<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Walter P. Snyder Welcome once again to a place where you can agree or disagree, but always know that the writer believes what he says (and tries to practice what he preaches). A lot of the regular readers don't like or accept everything I say, but I always try to give you a definite starting point for your thoughts on the various subjects we cover. For example, I disagree with at least part of the doctrine or practices of all the churches and individuals of whom I write today. Still, I've done my research and have tried to answer as well as column size allows. Q: Where can I find a concise overview of the theological or doctrinal differences amongst the various mainline Christian denominations? E.g., what differences are there in the beliefs of Episcopalians, Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians? A: I wish I knew of such a book, at least of one which took a stand and compared one position to all others. Such comparisons are no longer in vogue. Most of Christianity seems determined to ignore historic (or current) differences in doctrine and practice in order to have some sort of lowest common denominator. The most current title is Handbook of Denominations by Frank S. Mead, published by Abingdon Press. In my opinion, its major shortcoming is that it is "evenhanded" and doesn't take many strong position for or against varying doctrines in Christendom. An older book, valuable not only because of its stance but because it traces the roots of many bodies, denomination, and confessions, is Frederick E. Mayer's The Religious Bodies of America, Fourth Edition, from Concordia Publishing House. Both can be ordered from various Christian book stores, online booksellers, and the like. If there are others available, I am not aware of them. As to the specifics, I'll give a thumbnail response in this limited space: Episcopalians (and Anglicans in general) are generally liturgical, of Calvinist heritage, and have a long tradition of accommodating differences. They believe that their bishops are in direct, laying-on-of-hands succession from the Apostles. They are truly "episcopal"; that is, they are governed by their bishops. Baptists generally are anti-creedal, believing in individual accountability. "Liberty of conscience" may best sum up Baptist thought. Believers' baptism, from whence they derive their name, is their outward symbol. Most are "General Baptist," rooted in the teaching of Arminius and flowing from Anabaptist, Mennonite stock. "Particular Baptists" originated in England's Separatist Movement of the 16th century and are generally Calvinists. Methodism was a personal piety movement in the Church of England, evolving from John and Charles Wesley. It triggered revivalism and the Great Awakening. John Wesley's theology was modified Arminianism. Christian perfection on earth was considered classical Methodism's central doctrine: Man is able to overcome evil and reach perfection (full salvation). The twentieth begin a modernist transition from individual to societal perfectionism. Doctrinal statements of mid-century make it the church's duty to solve problems such as class tensions, racial inequality, economic insecurity, international strife, and more. Presbyterians come from Scottish Calvinist stock. Like many other bodies, they divide into various doctrinal camps. Smaller, more conservative bodies such as the Orthodox Presbyterian Church look label the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America as too liberal and far departed from the Reformed, Calvinist doctrine upon which it was founded. Meanwhile, PCUSA often views the smaller bodies such as OPC and the others as separatists who will not cooperate in larger, pan-Christian endeavors. Q: Have you heard of a preacher from the 50s & 60s named William Marion Branham? If so are his teachings true and Biblical? I once attended a Church which used a lot of his Bible teachings. A: I must credit a believer-turned-critic of Branham, the Rev. Robert Liichow, with some of the information contained here. Branham started Baptist and became a Oneness Pentecostal. He denied the Trinity of God; his "Jesus Only" stance placing him in the ranks of earlier heretics. The early church fathers fought long, hard battles against those who denied One God in three distinct persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). His Jesus was not the true Jesus of the Bible. Branham taught he was Elijah the prophet, who was to come before the return of Christ Jesus. He preached salvation through works, not grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, as the reformers correctly taught. He claimed that an "angel" (not the Holy Spirit) was the source of his power. Able to perceive things not apparent on the surface, it seems that he may have had supernatural help. However, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11, "Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness." Branham died in 1963 after his car was struck by a drunk driver. That's it for now. You can submit questions by mail to "Ask the Pastor," PO Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or just stop me on the street. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches in Jasper and Woodville, Texas and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1999 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.