due to the history of the Protestant [[Reformation]], significant Protestant populations can be found in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the northern part of Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the east, north and west of Switzerland.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/adh_predom.html Predominant religions], Adherence.com</ref>

In addition, one of the most striking facts in the history of Protestantism during the 19th century was its great expansion in North America.<ref>This section is based on [http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/encyc09.protestantism.html?highlight=schleiermacher#highlight F. Kattenbusch and Arthur C. A. Hall, "Protestantism" in ''New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge,'' (1911) Vol. IX]</ref> The United States by 1910 had the largest Protestant population of any land—from 65,000,000 to 66,000,000 (out of a total population of 79,000,000),<ref>According to the estimate of H. K. Carroll in W. D. Grant, ed. ''Christendom Anno Domini 1901'', (1902), i. 530–531</ref> which is based upon the census of 1900. Britain probably comes next with 38,000,000 Protestants (total population 42,500,000) and Germany third with somewhat more than 35,000,000 (total population 56,000,000).<ref>H. Zeller's figures for the Eastern Church are 106,480,000, Orthodox; 8,130,000 "other [Eastern] Christians."; H. A. Krose, gives Greek Orthodox 109,000,000l schismatic Orientals, 6,554,913; Raskolniks (Russian dissenters), 2,173,371.  Roman Catholics 265,000,000; Eastern Church 117,000,000.</ref>  

In addition, one of the most striking facts in the history of Protestantism during the 19th century was its great expansion in North America.<ref>This section is based on [http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/encyc09.protestantism.html?highlight=schleiermacher#highlight F. Kattenbusch and Arthur C. A. Hall, "Protestantism" in ''New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge,'' (1911) Vol. IX]</ref> The United States by 1910 had the largest Protestant population of any land—from 65,000,000 to 66,000,000 (out of a total population of 79,000,000),<ref>According to the estimate of H. K. Carroll in W. D. Grant, ed. ''Christendom Anno Domini 1901'', (1902), i. 530–531</ref> which is based upon the census of 1900. Britain probably comes next with 38,000,000 Protestants (total population 42,500,000) and Germany third with somewhat more than 35,000,000 (total population 56,000,000).<ref>H. Zeller's figures for the Eastern Church are 106,480,000, Orthodox; 8,130,000 "other [Eastern] Christians."; H. A. Krose, gives Greek Orthodox 109,000,000 schismatic Orientals, 6,554,913; Raskolniks (Russian dissenters), 2,173,371.  Roman Catholics 265,000,000; Eastern Church 117,000,000.</ref>  

According to ''Slate'', "Protestant Christianity has been the fastest growing religion in [[China]]."<ref>[http://www.slate.com/bigideas/what-is-the-future-of-religion/essays-and-opinions/fenggang-yang-opinion When Will China Become the World’s Largest Christian Country?], Slate</ref>  [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Christianity]] is especially growing sharply in China.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2015/0111/In-China-a-church-state-showdown-of-biblical-proportions In China, a church-state showdown of biblical proportions]</ref>  See: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]

According to ''Slate'', "Protestant Christianity has been the fastest growing religion in [[China]]."<ref>[http://www.slate.com/bigideas/what-is-the-future-of-religion/essays-and-opinions/fenggang-yang-opinion When Will China Become the World’s Largest Christian Country?], Slate</ref>  [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Christianity]] is especially growing sharply in China.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2015/0111/In-China-a-church-state-showdown-of-biblical-proportions In China, a church-state showdown of biblical proportions]</ref>  See: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]

The [[Harvard University]] historian [[Niall Ferguson]] declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the Protestant societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history."<ref>[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref>

The [[Harvard University]] historian [[Niall Ferguson]] declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the Protestant societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history."<ref>[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref>

== Protestant missionaries and economic/societal development statistics ==

=== Protestant missionaries and economic/societal development statistics ===

''See also:'' [[Protestant cultural legacies]]

''See also:'' [[Protestant cultural legacies]]

Woodberry already had historical proof that missionaries had educated women and the poor, promoted widespread printing, led nationalist movements that empowered ordinary citizens, and fueled other key elements of democracy. Now the statistics were backing it up: Missionaries weren't just part of the picture. They were central to it...

Woodberry already had historical proof that missionaries had educated women and the poor, promoted widespread printing, led nationalist movements that empowered ordinary citizens, and fueled other key elements of democracy. Now the statistics were backing it up: Missionaries weren't just part of the picture. They were central to it...

Areas where [[Protestantism|Protestant]] missionaries had a significant presence in the past are on average more economically developed today, with comparatively better health, lower infant mortality, lower corruption, greater literacy, higher educational attainment (especially for women), and more robust membership in nongovernmental associations.

Areas where Protestant missionaries had a significant presence in the past are on average more economically developed today, with comparatively better health, lower infant mortality, lower corruption, greater literacy, higher educational attainment (especially for women), and more robust membership in nongovernmental associations.

In short: Want a blossoming democracy today? The solution is simple—if you have a time machine: Send a 19th-century missionary."

In short: Want a blossoming democracy today? The solution is simple—if you have a time machine: Send a 19th-century missionary."

...over a dozen studies have confirmed Woodberry's findings. The growing body of research is beginning to change the way scholars, aid workers, and economists think about democracy and development.<ref>''Christianity Today'', [https://archive.is/cDMnA "The surprising discovery about those colonialist, proselytizing missionaries"], January 8, 2014</ref>}}

...over a dozen studies have confirmed Woodberry's findings. The growing body of research is beginning to change the way scholars, aid workers, and economists think about democracy and development.<ref>''Christianity Today'', [https://archive.is/cDMnA "The surprising discovery about those colonialist, proselytizing missionaries"], January 8, 2014</ref>}}

[[File:Niall Ferguson.jpg|thumbnail|200px|center|The [[Harvard University]] historian [[Niall Ferguson]] declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history."<ref>[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref> ]]

[[File:Niall Ferguson.jpg|thumbnail|200px|center|The [[Harvard University]] historian [[Niall Ferguson]] declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the Protestant societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history."<ref>[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref> ]]

{{clear}}

{{clear}}

**[[Free Methodist Church]] (Evangelical/fundamentalist)

**[[Free Methodist Church]] (Evangelical/fundamentalist)

**[[United Methodist Church]] (liberal)

**[[United Methodist Church]] (liberal)

*[[Lutheran]]

*[[Lutheran]]

**Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ([[ELCA]]) (liberal)

**Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ([[ELCA]]) (liberal)

**[[Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]]  

**[[Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]]  

**[[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]]

**[[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]]

*[[Presbyterian]]

*[[Presbyterian]]

**[[Presbyterian Church (USA)]] (liberal)

**[[Presbyterian Church (USA)]] (liberal)

**[[Presbyterian Church in America]]

**[[Presbyterian Church in America]] (conservative)

*[[Reformed]]

*[[Reformed]]

**[[Christian Reformed Church]]

**[[Christian Reformed Church]]

**[[Reformed Church in America]]  

**[[Reformed Church in America]]  

*[[Episcopal]] (liberal)

*[[Episcopal]] (liberal)

*[[Restorationist]]

*[[Restorationist]]

**[[Churches of Christ]] (Evangelical/fundamentalist)<ref>However, Churches of Christ claim they are NOT Protestant, as they do not seek to reform Catholicism or any other group, only to restore Christianity to New Testament practice.</ref>

**[[Churches of Christ]] (Evangelical/fundamentalist)<ref>However, Churches of Christ claim they are NOT Protestant, as they do not seek to reform Catholicism or any other group, only to restore Christianity to New Testament practice.</ref>

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism]]

*[[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism]]

*[[Protestant cultural legacies|Irreligious countries with Protestant cultural legacies]]

*[[Protestant cultural legacies|Irreligious countries with Protestant cultural legacies]]

*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]

*[[Essay: Water baptism cannot save, the Church cannot save, Born again by faith alone]]

*[["Catholic Heresies and Traditions Adopted and Perpetuated by the Roman Catholic Church in the Course of 1600 Years"]]

*[["Catholic Heresies and Traditions Adopted and Perpetuated by the Roman Catholic Church in the Course of 1600 Years"]]

==Further reading==

==Further reading==

== External links ==

== External links ==

*[http://www.manilatimes.net/protestantism-fastest-growing-religion-developing-world/363522/ Protestantism: The fastest growing religion in the developing world], ''Manilla Times'', 2017

*[http://www.manilatimes.net/protestantism-fastest-growing-religion-developing-world/363522/ Protestantism: The fastest growing religion in the developing world], ''Manilla Times'', 2017

==Notes==

==Notes==

<references/>

<references/>

 

[[Category:Protestantism|*]]

[[Category:Protestantism|*]]

[[Category:Christian History]]

[[Category:Christian History]]

[[Category:Reformation]]

[[Category:Reformation]]

[[Category:Religion and Politics]]

[[Category:Religion and Politics]]