Anglican vs. Reformed: What’s the Difference?

The distinction between Anglicanism and the Reformed tradition perplexes many within and outside the Christian community. While both are rooted in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century and share some doctrinal similarities, they diverge in significant theological, liturgical, and ecclesiastical aspects.

This comprehensive exploration delves into the core differences between Anglicanism and the Reformed tradition, examining their historical origins, theological foundations, liturgical practices, governance structures, and contemporary expressions.

Comparing Anglicanism and the Reformed Tradition: An Overview

Anglicanism and the Reformed tradition, both products of the Protestant Reformation, offer distinct approaches to Christianity. Their differences span theological foundations, liturgical practices, governance structures, and historical developments. This comprehensive overview explores these aspects, highlighting key differences and unique features of each tradition.

Why is Anglicanism Called the Middle Way?

Anglicanism is described as the “via media” or middle way, a term originating from its efforts to balance Catholic and Protestant elements. During the English Reformation, the Church of England sought to navigate a path that would be acceptable to both traditionalists and reformers.

The Elizabethan Settlement of 1559 epitomized this approach, integrating Protestant theology with certain Catholic rituals and hierarchical structures, aiming for a unified religious identity.

What is Covenant Theology?

Covenant theology is central to the Reformed tradition. It interprets the Bible through the lens of covenants, or solemn agreements, between God and humanity. This framework consists of the covenant of works (God’s agreement with Adam, requiring perfect obedience for eternal life) and the covenant of grace (God’s promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, given to the elect). John Calvin and his followers emphasized that these covenants reveal God’s sovereign plan for salvation and the unfolding of redemptive history.

Anglican and Reformed Christianity Beliefs: Differences

Anglican Theology

The Thirty-Nine Articles

Anglican doctrine is summarized in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, established in 1563. These articles articulate the church’s stance on key theological issues, including justification by faith, the authority of Scripture, and the nature of the sacraments. They reflect a blend of Protestant reformation principles and retained elements of Catholic tradition, such as the episcopal structure and certain liturgical practices.

The Book of Common Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a cornerstone of Anglican worship and theology. First published in 1549, the BCP provides a uniform liturgy that emphasizes common prayer, the sacraments, and structured worship. Its language and liturgical framework have profoundly shaped Anglican spirituality and practice.

Reformed Theology

Five Solas

The Reformed tradition is encapsulated by the Five Solas:

• Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): The Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice.
• Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Justification is received through faith alone, apart from works.
• Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not earned by human effort.
• Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.
• Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of God Alone): All aspects of life and faith aim to glorify God.

Predestination and Election

A distinctive feature of Reformed theology is its emphasis on predestination and election. According to John Calvin, God has predestined some individuals to salvation and others to damnation, based solely on His sovereign will. This doctrine underscores the Reformed belief in God’s absolute sovereignty and human inability to achieve salvation without divine intervention.

Anglican and Reformed Practices Compared

Communion in Anglicanism and the Reformed Tradition

Anglican Communion

In Anglicanism, the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is a central act of worship. Anglicans believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, though they reject the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. The Eucharist is seen as a means of grace, a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice, and a communal act that unites believers with Christ and each other.

Reformed Communion

The Reformed tradition views the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace and spiritual nourishment. Reformed Christians emphasize the symbolic presence of Christ in the elements, rejecting the notion of a physical change. The focus is on the covenantal aspect of the meal, commemorating Christ’s death and fostering spiritual communion with Him and fellow believers.

Baptism in Anglicanism and the Reformed Tradition

Anglican Baptism

Anglicans practice infant baptism and adult baptism, viewing it as the sacrament of initiation into the Christian community. Baptism is seen as a sign of God’s grace, washing away original sin and marking the individual as a member of the Church. It is performed with water and the invocation of the Trinity.

Reformed Baptism

Reformed churches also practice both infant and adult baptism, but with a strong emphasis on covenant theology. Baptism is considered a sign and seal of God’s covenant promises, symbolizing purification from sin and entry into the covenant community. Like Anglicans, Reformed Christians use water and the Trinitarian formula, but they stress the continuity of God’s covenantal promises from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

10 Key Events in Anglican and Reformed History

1. 1534 – Act of Supremacy: King Henry VIII’s break from the Roman Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England.
2. 1549 – First Book of Common Prayer: Introduction of a unified liturgical framework for Anglican worship.
3. 1559 – Elizabethan Settlement: Establishment of a middle way between Catholicism and Protestantism in England.
4. 1536 – Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion: Publication of a foundational text for Reformed theology.
5. 1541 – Calvin’s Leadership in Geneva: Establishment of Geneva as a center for Reformed thought and practice.
6. 1560 – Scots Confession: Formal adoption of Reformed theology by the Church of Scotland.
7. 1618-1619 – Synod of Dort: Reaffirmation of Reformed doctrines and rejection of Arminianism.
8. 1662 – Revision of the Book of Common Prayer: Further refinement and consolidation of Anglican liturgy.
9. 1643-1653 – Westminster Assembly: Development of the Westminster Confession of Faith, a key Reformed doctrinal statement.
10. 1947 – Formation of the World Council of Churches: Both Anglican and Reformed churches participate in the ecumenical movement, promoting Christian unity and cooperation.