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The '''Presbyterian''' Church is a [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denomination founded in the Church [[Reformation]] of the 1500s. They were differentiated from the [[Lutheran|Lutherans]] over sacraments and church government, among other doctrines.  John Knox founded the Scotch Presbyterian church in about 1560.  Presbyterianism can thus be seen as [[Calvinism]] in the Scottish tradition.

The '''Presbyterian''' Church is a [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denomination founded in the Church [[Reformation]] of the 1500s. They were differentiated from the [[Lutheran|Lutherans]] over sacraments and church government, among other doctrines.  John Knox founded the Scotch Presbyterian church in about 1560.  Presbyterianism can thus be seen as [[Calvinism]] in the Scottish tradition.

Traditionally the ethics of the church lean towards strictness and firm church and self discipline. Authority in Presbyterian churches is given to [[Bible|Scripture]]. Presbyterians are [[Calvinist]] in doctrine and their faith is summarized in the [[Westminster Standards]]. Church organization is highly structured with a representational system of ministers and laypersons (''presbyters'') in local, regional and national bodies (called "presbyteries" and ''synods'').

Traditionally the ethics of the church lean towards strictness and firm church and self discipline. Authority in Presbyterian churches is given to [[Bible|Scripture]]. Presbyterians are [[Calvinist]] in doctrine and their faith is summarized in the [[Westminster Standards]]. Church organization is highly structured with a representational system of ministers and laypersons (''presbyters'') in local, regional and national bodies (called ''presbyteries'' and ''synods'''). The largest governing body of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. is called the ''General Assembly'', which is made up of representatives of all the presbyteries.

The Presbyterian Church is the dominant religion in [[Scotland]], and because of this was historically strong in areas of the United States where large numbers of [[Scots-Irish]] settled, although many Americans of Scots-Irish ancestry would later convert to the [[Baptist]] and [[Methodist]] faiths during the early 1800s.

The Presbyterian Church is the dominant religion in [[Scotland]], and because of this was historically strong in areas of the United States where large numbers of [[Scots-Irish]] settled, although many Americans of Scots-Irish ancestry would later convert to the [[Baptist]] and [[Methodist]] faiths during the early 1800s.

[[Category:Christian Denominations]]

[[Category:Christian Denominations]]