Demographics

World map of Protestant population

There are an estimated 800 million Protestants worldwide among 2.2 billion Christians - roughly 36%, leaving Roman Catholics at around 54% of all Christians and the various Eastern Orthodox churches at around 9%. In the United States, Germany, and the Scandinavian countries, Protestants are a majority. Protestantism is found all over the world, although believers are not a necessarily a majority wherever they are.

How and Where Developed

Timeline of Protestant Reformation

The Protestantism movement began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology. German theologian Martin Luther wrote his Ninety-five Thesis on the sale of indulgences in 1517. Parallel to events in Germany, a movement began in Switzerland under the leadership of Ulrich Zwingli. The political separation of the Church of England from Rome under Henry VII, beginning in 1529 and completed in 1536, brought England alongside this broad Reformed movement, and therefore caused it to spread around the world.    

Differences from Other Sects

Mary, mother of Jesus

- Marriage and Divorce: Protestants believe that marriage is a contract, but is not unbreakable. Divorce is discouraged, but permitted as evidence of human weakness. Eastern Orthodox followers believe that marriage is a mystical union between a man and a woman. Divorce is generally allowed only in cases of adultery, though there are exceptions. Roman Catholics believe that marriage is an unbreakable contract. Divorce is not permitted unless there is some canonical impediment to the marriage. In this situation, an annulment may be granted.

- Position of Mary: Protestants believe that Mary was a holy woman who was chosen to bear the Son of God. Her perpetual virginity and intercession are denied. Easter Orthodox followers believe that Mary was the "God-Bearer," which meant that the son she bore was God in human form. She is first among the saints and "ever-virgin." Roman Catholics view Mary similarly to the Eastern Orthodox followers. However, she is known as the "Mother of God" to them.  

Differences with Islam and Judaism

Jesus Christ

- Islam: While Protestants believe Jesus as the true prophet, Muslims believe Muhammad as the true prophet. Protestants go to churches to study the Bible, while Muslims go to mosques to study the Koran. 
- Judaism: While Protestants believe in both God and Jesus Christ, Jews worship only God. Protestants go to churches to study the Bible, while Jews go to synagogues to study the Torah. 

Traditions and Rituals

The three fundamental principles of traditional Protestantism are the following:

The Bible

- Scripture Alone: The belief in the Bible as the only source of authority for the church.

- Justification by Faith Alone: The subjective principle of the Reformation (when the Protestants broke away from the Roman Catholic Church) is free grace though faith operative in good works. 

- Universal Priesthood of Believers: Implies the right and duty of Protestants to not only read the Bible, but also to take part in the government and all the public affairs of the Church.  

Holy Book and Holy Days

The holy book is the Bible. The Christian Bible consists 
of the Hebrew scriptures of Judaism, which are known 
as the Old Testament, and later writings recording the
lives and teachings of Jesus and his followers, which
are known as the New Testament.

The birth of Jesus

Holy days include:
- Christmas: An annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated generally on December 25th. It closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide.
- Easter: According to the Canonical Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day of Easter Sunday (also Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday). The date of Easter varies between March 22nd and April 25th.  

Place of Worship and Major Features

The Protestant place of worship is the Church.

Major features include:

- A common architecture for churches is the shape of a cross (a long central rectangle, with side rectangles, and a rectangle in front for the altar space or sanctuary)
- These churches also often have a dome or other large vaulted space in the interior to represent or draw attention to the heavens
- Other common shapes for churches include a circle, to represent eternity, or an octagon or similar star shape, to represent the church's bringing light to the world
- Another common feature is the spire, a tall tower on the "west"end of the church or over the crossing.                     
*Church Architecture Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU-1N_VFojI