The Origins of Christian Denominations

Denomination charts often get quite a few things wrong. Let's see some of the complications that arise when determining where denominations come from.

[whangadude]

I love how the word copypasta is just a normal word now, the idea of it being used so casually in a video about church doctrines etc would just blow teenage me away.

[davemiller]

I like how this channel is a combination of thorough research, clear presentation, and objective analysis. Notice he didn't say who is right. He encouraged those watching to think for themselves and think critically.

[Richardcontramundum]

I am teaching through a Sunday morning class, "why we have so many denominations" and your channel has been very very helpful. Praise God, thank you

[WooperSlim]

UsefulCharts just released their video beginning a series on the Christian Denominations Family Tree. So of course I was reminded of this video. I think he's done a good job, though I think it is wise to keep what you said about how charts can imply more than they should.

I've always thought that these denomination charts are interesting, and have thought it strange where they put my denomination. Mine is a fringe group, so I expect that, but I thought it was really interesting what you had to say that even major protestant denominations aren't so cut and dry as the charts make it seem. This is the kind of quality content I like, thank you for your research and perspective.

[Thelaretus]

As a Catholic Christian, I generally just give up in tracing Protestant lineages, as it's extremely messy and, as you said, people hop denominations and come from whenever.

[OCANTIOCORS]

Great video and hopefully that encourages people to dig into the historical claims of their own and other denominations. I think a major part of the problem in the US is that a lot of churches do little or nothing to encourage their laity to learn anything about Christian history or what the faith looks like outside of their denomination. As a result, people take attitudes and things that developed within American Christianity in the past 200 years and generalize them to Christianity everywhere, and across time.

[brotherbruno]

The Schism of 1054 wasn’t quite as cut & dry as you make it sound. All that happened was the Bishop of Rome and the Patriarch of Constantinople excommunicated each other. People at that time didn’t think there was a schism until long after the fact. 1054 is just the only time where a date can be ascribed to a specific event. In reality, the East/West split was far more gradual and based on culture and, frankly, mutual prejudice and ego.

[ryanleblanc]

I describe myself as a church nerd. This channel is so my jam. I love the level of detail and the concerted effort to present each tradition in a way they would recognize themselves in. I especially appreciate the outsider's introduction to other traditions I am not familiar with. Also the idea that there is a truth in Christianity that all denominations are accountable to, even if we disagree from our perspective. Finally, I notice that the history of Christian denominations looks messy in the same way that living as a Christian person looks messy - we don't always follow the 'pattern' of a faith journey as described and understood by our communities. God accompanies us along the way, even when we fall down, get confused, become inspired, shift our relationships... Jesus Christ is present in his Church, and does not abandon us.

[gearaddictclimber]

What a wonderful channel to stumble upon! Even as an atheist, I can’t help but appreciate your content deeply. Your objectivity that you bring to your discussions is very refreshing. You’re so bipartisan and unbiased in your presentation (at least as much as any one can be) that it took my at least 10 videos to figure out you were a Christian in the first place 😂Much appreciated and very interesting for understanding this very important part of the world’s history!<3

[Xaiff]

I’m not a Christian, but I often play games like Crusader Kings where I can play as somewhat historical characters from various faiths. I had wondered WHY there’s so many branch of Christianity. This video gave me some context. Thanks, I would have more fun playing the game now. 😀

[princekrazie]

Please make more videos about older churches like Church of the East, Oriental Orthodox, and East Orthodox😭😭😭

[eddieboyky]

Great video. This is really a great example of why I find the history of religions so fascinating, despite not being a member of any one of them.

[marthdaeglin]

The point that for many nothing changed in the Great Schism is interesting to think about. One day you were simply no longer in communion with a bunch of people who you were never in communication with in the first place. It really highlights the spiritual nature of communion, and raises questions about how much control any person or organization hold over true communion between believers.

[alphaIV]

I truly respect your channel. Your honesty and matter of factness is very impressive. I have been interested in this topic for a very long time but the rabbit hole is infinitely complex. Thank you for this vid.

[eudora]

Extremely well presented.. pertinent questions were raised and well debated in an unbiased manner...As usual, I have learnt a lot and found it very engaging. Thank you! Well done!!

[ronlanter]

Really appreciate the ending which focused on the "Particular" Baptists, which I am one of.

Thank you for your thoroughness, God bless!

[dino_rider]

You are a superb youtube content creator. Very informative, straight to the point, awesome.

[rwpintx]

This episode should be required viewing for every student of History, and of Religion!

[Ammo]

I remember a chart from many years ago when I taught PSR at my Catholic Church, that was based on modern numbers of people in each denomination. The vertical axis was years and the horizontal was numbers of people in denominations. So it would show the Churches of Christ as starting in 1810 or whatever and going out it would show the number as about 2 million in present day...same with many denominations. What you ended up with of course was a chart showing the sheer size and age of the Roman Catholic Church as dwarfing the other Christian denominations.

[timsmith]

Excellent, clear presentation of how life is more complicated than the people who make charts wish it were.