Christianity is a broad umbrella of those who believe in Jesus Christ. Within Christianity, there are three major divisions:

1. Roman Catholicism
2. Eastern Orthodox
3. Protestantism

Of these, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches have their beginnings in the first few centuries of the church. Protestantism is the result of the Reformation, led largely by Martin Luther in the early 16th century, in his opposition to corruption that permeated the Roman Catholic church.

Distinctive Characteristics

Roman Catholicism

• Centralized organization, led by the Pope and based in Rome.
• Uniform beliefs.
• Adoration of Mary.
• Prayer to the saints.
• Opposed to abortion and homosexuality.

Alternate viewpoint for Roman Catholicism

• Belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist.
• Sacramental grace received from the Sacraments.
• Honoring Mary.
• Apostolic succession.

Eastern Orthodox

• Truth must be experienced.
• Focus more on Christ's divine nature than on his human nature.

Protestantism

• Decentralized and not organized.
• Made up of denominations and local independent churches that are not Catholic.
• Not uniform in belief.
• Vary from formal liturgy to free contemporary worship.