Here American magazine LIFE presents a capsule examination of 10 large Christian groups in the U.S. and six smaller ones. Though beliefs and practices vary widely even within some churches, the chart sets down some areas of general agreement. All figures given are estimates. Some churches include only adults as members while others include children too. Besides consulting the groups, Life relied mainly on the Yearbook of American Churches and the World Christian Handbook for members and on Robert R. Doan's forthcoming World Balance Sheet for church assets (1952).

ROMAN CATHOLICS

Membership, Assets

U.S. members, 32.5 million children and adults; in the world, 458.6 million children and adults. Total U.S. assets, over $2 billion.

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

Faith means assent to truths revealed to Apostles by Christ, contained both in tradition and the Bible; the Church officially teaches and interprets these. The Pope, as head of Church, is infallible when defining faith and morals ex cathedra (Latin, from the chair — of Peter). Church is visible society of the faithful.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Acknowledge Trinity (God is three persons, one nature); original sin (the fall of Adam, which has affected all men); Incarnation (God's son made man); redemption (Christ's sacrificial death on Cross). Specially venerate Virgin Mary whose Immaculate Conception preserved her from original sin.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Sacraments, conferring grace (life in Christ) on those rightly disposed, are: baptism (by flow of water, for infants, adults), confirmation, penance (sorrowful confession, absolution, expiation), Eucharist (Communion, sacrifice of Christ's body and blood in the Mass), extreme unction (near death), holy orders, matrimony.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

History and Special Characteristics

In Catholic belief, Christ founded the church. This is the world's largest Christian body. The first parish in what is now U.S. started 1565 in St. Augustine, Fla. In U.S. it now has 46,970 priests in 136 different religious orders, and 158,069 nuns in 583 orders.

BAPTISTS

Membership, Assets

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

Bible, the guide inspired by God, is first authority for faith; many Baptists accept it literally. Every person is himself competent to approach God directly; church is the community of forgiven sinners headed by Christ. Each congregation is self-governing, associates with others for common action.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Have no formal creed but an informal unity of belief with freedom of interpretation for the individual. Generally accept the Trinity and the Virgin Birth of Christ; emphasize that Christ heads the church.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Unlike many other Christian groups, which permit baptism of infants and baptize by sprinkling or pouring, Baptists restrict baptism to those old enough to understand its meaning. Practice total immersion. Communion is taken as a remembrance of Christ's death.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Sin is not living up to God's law; salvation is by God's grace and personal faith in Christ. Some Baptists accept literal heaven, hell, others interpret them symbolically. Many accept physical resurrection, the Second Coming of Christ and Last Judgement.

History and Special Characteristics

Historically Baptists stem from Reformation in northern Europe, came to U.S. about 1640, are nearly a third of U.S. Protestants. They have over 3 million adherents in Russia. Fight vigorously for religious freedom and separation of church from state.

METHODISTS

Membership, Assets

U.S. members, 11.7 million adults; in world, 16 million adults. There are now 22 groups in U.S. Largest is the Methodist Church; next, African Methodist Episcopal Church. Total U.S. assets, $2.7 billion.

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

Bible is the authority by which Christians live. Inspired by God, it contains everything men need for their salvation. U.S. church government is through executive Council of Bishops, legislative General Conference and the Judicial Council.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Personal religious experience and love of God are more important to Methodists than doctrine, but they accept Trinity as formula for understanding God and Christ. Most believe in the Virgin Birth.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Practice sacraments of baptism (usually by sprinkling, for children, adults) and Communion. At Communion, which symbolizes redemption through Christ's death and the love of Christians for one another, Christ is considered to be present in spirit not body.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Salvation is through repentance and faith. Stress is placed on the individual experience of God's grace and power and a life of "social holiness" including the Christianizing of American life and conduct. Most Methodists accept a divine judgement after death with rewards and punishments of some kind.

History and Special Characteristics

Offshoot of Anglicanism, Methodism was founded in England in the 18th Century by John Wesley. It soon spread to U.S. Many Methodists take strong stands on national issues like slavery, prohibition and war.

LUTHERANS

Membership, Assets

U.S. members, 7 million children and adults in world, 70 million children and adults. There are 19 groups in U.S., the largest being The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Total U.S. assets, over $1 billion.

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

The Bible is inspired by God and is the only guide to religious truth. Believe in priesthood of all believers in the sense that every man can approach God directly with no one coming between. U.S. Lutheran congregations have some autonomy; their local synods and national conferences decide policy.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Accept the Trinity, Christ as both God and man. Officially accept Virgin Birth. Luther's doctrine of justification by faith (salvation by belief alone without trust in good works as such) has caused Lutherans to stress theology more than many groups.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Practice sacraments of baptism (by sprinkling, for children and adults) and Communion, in which Christ is a real presence, not simply there in spirit. Confirmation is a rite not a sacrament.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Men sin in disobeying God; salvation comes from God's grace through repentance and faith in Christ, specifically through the sacraments. Christ will come to judge all souls. The good will live with him eternally, the unregenerate will be punished.

History and Special Characteristics

Much the largest Protestant denomination in the world today they began in Germany in 1517, first settled in America in 1623. The fact that they are divided into many groups is largely accounted for by growth of national churches in northern European countries.

PRESBYTERIANS

Membership, Assets

U.S. members, 3.7 million adults; in world, 41 million, including members of Reformed churches. There are 11 Presbyterian churches in U.S., largest is Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. U.S. assets, over $1 billion.

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

Bible, the word of God, is the source of authority for faith, conduct. Church is governed by representatives, elected by people, organized in sessions, presbyteries, synods, annual General Assembly. Headed by a moderator and a stated clerk (executive officer).

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Emphasize sovereignty of one God in three persons, supremely revealed in Jesus Christ His Son, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Have considerable freedom of religious thought and interpretation.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Practice sacraments of baptism (generally by sprinkling, for children and adults) and Communion, in which Christ is present in spirit.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Salvation is the free gift of God, gained through repentance and faith in Christ. Predestination (God's determining of a man's destiny) was once a basis of faith but is no longer emphasized. Heaven and hell are real but not necessarily material places.

History and Special Characteristics

Historically grew from 16th Century Reformation, specifically from Calvin. It arrived in American colonies in 1611. Presbyterianism, which came to U.S. chiefly from Scotland, is virtually identical with faith of the Reformed churches of Switzerland, Holland, France, Germany, Hungary with which it is allied

EPISCOPALIANS

Membership, Assets

U.S. members, 2.7 million children and adults; in the world, 30 million Anglican children and adults. Total U.S. assets, $750 million.

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

Share with Catholics (and Eastern Orthodox. Remarks of the editor of this Almanac) belief that church's bishops trace their spiritual authority t o Christ and the Apostles; share with Protestants belief in the Bible as the inspired final standard of faith and life. Presiding bishop heads church governed by two-house General Convention: Deputies (clerical and lay), Bishops.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Members differ somewhat in beliefs but generally accept the Trinity of one God in three persons, doctrines of incarnation and the Virgin Birth. Its famous Book of Common Prayer is widely used by other churches.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Chief sacraments are baptism (by pouring or immersion, for children or adults) and Communion (Christ is a real presence). Confirmation, penance (in which Christ absolves sin), ordination (of priests), unction (healing) and matrimony are also considered sacramental. Formality of services varies greatly.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Salvation comes through repentance and faith in Christ. After death, many hold, men will be close to or alienated from God. Heaven and hell increasingly interpreted in symbolic terms though church officially accepts bodily resurrection and the Last Judgement.

History and Special Characteristics

The Protestant Episcopal Church, autonomous U.S. branch of world-wide Anglicanism, reached America in 1607. Services range from the informal to a Mass like that of Roman Catholics. There are 12 Episcopal religious orders for men in U.S., 14 for women.

EASTERN ORTHODOX

Membership, Assets

U.S. members, 2 million children and adults; in world, 150 million, Russian Orthodox probably being biggest group. Greek Archdiocese is largest of about a dozen groups in U.S. Total U.S. assets, $251 million.

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

Bible is word of God interpreted by church guided by Holy Ghost, third person of the Trinity, who lives and works in men to make them true sons of God, true brothers of Christ. Also binding : traditions of church fathers and decisions of bishops in council who spiritually descend from Christ's Apostles.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

The Trinity is one God in three persons. Where Roman Catholics believe Holy Ghost proceeds from God the Father and Christ the Son, Orthodox believe the Holy Ghost proceeds directly from God the Father — a historic disagreement. Virgin Mary is revered without accepting her Immaculate Conception.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Practice seven sacraments called mysteries : baptism (by immersion to infants, adults), confirmation (called Holy Chrism), penance, Eucharist (Communion in Liturgy), unction of sick, matrimony, orders (of ministry).

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Salvation, either from original sin or breaking of God's law, comes only through the church, faith in Christ (his atonement removes sin) and good works. At death souls go to heaven, hell or intermediate state, which are real places of mind. Last Judgement will be at Christ's Second Coming.

History and Special Characteristics

Christ founded church, in Orthodox belief. Long centered in Byzantine Empire. Orthodoxy broke with Rome in 1054. It came to Alaska in 1792. National groups agree on basic doctrines and practices. Orthodox revere saints and their icons (images), believe in saints' intercession for us with God.

(Remarks of the editor of this Almanac.

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

Membership, Assets

Disciples: U.S. members, 1.9 million adults; in world, 2 million. Historically related Churches of Christ: U.S. and world: 1.6 million adults. Total U.S. assets : Disciples, $291 million; Churches of Christ, $147 million.

Basis of Authority, Fundamental Theology:

Accept Bible as divinely inspired, the only rule of life and faith, and Christ (as presented in New Testament) as the basis of religious authority. Disciples' churches are self-governing, join for common action. Church of Christ congregations autonomous; unlike Disciples, do not cooperate with other churches.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Disciples, doctrinally close to Baptists, "have no creed but Christ," but stress one God and Trinity. Many accept the Virgin Birth. Church of Christ members are more literal believers in Bible.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Baptism (by immersion, for adults) and weekly Communion (in memory of Christ) are practiced by both groups as divine ordinances not sacraments.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Disciples believe that salvation is through confession of faith in Christ, who saves men from the sin that alienates every soul from God. Salvation also quires repentance and obedience to the gospel. After death men will be with God or away from him.

History and Special Characteristics

Disciples started in U.S. in early 19th Century as an effort to rid churches of sectarian divisions. Churches of Christ finally split off in 1906, in arguments chiefly over missionary societies and use of organs in church. Disciples are largest native American denomination.

LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Membership, Assets

U.S. members, 1.3 million children and adults; in world, 1.5 million. Six groups; much the largest is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Total U.S. assets, $160 million.

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

Bible, "Book of Mormon," "Pearl of Great Price" and "Doctrine and Covenants" are scripture for Mormons. God reveals himself and his will concerning the church continuously through his Apostles and prophets who guide it. The Mormon church is organized along biblical lines with high priests, patriarch, etc.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Mormons generally accept the Trinity as three distinct personages. Christ is mediator between God and man. They acknowledge the Virgin Birth.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Mormon baptism (by immersion, for those over 8) includes a unique form of vicarious baptism for the dead. Mormons call Communion the sacrament in memory of Christ. Have a special form of marriage ceremony (sealing) for eternity.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Through the atonement of Christ and by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel, in Mormon belief, mankind may be saved. Life after death is a state of spiritual progress, first in the spirit world and later in the resurrected state, when men are judged.

History and Special Characteristics

Founded in upstate New York by Joseph Smith in 1830. Mormons stress missions, have a broad program of welfare, education, employment for members. Believe some members of lost tribes of Israel were ancestors of American Indians and were visited here by Christ.

CONGREGATIONALISTS

Membership, Assets

U.S. members, 1.3 million adults; in world, 2.5 million. Congregational Christian Churches will unite with Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1957. Total U.S. assets of Congregationalists, $500 million.

Basis of Authority, Government of Church

Basis of faith is the Bible, which is God's revelation and the final religious authority, though each individual is free and responsible and has the right of personal judgement. Churches self-governing but associate for common action in state conferences.

Fundamental Theology: Some Basic Beliefs

Individual is free to interpret God's word within the Christian revelation, so beliefs vary. But all Congregationalists acknowledge one God, supremely revealed in Jesus Christ His Son. Most believe in the Trinity; many accept the Virgin Birth.

Baptism, Communion, Other Sacraments

Practice the sacraments of baptism (generally by sprinkling, for children and adults) and Communion in which Christ is a real presence.

Concepts of Salvation and Afterlife

Salvation is through repentance in faith, in striving to know God's will and live by it. After death man will live on, either with God or away from him, every individual interprets what this means.

History and Special Characteristics

Congregationalism began as a 17th Century Puritan movement within Anglicanism. It was brought by Pilgrims and other Puritans to America, where it became the state religion in some colonies.

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Theologically some of the most interesting among the other Christian groups in the U.S. are:

ADVENTISTS have 300,000 U.S. members (one million in world); largest are Seventh-day Adventists. Stress imminent end of world and Second Coming of Christ, who will destroy evil, reign on a purified earth.

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CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST has some 3,100 branches in the world. Founded by an American, Ms. Mary Baker Eddy, it teaches that God is "all that really is," emphasizes spiritual healing. Evil, disease, death are errors of belief to be overcome by spiritual understanding.

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JEHOVAH'S Witnesses have 187,000 U.S. workers (642,000 in world). Persistent missionaries, they stress one God (Jehovah), believe his kingdom is here now and will replace earthly governments which should not be obeyed against the law of God.

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UNITARIANS and Universalists are considering merger which would have total U.S. membership of 160,000 (500,000 in world). Stress freedom of belief; most hold God is one, not a Trinity; Christ was human; salvation comes through man's efforts not God's grace.

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FRIENDS (Quakers) have 119,000 U.S. members (in world, 186,000). They emphasize direct experience of God's guiding spirit (Inner Light) and service to others. They are known for pacifism, work as mediators.