All My Children

What Does It Mean to Be a Protestant?

If you’re Protestant you are probably well aware of a religious tradition that includes the earliest settlers of our country, and you may have passed that on to your child.

Awareness of Protestant history can help a child better understand the common qualities Protestant denominations share.

Perhaps with the aid of a story or picture book, explain to your child that Protestantism is the name for several religious groups which were formed during the Great Reformation of the early sixteenth century. The most significant action was a plea by theologian Martin Luther for greater religious freedom, as he posted his Ninety-five Theses in 1517. Luther’s monumental defiance culminated a steady movement away from the authority of the pope in Rome. This led to Protestant religions that have formed, over the centuries, in accord with Luther’s beliefs, in Europe and then later in America.

The original Reformation advocated a series of basic principles, tenets which many of the modern Protestant denominations continue to accept in one form or another. If your child asks you how Protestant groups are alike, you can explain that most Protestants believe that the Bible is the only reliable source of God’s word. Protestants do not believe that a person hopes to go to heaven based on his or her actions alone. Instead, faith in God is also required for salvation. That view is best explained through an illustration. For example, while being kind and considerate makes a little boy a better person, the little boy needs to believe in God, too, in order to be a Christian. Try to think up an illustration that will have special meaning for your son or daughter.

Other Protestant beliefs should be equally emphasized. When you speak about the origins of the Protestant-Catholic schism, point out that the first Protestants did not reject all prior Christian traditions by any means. They just turned away from church authority, especially the pope. Thus, Protestants want people who teach about religion to teach only what God literally says—they are dubious about excessive interpretation. In other words, the Bible itself is what they use to base their beliefs on. Protestants have made many symbolic and ritualistic departures from the Catholic mass, which traditionally has been more formal.

It is important that you explain to your child that there are many Protestant denominations or groups which differ in subtle but important ways from each other. Your child will want to know how your denomination compares with those of his or her schoolmates. Below are brief descriptions of five Protestant groups which remain prominent: Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians.

If you are Lutheran, your child should know that the Lutheran Church is named after Martin Luther and it began as a testament to him, shortly after the Reformation. Lutherans see Luther as a great teacher and liberator, but not as a saint or prophet. You will probably want to clarify that with your child.

Make sure to point out some of the distinguishing highlights of your faith. Note that in the spirit of religious liberalism, a Lutheran considers every Christian a saint as well as a sinner. That is an interesting notion, since it implies that people have both good and evil in them. Consider asking your child, “Can the same person do bad things as well as good things? Can you think of an example?” (e.g., stealing a toy from a schoolmate and also doing extra household chores voluntarily because Mom is sick).

You may also wish to discuss sin in greater detail, particularly with your older children. Observe that Lutherans believe sin to be a basic condition of life; people must learn to free themselves from sin. The goal of a Christian life, according to the Lutheran outlook, is complete obedience to God by obeying what the Bible says. The Lutheran view of God is ultimately a Being that grants forgiveness and salvation to human beings as a gift. So ask your child, “How do you think it is possible to get closer to God and obey God’s will?”

If you are a Methodist, you’ll want your son or daughter to appreciate that the Methodist religion reflects ideas which grew out of the Protestant Reformation and the teachings of Englishman John Wesley. Wesley preached in the early and middle eighteenth century. Stress that the love of God with the entire soul and mind is a Methodist teaching, an outgrowth of Wesley’s philosophy.

To be a Methodist, a person must believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son, part of the Trinity, and he must believe the New Testament. But a person must also believe that all truth is expressed in the words of Christ the Messiah and the Bible. A Methodist prioritizes faith in God over religious rules and rituals and believes in purity of thought as a way to approach God. A Methodist must also pledge allegiance to a social creed, a tenet which states that religion must be active in real-world, pragmatic reforms. That is a reflection of the social conscience, which Methodists believe is God’s will.

In contrast to other Protestants, Methodists refer to three religious books. Your child should know that these books are the Bible, The Book of Hymns, and The Book of Discipline. The Book of Hymns was written by John Wesley and his brother, Charles. The Book of Discipline reveals a number of covenants which Methodists have agreed upon for common prayer and belief. With reference to these works, available at any Methodist church, you can discuss with your child how each contributes to your family and to the lives of other Methodists.

If you are Presbyterian, then your discussion with your child may be somewhat different. Inspired by English thinker John Calvin, Presbyterianism refers to a particular form of religious governing rather than a unique religious doctrine. The Presbyterian Church is governed by a group of leaders who represent the supreme authority on all procedural matters. As your child may know, there are teaching elders and ruling elders. Teaching elders are ordained ministers while ruling elders are members elected from church ranks, whose counsel is sought by the teaching elders on religious matters.

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