Yaounde: Many Cameroonians grow up attending the church that their parents attended, or, in the case of women, adopt the church their husband attends after marriage. However, understanding the beliefs and teachings of one’s church is crucial. This article explores the doctrines of three mainline churches in Cameroon: Baptists, Catholics, and Presbyterians.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the Baptist denominations in Cameroon, including the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC), emphasize salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, known as “Salvation by Faith Alone.” Baptists practice “Believer’s Baptism,” typically by full immersion, and do not baptize infants. They adhere to “Scripture Alone” as the ultimate authority in matters of faith, unlike Catholics who consider both church doctrine and the Bible as authoritative. Additionally, Baptists support religious freedom and the autonomy of local churches in governance.
Catholics, on the other hand, believe in the authority of the Roman Catholic Church wit
h the Pope as the spiritual leader. Sacraments are central to Catholic doctrine, with seven recognized as means of grace. Catholics hold the doctrine of transubstantiation, where the bread and wine in the Eucharist become the actual body and blood of Christ. Veneration of Mary and the saints is also significant in Catholic practice, and salvation is viewed as involving both faith and works.
Presbyterians, known for ordaining women into pastoral ministry, base their beliefs on Calvinist theology, including the doctrine of predestination. They practice two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and believe in infant baptism. Presbyterians are governed by a system of representative elders, differing from the centralized authority in Catholicism.
Pentecostals, a diverse group of churches, emphasize the miraculous gifts of Pentecost and include churches like Full Gospel Mission and Christ Embassy. They focus on healing and deliverance, often promoting the “Prosperity Gospel,” which links giving to receiving
God’s blessings of health and wealth. Pentecostals insist on baptism by immersion, similar to Baptists.
Understanding these doctrinal differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their faith practices and the significance of their church’s teachings in their lives.