Christianity

Catholic - Pray to saints such as St. Peter or St. Mary rather than praying directly to God. Believe in equal trinity of God (Father/Son/Holy Spirit). Believe Christ's death saved us from the wrath of God, redeeming us in his eyes. Ceremonies and rites are often more important than faith; an atheist could technically baptize if he said the right words and sprinkled the right water. Believe in having a head of the church (Pope.) Often changes canons over time to suit the present times.

Orthodox - Many different traditions from Catholicism. Believes that Father is head of the trinity with the Son and Holy Spirit being from the Father. Believe Christ's death saved us from the power of satan/death. All 'bishops' are equal in spiritual matters, yet still hold different importance. For example the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople may be incredibly influential, yet still has the same say as a bishop from a small town in regards to the faith. Sometimes adds new canons, but never removes the old, believing that canons are less rules and more-so guidelines.

Protestantism - (This is just general Protestantism, if you want a break down to the sub-denominations I can) Originates from Catholicism. Takes the majority of it's practices directly from the Bible, and despite continuing many traditions from Catholicism, most protestants consider the non-biblical traditions to be simply symbolic. Many non-biblical traditions are rejected entirely, such as praying to saints or the concept of purgatory. Some believe Christ's death saved humanity from God's wrath, some believe it saved us from the power of Satan; essentially it provides the same result, which is admittance into Heaven for humanity.

 

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Protestants believe that one is "saved" by grace alone, not by the works they do. They believe The Bible is God's mouthpiece and have no central leadership although most denominations do, but in a very different way than The Pope. They believe God is the only one who can forgive sins. They do not pray to saints or Mary, and do not hold Mary to the same regard as Catholics. They believe communion is just a representation of Christ’s body and blood. They do not acknowledge the apocrypha. Just to cover some of the denominations inside Protestantism.

Baptist can mean a whole lot of different things depending on the church, but they all believe in being baptized by being dunked in water. Most also believe that once you say a prayer asking for forgiveness and dedicate your life to God, you will be saved forever. You cannot lose salvation according to Baptists.

Reformed/Calvinist believe you cannot lose your salvation. They also believe that God has already decided who goes to hell and heaven. They believe that man is totally deprived. That man is so evil that he cannot chose God, but God has to choose him.

Holiness believes in getting closer to God by living a holy life. They believe that you can lose your salvation if you start to turn away from God. They believe in free will, which means, although God draws you to Him, it is your choice to believe or walk away.

Pentecostal mostly came from the holiness movement so there are some similarities. They emphasize the mystical parts of scripture: healing, speaking in tongues, prophecy, miracles.

The charismatic movement hit all denominations so there are charismatic Baptists and Calvinist and even Catholics, which all believe different things theologically, but believe the mystical parts of scripture should still be lived out today.

Lutherans also believe in predestination but to a lesser extent than Calvinism. There are many brands of Lutheran and they put varying emphasis on “Luther’s Small Catechism.”

Methodist/Wesleyans believe in Free will. They believe you can lose your salvation if you turn away from God. In my experience, they put heavy emphasis on helping the poor.