The Religions Book

DIRECTORY 335

they are referred to as mysteries.
The mystery at the heart of the faith
is emphasized by the fact that large
parts of the Eastern Orthodox
service take place behind a screen,
out of sight of the congregation.

LUTHERANISM

1520s, Germany

The Lutheran Church traces its
origins to German reformer Martin
Luther (p.235). Lutheranism spread
across northern Europe during
the 16th and 17th centuries.
Followers see the Bible as the only
guide to doctrine and believe that
people come to God through faith in
Jesus Christ, not good works. There
are now around 70 separate Lutheran
Churches, all under the umbrella
of the Lutheran World Federation.

ANGLICANISM

1534, London, England

The Anglican Church separated
from the Roman Church in the 16th
century due to ecclesiastical and
political conflicts surrounding King
Henry VIII’s petition to the Pope for
a divorce from Catherine of Aragon.
It retained many Catholic features
at first, but was later influenced by
Protestant reformers. Today, the
Anglican Church embraces those
who favor elaborate ritual, known
as Anglo-Catholics, as well as
those termed Evangelical who hold
simpler services. The Anglican
Church includes 30 autonomous
Churches around the world, known
as the Anglican Communion.
All believe in the importance of
Scripture, accept an unbroken line of
bishops (traced back to the Apostles),
and celebrate two sacraments:
baptism and the Eucharist (p.228).

MENNONITE CHURCH

1540s, The Netherlands

The Dutch preacher Menno Simons,

originally a Catholic who joined the

Anabaptists—a radical Reformation

group—in 1536, believed in Church

reform, pacifism, and the baptism

of adult believers only. His followers,

known as Mennonites, spread

throughout Europe. German

Mennonites were among the early

settlers of America, and many

Russian Mennonites migrated to

the US after World War II. Today,

the majority of Mennonites live in

North America and pursue a Bible-

based faith. They anticipate the

Second Coming of Christ and live

a life of holiness and prayer.

Missionary and relief work is

important to believers.

PRESBYTERIANISM

16th century, Scotland

Presbyterianism originated with

16th-century reformers, such as

French theologian John Calvin

(p.237). As well as his influential

ideas on predestination, Calvin

believed Christian groups should be

governed by elders. This appealed

to church leaders in Scotland, keen to

increase community involvement in

religious affairs. Presbyterians are so

named for being governed by

presbyters (ministers or elders) and

have no bishops. Congregationalism

developed for similar reasons,

especially in England, and was

the religion of the Pilgrims who

emigrated to America. In the late

20th century, the Presbyterians and

Congregationalists joined to form

the World Alliance of Reformed

Churches, whose members see

salvation as the gift of God.

BAPTISTS

Early 17th century,

The Netherlands and England

The first Baptists were English

Protestants; their Church was

founded in England in 1612 by

Thomas Helwys. Baptist beliefs

include the primacy of the Bible and

that baptism should be reserved for

adult believers who can profess their

faith. Baptist churches spread across

the US and are especially popular

with the black community there; they

have gained ground internationally

and are one of the world’s largest

Christian groups today.

QUAKERS

c.1650, Great Britain

The Quaker movement began in

the 17th century, led by George Fox.

The name originated when Fox told

a magistrate to quake at the name

of the Lord. Fox and his followers

had no clergy, no sacraments, and

no formal liturgy, believing that the

Friends—as they called themselves

—could communicate directly with

God. They opposed warfare and

refused to take legal oaths. Although

widely persecuted, they are now

admired for their campaigns for

peace, prison reform, and abolition

of slavery. Modern Quakers still

emphasize direct contact with God,

gathering together in silence until

the Spirit moves a member to speak.

AMISH

Late 17th century, Switzerland

The Amish are members of a strict

Protestant group that originated in

Switzerland under the leadership of

a Mennonite minister, Jacob ❯❯