What about Catholics, Calvinists, Charismatics, and Churches of Christ?

Catholics

History/Intro

One of two oldest denominations

Great Schism of 1054

Understanding of apostolic lineage

Main pro(s)

Appreciation of tradition, made me respect the place of tradition as guarding orthodoxy, respect for those who have gone before

Recognition of architecture and its place in creating reverence

Main con(s)

Giving tradition too high of an authority (e.g. purgatory gaining traction in 1200s)

Problem of wedding itself to government

Calvinists

History/Intro

Also called Reformed churches

John Calvin

Multiple denominations (Presbyterian, some SBC, some Anglicans), John Piper/Tim Keller/David Platt, primarily related to predetermined salvation (also explain double predestination)

Main pro

Highly emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all things

Main con

Emphasizes some verses (limited atonement—Matt. 1:21 v. unlimited atonement—1 John 2:2, when the latter can encompass the former) over others

Charismatics

History/Intro

Charismatic is broader than Pentecostal, but I’ll mostly refer to the latter.

Includes Assembly of God, a good number of non-denom. churches, and individuals w/in denominations.

Also famous worship artists (Bethel, Maverick City, etc.)

Took off in early 1900s. Restoring apostolic Christianity, particularly w/ speaking in tongues. Separate baptism of the HS.

Main pro

Re-emphasized the Holy Spirit when many churches were stiff and only intellectual.

Their trust in the power of the Holy Spirit leads to a lot of missionary boldness. (Maybe the greater motivator is spiritual power, not the need of the lost)

Main con

Fascination with miraculous works of the Spirit + understanding of Holy Spirit baptism/speaking in tongues (what I think, how I’m a bit between cessationists and continuationists)

1 Cor. 13:10 — one I disagree with tradition on

Churches of Christ

History/Intro

A little before Charismatics, pre-Civil War

NT Christianity, “Christians only, not the only Christians”

Known for a cappella worship and high view of baptism

Main pro

High regard for Scripture and doing what it says, (classically speaking)

Good view of baptism

Main con

Reading the Bible like a formula, oftentimes poorly, which has led to legalism.

Many churches love tradition (as in staying the 1950’s, not the way I use it to refer to orthodoxy)

UCC’s ideal theology if I were starting a new church