The difference with these 3 Denominations with Baptist

[Nova Scotian Boy]

I was wondering if someone could help me out and tell me what the difference there are between the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congragational denominations with Baptist, it would help me very much.

[unimportantbuthisnameis]

Methodists usually teach that one can lose their salvation, Presbyterians tend to more Calvinistic than most Baptist churches. The major difference is the autonomy of the local congregation that all Baptist seem to have, as well as the beliefs about infant Baptism.

[Crazy Liz]

Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists all practice (or at least allow) infant baptism. Baptists never do.

[Flynmonkie]

They are all six of one - half dozen of the other! It truly depends on the church other than the obvious mentioned above regarding the different Baptisms. Legalism finds its way into every church......it is the basis of being with believers - Each one of these all believe in the redemptive Blood of Christ and seek what they feel is most pleasing to God. This is based on my experience.

Not sure if your looking for a more deeper understanding of differences here or not? But if this question is because you are hoping to make a decision on which church to join…When making decisions just remember - Christianity is not about Religion - it is about a true relationship with God......anything without a true intimate relationship with God --- becomes legalism.

[Dmckay]

These are the historic Baptist distinctives that are identifiers of most, but not all Baptist Churches:
BIBLE as complete, inerrant, Word of God, the SOLE authority in all matters of faith and practice, II Tim. 3:16,17.
AUTONOMY of the local church in it’s interdependence in associated fellowship with other churches of like policy and doctrine, Acts 13:1–3; 15:19–27.
PRIESTHOOD of the believer including the right of interpretation, and the competency of the individual believer in direct approach to God, I Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6.
TOTALLY REGENERATE baptized church membership of born–again believers, Matt. 16:16–18; Acts 2:37–47
IMMERSION of believers in the symbolic ordinance of believer’s baptism and the memorial of the Lord’s Table as the only two (2) ordinances observed in obedience to the command of Christ, Matt. 26:26–29; Rom. 6:3–5; I Cor. 11:23–30.
SEPARATION:
1. of the believer from worldliness and liberalism, those things which constitute spiritual adultery, corrupting the believer’s affection and devotion to Christ. II Cor. 6:17; 7:1
2. absolutely of the Church and state control, Daniel 1:8–17; 3:8–28; Matt. 22:15–21.
THE SOVEREIGN PRE–EMINENCE of Jesus Christ as our Divine Lord and master, the Head of His Body, the Church, Eph. 1:20–23; Phil. 2:9–11; Col. 1:15–19.

World–Wide program of MISSIONARY FERVOR AND EVANGELISM in obedience to the final command of our Lord Jesus Christ, Matt. 28:18–20; Acts 1:8–9.
Many, perhaps most, would hold to this next position out of a misplaced emphasis on a misunderstood understanding of unity. The unity prayed for by Christ and enjoined by Paul in Phil. 2:1-4 is for a unity with and under the control of God’s Spirit. The apathetic commitment of Christians today coupled with the inclusion of large numbers of unsaved “believers” makes this a dangerous and foolish policy.
Solemn obligation of MAJORITY RULE (Democratic Rule), guaranteeing equal rights to all and special privileges to none. Seeking to maintain spiritual unity of all believers for which our Lord so earnestly prayed, John 17; Phil. 2:1–4.

Methodists were stated as the result of the ministries of the Wesley Brothers. They were more Bible-oriented earlier in their existance then they are today. Many Methodist churches are Arminian and liberal in their theology and have more emphasis upon a social Gospel.

As stated earlier most Congregational and pretty much all Presbyterian churches are Calvinist in their theology. But the name Congregational can go with a large variety of church doctrine and polity beliefs. Presbyterian church are much more structured in their organization. Their churches for the most part are not independent, and answer to a church hierarchy outside the local church. Both practice infant baptism rather than Believer's baptism, as do almost all Baptist churches.

[Lockheed]

Presbyterians have a different form of church government and generally do not see the clear distinction between church and state as Baptists. Presbyterians (OPC and PCA) are Calvinistic and Reformed, whereas PCUSA and others are mostly liberal (allowing ordination of women etc.). Being Reformed in the truest sense of the word, they believe in baptising infants of believers as members of the new covenant.

Methodists (for the most part) teach Wesleyism nearly exclusively. The doctrines of grace are not taught there (except in 'Free Methodist' churches, which are rare.) United Methodists are generally very liberal in their beliefs and practices. Some Methodists also practice infant baptism, but more so as a dedication than Covenantal entry.

Baptists believe in a strict seperation between the state and church in that the state should not govern what the church believes. Baptists believe in baptism of disciples only, usualy upon the proclamation of faith. Some Baptists believe there is a "age of accountability" whereby a child is old enough to understand and thus should be baptized. Different Baptist denominations differ in beliefs about salvation (as can readily be seen in these threads.) Some of the major differences, Primitive Baptists and 'Reformed' Baptists and some Independent are generally Calvinistic in soteriology (salvation doctrine, like Charles Spurgeon). Free Will baptists are more semi-Pelagian in their beliefs, favoring Wesleyan views. SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) Baptists are a mixed group of churches that hold to a set of distinctives, some Calvinistic, some not.

[Diane_Windsor]

Wikipedia articles:

List of Christian denominations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations)
Presbyterian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterianism)
Methodists (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodism)
Baptists (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist)
Congregationalism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregationalism)

Christian Denominations (http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations.htm)-this site has some comparison charts (http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/comparison_charts.htm).

Diane
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