Protestant Religions

Today there are hundreds of millions of Protestant Religions.  

Below are examples of some of the first branches of Protestant Religion:

Lutheranism:

     Lutheranism is the religion founded by Martin Luther himself.  This was one of the first denominations ever created.  It was first practiced after Martin Luther was excommunicated by the Catholic Church in the year 1521.  What made this religion different was the fact that unlike Catholics, Lutherans don't believe in sin and salvation.  

     In Lutheranism you can't earn your salvation, you have to be given the gift of salvation from God,  you earn this marvelous gift by giving God your faith.  Martin Luther called this "justification by faith."  

     Lutheran worship consisted of a combination of Catholic and newer Lutheran ideas.  They still used the altar, crucifix, and candles.

     One difference between Lutheranism and Catholicism is that all of the prayers were written in German so that everyone can read them.  And another difference is that Lutherans only have two sacraments instead of seven, baptism and Communion are the only ones practiced.  Because according to Martin Luther those are the two most important ones.

Calvinism:

     Calvinism was created by a French humanist named John Calvin in 1541.

     Calvinists had very specific beliefs pertaining to the acts of good behavior.  For example they thought that all good behavior was meant to honor God, and no one could "buy" their salvation.  They also couldn't dance, sing, play cards, or wear fancy clothes because that was forbidden.

     Believers of this religion also thought that not one person "deserved" to be granted salvation.  And also that you couldn't get it by doing acts of good.  

    Another thing the believers of this religion have created is a complete source of authority.   After Calvinists reformed they transformed the bible into not only a religious text, but also a book of governmental laws.  And in Calvinistic states blasphemy was considered a serious crime and was punished in such a way.

Anglicanism:

     This branch of Protestant belief was founded in 1534 by King Henry VIII in England.   

     The Anglican Church had many similar ideas when compared to those of  the Catholic Church.  Like in Catholicism, in Anglican believers also think that baptism washes away original sin.  But Anglicans also inserted many Protestant ideas into their teachings.  They thought that in order to reach heaven after death you must regret all of your sins, be a true believer in God, and accept God's mercy.