How Well Do You Know the Differences in Denominations?

By: Todd Betzold
Image: Robert Nicholas / OJO Images / Getty Images

About This Quiz

While there are over 4,000 religions in the world, each of those religions have their own denominations and sects. For Christianity, the number of denominations is huge, which means there are a lot of different ways people think about God and how He came about and how to follow Him properly. These denominations adopt different beliefs as to who their God is and how they practice. One way is not better than another way, and we should respect those differences. Difference is what makes the world such a beautiful place, right?

While one denomination might follow the words in Apostle's Creed, another denomination might not because they feel it compromises their commitment to scripture as the sole rule of faith. Maybe by learning the differences, you can get a better understanding of how people operate. Christianity is the biggest religion in the world; of course there are going to be different thought processes among the largest group, but we need to embrace those differences.

So, make your way through this entire quiz and see if you can spot the differences and know which denomination is being discussed. You may learn a little something on this one, which could be a good thing!

Of the following, which denomination does not believe in the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed?

For Baptists, they usually avoid creeds and confessions. They believe these could compromise their commitment to scripture as the sole rule of faith.

Which denomination has the most followers?

There are about 2.4 billion followers of Christianity in the world. Of that, over half of them (1.285 billion) belong to the Catholic Church.

The Bible is the basis of their doctrines and beliefs for all these denominations except which?

Most Christian denominations use the Bible as the sole basis for their doctrines and beliefs. However, the Episcopal Church believes they come from the Holy Scriptures and the Gospels.

What denomination was Mother Teresa?

Mother Teresa was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary. She is known in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

All these denominations believe in the Resurrection of Christ except ...?

All of these denominations believe in the Resurrection of Christ and that it's historically verified. They often cite Paul's letter to the Corinthians where he uses the Resurrection as a fact he learned after his conversion.

Of the following denominations, which one believes in the literal reality and actual personality of Satan?

These beliefs come from Job 1:6-12; 2:1–7 and Matt. 4:1–11. With this being said, they believe that the devil or Satan referred to in the Bible is a real person and not a caricature with horns and a long tail.

Many believe that the Azusa Street revival in 1906 marked the beginning of which denomination?

At the revival, it was evangelist William J. Seymour who apparently preached about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Seymour also preached about the gift of speaking in tongues.

Which denomination strongly believes in Biblical authority?

Since the its inception, the Baptist church has believed the Bible is the only authority for Christian faith and practice. They believe this because the Bible is divinely inspired or has a divine nature.

Of the following, which is not a major Christian nation?

India is primarily a Hindu nation. For the other nations listed, they boast the largest Christian populations for the continent they are located on.

Which denomination was found by Charles Taze Russell in 1870?

Charles Taze Russell started leading Bible studies in Pittsburgh in 1870. The Bible Student movement, which was founded by Taze, produced the Jehovah's Witnesses movement. He started disputing some of the traditional views of Christianity, which created Jehovah's Witnesses.

Voting and elections are a part of which denomination?

For Presbyterian churches, the elders are the ones who rule over the church, and these are elders are put in place by elections and voting.

While this denomination's name can be used for several different groups, the most popular one is Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. Which name are we talking about?

The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints was founded in the early 1800s. After that, branches from the original Mormon church were started over differences in theology or certain religious practices.

Which denomination is often confused with the Amish?

Mennonites are sometimes thought to be the Amish, but they're a Christian denomination that formed during the Protestant Reformation. There are many divisions of Mennonites, but they all believe in the core tenets of Christianity.

Does contemporary Mormonism allow for polygamy?

In the early years of the denomination, the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints practiced polygamy. However, they disavowed plural marriages back in 1890.

What denomination uses a Bible translation called the New World Translation?

Before this translation, Jehovah's Witnesses relied on the King James Version. They created the New World Translation, and no other denominations use this version.

This denomination started in the 18th century and began as an act of reform within the Church of England by John Wesley and his brother Charles. Which denomination are we talking about?

The "Holy Club" was originated by the Wesley brothers at the University of Oxford, as held weekly meetings in their attempt to follow a holy way of life. They followed so many rules, their classmates referred to them as "Methodists."

Which church considers itself to be the original Christian church?

The Roman Catholic Church happens to be the largest Christian religion in the world. People consider it to be a pre-denominational church, which would make it the original Christian church.

Which denomination is sometimes referred to as the middle way between Catholicism and Protestantism?

The Anglican faith is very similar to that of the Roman Catholic Church. Because of that, it's also found to be the middle ground between Catholicism and Protestantism. In America, Anglican is referred to as Episcopalian.

What denomination is named after an event in the Book of Acts?

Pentecostal is named after the event called Pentecost, which is in the Book of Acts. This event has early Christians receiving gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as healing and prophecy.

The belief that Jesus is not equal with God comes from which denomination?

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Jesus was created by God, and because of that, he is not coexistent with Him. This happens to be a major diversion from orthodox Christianity.

What denomination follows diet and lifestyle guidelines called the Word of Wisdom?

The Word of Wisdom advises Mormons to avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, illegal drugs and tobacco. They encourage you to not waste or overindulge and eat proper portions of food, as this will lead to mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Which form of Christianity came after the crowning of Charlemagne?

Orthodoxy means conforming to the Christian faith as represented in the creeds of the early church. Today, it's mainly practiced in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.

Speaking in tongues is a part of which denomination?

The Pentecostalism movement is known for their speaking in tongues and belief in divine gifts, like healing. Baptism through the Holy Spirit is said to be the cause of speaking in tongues.

Over half of the Mormon population lives in North America. Which continent has the next-highest population?

Almost 10 million people who live in North America practice Mormonism. The next-highest continent would be South America, which has almost 4 million Mormons living in the country.

Which denomination is sometimes considered to not be a part of Christianity?

While some argue that Mormonism is not a form of Christianity, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints states they are not heretics and believe in Jesus. However, Christianity believes that God is three divine people in one (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), while the LDS church believes they are three separate entities.

This religion believes that all people go to Heaven, no matter what. Which religion is it?

American reverend John Murray is considered to be the founder of American Universalism. They believe that God is responsible for the world, so a life in Heaven for everyone is a requirement of benevolence.

Which denomination is thought to be one of the first to ordain women into leadership roles?

Women can be preachers, missionaries and pastors in many Pentecostal churches. This practice was started from the denomination's beginning and comes from Joel 2, which states that "your sons and your daughters will prophesy."

Some of the most well-known hymn writers in Christianity come from which denomination?

One of the most notable hymn writers coming from the Methodist Church was Charles Wesley. In his time, he wrote over 6,000 hymns, which have since been translated into other languages and which make up the foundation for Methodist hymnals.

Which denomination rejects the authority of the Pope as Christ's representative on Earth?

Eastern Orthodox Christians do not accept the Pope as Christ's representative on Earth. They believe that the Pope is no greater than nor less than any other bishop in the church system.

The second sacred text of Mormonism is called what?

Of course, the Bible is the most sacred text in the LDS Church. Besides that, the next sacred text if the Book of Mormon, which was written by Mormon prophets that lived from around 600 B.C. to A.D. 400.

Which denomination does not believe in celebrating holidays?

Since Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe that Jesus is equal to God, they don't celebrate Christmas or Easter, which makes sense. On top of this, they also don't celebrate birthdays or other national holidays to keep themselves separate from the world.

Rejecting blood transfusions is a part of which denomination's beliefs?

It's a very controversial view, but Jehovah's Witnesses will not accept blood transfusions, even if it is a life or death situation. They state the Bible forbids them from taking in blood to sustain the body.

For this denomination, worship can consist of dancing, shouting and praying out loud, but which one is it?

For worship in a Pentecostal church, you will witness not only music and singing, but speaking in tongues, dancing and shouting. These services often include props, clapping and shouting.

What denomination does not believe in the Trinity?

This non-belief in the Trinity is one of the major ways in which Jehovah's Witnesses differ from other denominations. They cite that the Bible never explicitly mentioned the term "trinity," and it was developed from many controversies.

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