Protestant vs Pentecostal: Difference and Comparison

In Christianity, there are several branches in it, and people follow different types of ideologies and approaches.

The Protestant and Pentecostal branches of Christianity took place many years ago and were introduced long back.

A Christian can be Gnostic, Roman Catholic, Catholic, orthodox, or Angelical.

Key Takeaways

  1. Protestantism is a major branch of Christianity that emerged during the 16th-century Reformation, while Pentecostalism is a specific movement within Protestantism that originated in the early 20th century.
  2. Theological differences between the two groups include the emphasis Pentecostalism places on spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues and divine healing, which are less emphasized in mainstream Protestant denominations.
  3. Worship styles in Pentecostal churches are more expressive and emotional, featuring lively music and exuberant congregational participation, while Protestant worship services can be more structured and subdued.

Protestant vs Pentecostal

Protestant is a branch of the Christianity religion that believes in God and follows his words, but their belief is that you only need faith to enter heaven. Pentecostal is a branch of Christianity that follow the ways and words of God and they follow two different kinds of sacraments.

Protestant vs Pentecostal

Protestants believe that God provided them with health and wealth, and he is the one who gave them life, and they do not believe in papal authority.

They believe the teaching of Jesus in the Bible is true. Martin Luther led Protestantism in the 16th century, and they considered all churches to be equal.

Pentecostalism is also one of the branches of Christianity, and they also believe in God’s words and the holy spirit.

It was started in the year 1901 by Agnes Osman, and Pentecostals believe that God says the holy words in the Bible, and they follow them.

They believe that prayer clothes soaked in water will heal their wounds.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonProtestantPentecostal
IntroductionThey were introduced back in the 16th century, and they followed the words of God.They were introduced in the year 1901 and follow every rule of the holy bible.
FounderMartin Luther is the person who led this movement.Agnes Osman is the person who started Pentecostal, and he is a student of bible school.
BeliefsThey believe that faith in God alone is needed to get into heavenThey believe that prayer clothes soaked in water will heal their wounds and they believe in divine healing.
ChurchesThe Protestants do not divide the churches as they believe all the churches are equal.The Pentecostal churches show the importance of conversion, which amounts to a baptism in the spirit.
Number of SacramentsProtestants follow seven types of sacraments.Protestants follow Two types of sacraments.

What is Protestant?

Protestants are one of the branches of Christianity. They follow and believe the words of God and his divine words in the Bible.

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The Protestants were originated in the 16th century. Protestants have another meaning which means protests.

There was a reinforcement in the 16th century, which was led by Martin Luther against Catholic Churches.

The Protestants only follow two sacraments, namely the Eucharist and Baptism. Only the baptized should take part in the lord’s supper.

They rejected papal supremacy and believed Mary was just the mother of God Jesus and Mary also needed salvation. Protestantism began in Germany.

The Protestants are the second largest form of Christianity, with about 800 to 1 billion Protestants worldwide. They worship Jesus directly but and through anyone and follow the words in the Bible.

The Protestants first followed Catholicism, and then they found errors in Catholicism and started to protest.

The Protestants believe that bread and wine consumed during supper are symbols of Jesus and get all wealth and health by consuming them.

The gospel Protestants do not support one church. Instead, they consider all their churches are equal. They do not use pictures as a form of inspiration. They do not believe in the authority of the pope.

What is Pentecostal?

Pentecostals are also a branch of Christianity. Pentecostalism is a Methodology followed by Jews.

Pentecostals follow the rules in the Bible, and they solely believe that the words from God are true and that they must be abided by.

Pentecostals believe that they receive the holy spirit from God and follow the rules very purely.

Agnes Osman started Pentecostalism in the 19th century. Agnes Osman is a student in Parham’s Bethel Bible school and the organizer of Pentecostal.

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The Population growth in Pentecostal was rapid as there are 280 billion people who believe in Baptism in the holy spirit. Pentecostals believe the words of God are true.

They believe that prayer clothes soaked in water will heal their wounds. They Highlight Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Pentecostals teaches movies, drugs, dancing, and alcohol are sins, and people who do these things should be punished

They believe in experience rather than thinking and follow restrictions in dressing and appearance.

They believe that there is no intermediate communication whit God, and people who have faith in God can directly communicate with him personally.

Pentecostals follow the rules in the Bible purely, and they believe that rituals are directly from God.

Main Differences Between Protestant and Pentecostal

  1. Protestants are a branch of Christianity, and it started between Civil War and World War II. Pentecostalism was started in the 16th century.
  2. Protestants do not believe in Papal authority, and Pentecostals believe that the words of God are true and should be followed.
  3. The Protestants do not divide the churches as they believe all the churches are equal and Pentecostals believe that the churches show the spirit of baptism.
  4. Martin Luther led the Protestant reinforcement movement, and Agnes Osman, a student of bible school, founded Pentecostal.
  5. Protestants believe that faith in God alone gets you into heaven, and Pentecostals believe that Prayer clothes soaked in water will heal wounds.
  6. Protestants follow seven types of sacraments, and Pentecostals follow two types of sacraments.
Difference Between Protestant and Pentecostal
References
  1. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/protestant-reformation/
  2. https://www.oikoumene.org/church-families/pentecostal-churches

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

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10 thoughts on “Protestant vs Pentecostal: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The beliefs and teachings of both Protestant and Pentecostal churches reflect the diverse interpretations and applications of Christianity in different cultural and historical contexts.

    Reply
  2. Exploring the main differences between Protestant and Pentecostal traditions reveals the intricate theological, historical, and cultural aspects that shape the Christian faith.

    Reply
  3. The emphasis on spiritual gifts and worship styles in both Protestant and Pentecostal churches have led to differences in practices and beliefs within the broader Christian faith.

    Reply
  4. It’s interesting to note how the theological beliefs and practices of both branches have evolved over time, and the impact they have had on Christian communities worldwide.

    Reply
    • Indeed, the differences in sacraments, church structure, and beliefs highlight the diversity and complexity within Christianity.

      Reply
  5. The comparison table presents a clear overview of the key differences between Protestant and Pentecostal traditions, making it easier to understand their distinct characteristics.

    Reply
  6. The historical background and origins of Protestantism and Pentecostalism provide valuable insights into the development of Christian traditions and practices.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, understanding the foundational principles of these branches is crucial for comprehending the diversity and complexity of Christianity.

      Reply
  7. Both Protestantism and Pentecostalism have rich histories and theological frameworks that have significantly impacted the practice of Christianity in different ways.

    Reply
  8. It is important to understand the historical and theological differences between Protestantism and Pentecostalism in order to have a comprehensive understanding of Christianity.

    Reply

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