Protestantus

Protestantus is a fictional umbrella term used in this article to describe a broad family of Protestant movements within an imagined or alternate historical setting. The name is a Latinized rendering inspired by the real-world term Protestant but does not refer to an actual ethnoreligious group in real history. The article presents Protestantus as a conceptual category for purposes of discussion and world-building.

Overview. Protestantus encompasses denominations that emphasize the authority of Scripture, justification by faith, and the priesthood of all believers. While sharing core convictions, groups within Protestantus display substantial diversity in governance, worship, and practice.

Theological foundations. Core tenets include sola scriptura, sola fide, and two commonly recognized sacraments (baptism and the Lord's Supper). Attitudes toward tradition, church offices, and the relationship between church and state vary by community within Protestantus.

History. In the fictional setting, Protestantus develops during the early modern era as debates over authority and reform spread across regions. It mirrors real-world patterns of reform, migration, and confessional formation, while maintaining distinct regional identities in this constructed tradition.

Practice and organization. Worship ranges from liturgical to more spontaneous forms, often with emphasis on congregational participation and biblically based preaching. Most groups operate without a single centralized authority, instead organizing through denominations or networks and through local congregations.

Demographics and influence. In this construct, Protestantus constitutes a substantial share of religious life in Europe, the Americas, and other settler-influenced regions, with population and influence shaped by historical circumstances within the imagined world.