Similarities and Differences Between Presbyterians and Methodists

There are many strains of the Protestant religion. In this article, I will look at both the Methodist and Presbyterian branches of the Protestant Church. I was raised Methodist as a child, but as an adult I chose to attend the local Presbyterian Church. I will admit, for the record, that I am not an avid churchgoer.

Presbyterians and Methodists Have Much in Common

It appears that Presbyterians and Methodists have much in common, but first I will say I am looking at the Methodist Church not the Free Methodist Branch of the Methodist Church, of which I have no experience. Both Presbyterians and Methodists use the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed. Both Presbyterian denominations preach from the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. Both Presbyterians and Methodists believe in the Holy Trinity. Both denominations consider Mary to be the "bearer of God." Presbyterians go on to say that, Mary should not be regarded as a "mediator between man and God", but she should be considered a model for Christians. Both Presbyterians and Methodists believe in original sin, and both believe that man only has free will to do evil, not good. Both Presbyterians and Methodists believe that man needs God in order to do good.

Presbyterians and Methodists Have a Few Differences

The major differences between these two branches of the Protestant religion appear to have more to do with the history of the two branches rather than their religious doctrines. The Presbyterian religion became a distinct denomination in the mid 1500's while the Methodist branch did not become a distinct denomination until 1787. The Presbyterian Church was founded in Switzerland and the Methodist Church was founded in England. The Presbyterian Church has as its worship guide "The Directory of Worship" while the Methodist Church uses the "Book of Discipline" as its worship guide.

The two denominations have slightly different views of the nature of Christ. Presbyterians state that Christ is "fully human and fully God" while the Methodists state that "Jesus is the complete revelation of God to us, and as such Jesus although fully human with us is fully God and therefore fully divine". Both denominations believe in the virgin birth, but the Methodist religion goes on to further define that while they believe in the virgin birth they do not believe in the Immaculate Conception.

In conclusion, it has been my experience that the Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church have more commonalities than differences.

Sources:

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/charts/denominations_stats.htm