A Breakdown of Historic Christian Branches

While some view Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy as separate religions, others consider them distinct Christian denominations.

Roman Catholicism reports having 51 million baptized members in America, while Protestantism, with no central ecclesiastical authority like Catholicism, has a combined total of 141 million members from all its denominations. The Eastern Orthodox Church reports 6 million members in America.

History and Origins of Denominations In the US

The religious landscape of Christian groups in the United States is diverse. The origins and development of these denominations have profoundly impacted American society.

• Roman Catholic Church: With roots dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has played a significant role in shaping American culture and values. Its traditions and teachings have influenced countless individuals and communities.
• Southern Baptist Church: Founded in 1845, the Southern Baptist Church values individualism and independence. Its emphasis on personal faith and evangelism has led to the growth and spread of Christianity across the nation.
• United Methodist Church: With English roots and founded in 1968, the United Methodist Church has been a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of Americans. Its commitment to social justice and community outreach has had a lasting impact on American society.

The history and origins of these denominations highlight the resilience and faith of believers throughout the centuries. Their impact on American religion cannot be overstated, as they continue to shape the nation's spiritual landscape.

A Closer Look at the Largest Protestant Denominations

The Protestant Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther in Germany, John Calvin in France, and Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland, laid the foundation for numerous Protestant denominations evolving over the centuries. Notably, four of the top 10 denominations are Baptist, reflecting its historical flourishing in America.

Interestingly, three of the top 10 churches have roots in England. The United Methodist Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Episcopal Church have English origins, partly explaining why these denominations didn't grow as others did during the American Revolution. However, the movement initiated by John Wesley remains robust in the 21st century.

Two of the top 10 denominations are Lutheran, reflecting the significant influence of Germany, Martin Luther's birthplace, and the Protestant Reformation's epicenter.

Here's a table showing the largest Protestant denominations, their population, founding year, and the number of churches:

‍

‍

Notably, the Assemblies of God denomination, just over 100 years old, is one of the fastest-growing Christian movements globally. Despite the record membership decline in some Protestant denominations, the Assemblies of God continues to experience steady growth.

Largest Protestant Denominations: Ranks 11-20

Baptist and Pentecostal traditions account for seven of the next ten denominations on this list. Some Presbyterian churches have declined in recent years, which some attribute to their adoption of progressive political and social ideologies. In contrast, other Presbyterian denominations continue to adhere to the teachings of John Calvin, the French Reformer.

The Assemblies of God, the largest American-born denomination, traces its roots to Arkansas in the early 20th century. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, another major denomination, originated on American soil in upstate New York in the mid-19th century.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Largest Protestant Denominations: Ranks 21-30

Christian denominations that incorporate cultural traditions from specific countries, reflecting America's history of immigration, are also present. Notably, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Church, like the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The Calvary Chapel, while Protestant in theology, does not consider itself a denomination. Instead, Calvary Chapel churches prefer to be called an "association" of like-minded churches. Since this association meets the general definition of a Christian denomination, they are included in this list.

‍

Largest Protestant Denominations: Ranks 31-40

The abundance of Christian denominations in America is partly due to its laws promoting freedom of religion for its citizens. As a result, individuals can establish churches, and even denominations, without the threat of persecution or government interference.

‍

‍

‍

Largest Protestant Denominations: Ranks 41-50

The history of Christian denominations in America is deeply entwined with the country's history. The issue of slavery, for instance, has left significant imprints on American history and Christian churches.

‍