How do you explain the different Christian denominations to a 7 year old?

[WisteriaWoman]

My DD (7 rising 8) wants to know the difference between Catholics, Protestants and other Christian denominations. I've had a go at explaining but she's still . and so am I !
THanks

I would say (if they were ever to ask), "that's the church we go to, that's the church we don't go to".

Easy. Transubstatiation.

Or, some Christians belive that due to having free will they can have an individual relationship with God by reading and interpreting the Bible for themseleves. Others need leadership.

I asked the minister of our local Congregational church what the difference was between his church and the parish church and among other things (that I've forgotten ) he said that his church had no hierarchy. He also mentioned the Liturgy(?) which was either the same or different. Sorry I'm not much help!

I'd start by pointing out what they all have in common - the worship of a triune God and that is important above all else.

But that there are different emphases on what is considered important in that worship, so for example for RC, there is a belief that the Body and Blood literally change substance, but that others see it as metaphorical; and that catholic tradition (which also exists in other denominations) views the Papal succession from St Peter as important. And that some mark the welcome into the Church by baptism of infants, with independent faith marked by later reaffirmation of vows, but others have only adult baptism.

believe

I wouldn't worry about going too deep into the theology. I'd just explain that everyone worships the same God, but people like to do it in different 'styles' - some liking the more formal (set litergy- or even latin) through to those (Quakers) who don't even like to speak

People think that God wants different things and so they argue about who got it right

God has not come down and told us which is right

Some people think that God doesn't exist at all

I think

We started off by the good old chocolate analogy. Many diff sorts. We agreed that the church we go to was fruit and nut (lots of nuts imv).

Then we did the how can you tell? Byron's smells, bells and yells helped.

Then we did transubstantiation, the Pope.

Then we did Henry Vlll.

Then we agreed that some people didn't like chocolate but preferred Haribo.

Then we agreed that some people didn't like sweets at all.

Oh I like the chocolate analogy. I tried a football analogy - lots of people play football (i.e.: are christians) but they all support different teams.
Since 7 year old isn't remotely interested in football she didn't quite "get it". BUT she understands the language of chocolate!

As an RS teacher I would say at that age that they are all Christians but they just like to do some things a bit differently. However they all believe in God and Jesus and that Jesus died to save us etc.