Essay on A Comparison of Two Christian Denominations

A Comparison of Two Christian Denominations The two churches that I am going compare and contrast are the Anglican Church and the Orthodox Church. These two churches have many different symbolisms and traditions, but nevertheless have the same basic belief in that Jesus Christ is the centre of their faith and worship. The Orthodox Church is renowned for its colorful outside, exotic features and images along with elaborate rituals. An Orthodox Church cannot be confused with any other as it has those tell-tale domes that characterize the ostentatious expressive Orthodox faith. The external square shape with the dome on the top is an indication that everything in Gods universe is seen by him. The†¦show more content†¦The seven- branched candlestick depicts Gods presence and reminds us of the seven sacraments. The churchs striking beauty does justice to the familiar phrase built for the glory of god, and its beauty is epitomized in the iconostasis. This is an elaborately decorated screen of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary. The iconostasis is a spiritual symbol of the gulf between heaven and earth, humans and the almighty God. Icons form an integral part of the Orthodox worship, as they believe that God is totally beyond human reach therefore the use of these icons enables them to reach God. Behind the iconostasis lies the spiritual realm and as the priest opens the royal doors the congregation is allowed a small glimpse into heaven. The doors are a linking bridge between heaven and earth; they are the only way into heaven. Within the church the sanctuary would symbolize heaven and the nave would symbolize earth. Despite the slightly gaudy extravagance; still at the heart of the church lies a peaceful holy sense of Gods presence. Together all these different features, symbolisms and sanctities create the perfect recipe to do justice to the omnipotent God. The Orthodox Church takes the view of dark mysterious atmosphere as being the best tone to worship God. In contrast to the numerous over-elaborate symbolisms of the inside of the EasternShow MoreRelatedThe Practice Of The Eucharist1140 Words   |  5 Pagessimilarities and differences. For a majority of these two Christian denominations they both share many of the same beliefs. A similarity between the Catholic and the Church of England read and proclaim the same scriptures from the Old and New Testament of the bible. Another similarity is that both Churches recite and pray the Nicene Creed and the Apostles creed and both have a calendar for Saints fest days with prayers and readings. A comparison is that the Church of England believes that Jesus isRead MoreAbrahamic Religions With Similar Rituals And Practices Essay1606 Words   |  7 Pagesslam and Christianity in Comparison; two religions with similar rituals and practices. Many historical events around the globe have put a wedge between Christians and Muslims. The Christian perspective is that Muslims are set to be dangerous and violent people. The Islamic community has a perspective of hatred from the Christian community. While Islam and Christianity are distinctively separate religions; they both stem from the same beginnings and are more alike than they may admit. Should theyRead MoreThe Five Principle Beliefs Of Christianity1642 Words   |  7 Pageswith the trinity, hence Jesus is fully divine. The Council of Constantinople reaffirmed this decision. Nestorius undermined the unity of Jesus by claiming that Mary was the Mother of the human Jesus but not the divine Jesus, suggesting that there were two beings within Jesus. The Council of Ephesus in 431 CE rejected this view and confirmed the notion that there was only one entity within Jesus, therefore Mary could rightfully be called the Mother of God or theokotos. The establishment of the divinity Read MoreIslam And Christianity Comparative Religious Study1727 Words   |  7 Pagessignificantly different religions with its followers holding many opposing views and theories. Therefore, most find it somewhat challenging to acknowledge any common morals or similarities between Christianity and Islam. Through the comparative study of these two religions, one can identify such similarities and differences. Comparative religion is the examination of different religions and how they relate to one another. It is becoming a large factor in present day discourse mainly because diverse, pious groupsRead MoreThe Christianity Of The Roman Empire1170 Words   |  5 Pagesnot believe Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies and did not convert. The newly found religion would soon have a schism separating it into five main denominations. One of these Denominations is called Catholicism. Catholicism spread in the Roman Empire despite is conflicts with the pagan State Religion of the Roman E mpire. These early Christians were severely persecuted by Roman Emperors such as Nero, Decius and Claudius. The persecution and suppressing of the Catholic Church stopped in 313 C.ERead MoreChristianity And Islam : Islam937 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM.† Christianity and Islam are the two largest religions in the world, with over 2 billion Christian, and 1.5 billion Muslim followers. Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ approximately 2000 years ago in Palestine. Bible is collection of 66 books containing a message from God. The Muslim name for God is Allah. Islam is based on revelations received by the prophet Mohammad and originated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Quran, is the Islamic sacred text. Both are monotheisticRead MoreReligion Belief Systems in Australia Post 19451239 Words   |  5 Pagesin a way that is deemed appropriate by them. In December 1996, in another landmark judgement known as the Wik Decision, the high court determined that native title may coexist with pastoral leases, and that, where there is conflict between the two, pastoralists’ rights will prevail. (king, 2010, p.216). In conclusion, The Native Title, Mabo and Wik decision are only the first steps towards addressing the injustices of over 200 years of European subjection of aboriginal people. â€Å"However, AboriginalRead MoreDifferences Between Religions And Religions1642 Words   |  7 Pagesbeings† or deities. These four denominations are in complete contrast to Christianity, in which there are a great deal more in number and with varying differences. As the third largest religion in the world, after Christianity and Islam, the populations of the denominations would be assumed to be evenly spread amongst the four, but that is not the case. Vaishnavites occupy a large portion of followers with an astounding 70%, followed by Shivaites with 26%, and the other two (Shaktites and Smartites) combiningRead MoreComparing Christian Vs. Baptism1013 Words   |  5 PagesComparing Lutheran vs Baptism Lutherans and Baptists are both Christians who are also Protestants. They share many beliefs and have more similarities than differences. Both happen to be reformists within the fold of Christianity. However, there are many different branches of Baptists with differences between them too. In Lutheran, baptism is seen as a work of God and so even infants are baptized. On the other hand, baptism is only for believers among Baptists, and this is the reason why infants areRead MoreReligion and Peace - Christianity and Islam894 Words   |  4 Pagesthroughout our world today. Peace is not merely the ‘absence of war’, but a state of mind in which a sense of tranquillity comes from actively working towards right relationships with individuals and God. To understand the way in which Muslims and Christians view peace it is imperative to understand the source of the teachings for each religion. The principles teachings of peace for Both Christianity and Islam are primarily found in the sacred texts of both religious traditions. Christianity looks to