Protestantism

Protestantism is a major branch of Christianity, initiated by reformers in the 16th century who sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church. Its origin can be traced back to Martin Luther's "Ninety-five Theses" protesting practices within the Church. This movement led to the development of various Christian denominations sharing key principles, such as the ultimate authority of the Bible, justification by faith alone, and the priesthood of all believers. Protestantism encompasses numerous denominations with diverse beliefs and practices including Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Pentecostalism among others. Despite their differences, these denominations generally emphasize grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the importance of individual salvation, and the belief that religious authority comes from the scriptures rather than from Church hierarchies or traditions. Worship styles vary significantly across Protestant denominations, ranging from formal liturgical services to spontaneous charismatic expressions. Protestantism has had a profound impact on global society, influencing education, social justice, and political systems. Its teachings have inspired numerous missionary endeavors, leading to its spread around the world. Today, Protestantism represents one of the largest forms of Christianity, with hundreds of millions of adherents worldwide.