Many Protestants around the world, including in Africa and Ethiopia, often say: “We all believe in salvation through Jesus Christ.” On the surface, this unity sounds reassuring. But once you go deeper—into their teachings, practices, and church structures—you quickly realize: they are not the same.
So, if salvation is the same, why do Protestants still disagree on so many things?
Let’s explore this contradiction historically, theologically, and practically—especially from an African and Ethiopian context.
- The Illusion of Doctrinal Unity
Most Protestant churches trace their roots to the Reformation in the 1500s, when Martin Luther broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. The core issue? Salvation by faith alone—Sola Fide.
While this foundation remains central in Protestant circles, it has since splintered into hundreds, even thousands of denominations—each interpreting Scripture slightly differently.
Even though they say “we are united in Christ,” their practices, traditions, and theological emphases vary widely.
- Examples of Key Protestant Differences
Here are some essential differences among major Protestant groups—especially visible in Africa and Ethiopia:
a. Baptism
Baptists teach adult baptism by full immersion—after a personal confession of faith.
Lutherans and Presbyterians baptize infants, claiming it as a covenantal act similar to circumcision in the Old Testament.
Pentecostals see baptism as symbolic but stress the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate experience, often evidenced by speaking in tongues.
b. Holy Spirit and Gifts
Pentecostal and Charismatic churches emphasize prophecy, healing, tongues, and deliverance.
Reformed churches and many Evangelicals believe most of these gifts ceased after the apostolic age (Cessationism).
Others avoid emotional expressions entirely, focusing on teaching and order.
c. Women in Leadership
Some denominations allow women to be pastors, prophets, and even bishops.
Others (like many Reformed or conservative Evangelicals) forbid women from teaching men or holding any authority in church.
d. Communion (The Lord’s Supper)
Lutherans believe in the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine.
Baptists see it as purely symbolic.
Anglicans and Methodists are somewhere in between.
e. Worship Style
Charismatics and Pentecostals: loud, vibrant, emotionally expressive worship.
Reformed and Traditional churches: hymns, liturgy, and quiet reflection.
Evangelicals: a mix—modern music but theological depth.
- Why Africa and Ethiopia See So Many Flavors
In Africa—especially in Ethiopia—Protestantism didn’t just arrive. It was interpreted, adapted, and localized.
Missionaries brought their versions:
The Swedish mission brought Lutheran teachings.
The American missions brought Baptist and Pentecostal teachings.
Later, local movements emerged—like Full Gospel and Mulu Wongel—with unique emphases.
Result? Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and other nations now have many kinds of Protestants—all claiming to preach salvation by grace, but walking very different theological paths.
- The Bigger Problem: Not Just Theology, but Identity
The disagreements aren’t just about theology. They’re about:
Control of interpretation
Cultural identity
Political influence
Spiritual authority
Some churches emphasize miracles, others knowledge, others holiness, and still others social justice.
They preach the same Savior—but represent very different Christian cultures.
- Is Unity Still Possible?
Yes, but only when churches:
Focus on Christ, not personalities.
Humble themselves about doctrines.
Respect different expressions of faith without compromising core truth.
Avoid saying “we are the only true ones”—which causes more division.
Conclusion: Same Salvation, Different Roads?
Protestants often say they have “one faith, one Lord, one baptism.” But in practice, their roads are often parallel, not united.
For Ethiopia and Africa, the challenge is to recognize diversity without losing clarity. The body of Christ is not called to uniformity, but to unity in truth and love.