Evangelical vs. Mainline

Attribute	Evangelical	Mainline
Beliefs	Conservative	Liberal
Theology	Biblical literalism	Historical-critical approach
Worship Style	Contemporary	Traditional
Political Involvement	Active	Varied
Membership Trends	Growing	Declining

Beliefs

Evangelical Christianity is characterized by a strong emphasis on the authority of the Bible, the need for personal conversion, and the importance of evangelism. Evangelicals believe in the literal truth of the Bible and often interpret it in a conservative manner. Mainline Christianity, on the other hand, tends to be more liberal in its interpretation of scripture and places a greater emphasis on social justice issues. Mainline Christians may be more open to questioning traditional beliefs and may be more inclusive of diverse viewpoints.

Worship Practices

Evangelical churches often have a more informal and contemporary style of worship, with modern music, multimedia presentations, and a focus on emotional experiences. Mainline churches, on the other hand, may have a more traditional style of worship, with hymns, liturgy, and a more formal atmosphere. Mainline churches may also place a greater emphasis on sacraments such as communion and baptism.

Political Involvement

Evangelical Christians are often known for their involvement in conservative political causes, such as opposition to abortion and support for traditional marriage. They may also be more likely to support conservative candidates and policies. Mainline Christians, on the other hand, may be more politically diverse and may be more likely to support progressive causes such as environmental protection and social welfare programs.

Attitudes Towards Other Faiths

Evangelical Christians tend to have a more exclusive view of salvation, believing that only those who accept Jesus Christ as their savior can be saved. This can lead to a more confrontational approach to evangelism and a reluctance to engage with people of other faiths. Mainline Christians, on the other hand, may have a more inclusive view of salvation and may be more open to dialogue and cooperation with people of other faiths.

Views on Social Issues

Evangelical Christians may hold more conservative views on social issues such as gender roles, sexuality, and the role of government in society. They may be more likely to oppose same-sex marriage, abortion, and government intervention in the economy. Mainline Christians, on the other hand, may be more open to diverse viewpoints on these issues and may be more supportive of LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, and government programs to address social inequality.

Approach to Scripture

Evangelical Christians tend to have a more literal interpretation of scripture, believing that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant word of God. They may be more likely to see scripture as a guide for personal behavior and decision-making. Mainline Christians, on the other hand, may take a more nuanced approach to scripture, recognizing the historical and cultural context in which it was written and being open to different interpretations.

Community Involvement

Evangelical churches often place a strong emphasis on community involvement, with programs to help the needy, support missions, and engage in evangelism. Mainline churches, on the other hand, may also be involved in community service projects, but may place a greater emphasis on advocacy for social justice issues and systemic change. Mainline churches may be more likely to work in partnership with other organizations and faith communities to address social problems.