Evangelical vs. Liberal: The Clash of Christian Cultures in the Pacific Northwest Paperback – Import, 1 May 2008

I agree with other reviewers that Wellman's work is helpful in a sociology of religion or Pacific Northwest Studies context. I will focus on applications for Christian ministry. Christian ministry has been slow to embrace sociology and the social sciences in general, but I believe the insights are at least helpful, often crucial. Wellman makes sociological information on the Pacific Northwest context accessible to both clergy and congregational/ministry leaders. It may be a little long for a group book study, but if you have a group of leaders eager to learn and reflect, go for it.I look at this research as a "Liberal" pastor from Wellman's definitions in the book, it should be noted that the defining terms "Liberal" and "Evangelical" do not necessarily mesh with understandings from public discourse, and should not prevent readers from engaging the text because of their views on this dichotomy. Wellman's definitions carry more complexity than given credit in public discourse. "Liberal" churches probably match more with "Mainline," and "Evangelical" matches more with what are often known as "non-denominational." Wellman has reasons for his definitions; the nomenclature is clarified and shouldn't be a barrier in engaging the research.The primary reason I believe this is a good book for Christian ministry is it allows leaders to reflect upon their personal, congregational, and contextual beliefs in a way that can be applied to the mission of a particular congregation or ministry. Too often, people involved in ministry operate under assumed belief systems, and Wellman's comparative case study approach inspires reflection. There is a moment of discovery because this book isn't a debate about the merits of particular belief systems, but comparative research (though their is some analysis from Wellman at the end of the book). Speaking from my perspective as a Mainline pastor, what was particularly helpful regarding the research of belief system approaches to the Pacific Northwest context, relates to approaches toward a relatively low religious affiliation rate for the region. A significant difference between Liberals and Evangelicals is the attitude toward the region in relation to their respective ministries. Evangelicals tended to see endless opportunity in the open religious landscape, where as Liberal clergy and congregation members tended to bristle at what the society doesn't provide for their religious communities. The book ended up inspiring a sermon series for me about the dangers of entitlement in spiritual and religious leadership, which happens to be a significant conflict with Jesus and the religious leaders of his day. Regardless of where you are on the belief system spectrum, the research provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of entitlement in faith communities and ministries, and it isn't mere conjecture; it's backed by solid sociological research.

I first encountered this book at the Washington State Library and ordered a copy to give to a discussion leader at my (mainstream) church. It was a serious disappointment, therefore, to have the copy from Amazon arrive with a damaged cover and first few pages.As for the text, the material presented is a good analysis of the dichotomy between Evangelical and Liberal churches in the Pacific Northwest. It appears to be unbiased; and I don't think either faction could find fault with the way its views are presented.Two matters disappointed me:(1) Dr. Wellman refers repeatedly to the fact that church participation in this area is the lowest in the country. It would have been helpful if he had explored this more and used it to emphasize that it contributes to the apparent split--or that the split contributes to it, as the case may be.(2) It was not an easy book to read. Dr. Wellman uses nouns as verbs again and again, making it necessary to re-read many sentences for comprehension. On the other hand, I have heard Dr. Wellman in the role of moderator at a public forum between Evangelical and Liberal presenters. He did a very fine job, especially in tying the phenomenon to the presidential election campaign which was then in progress.

This is a really good book that gives a very balanced picture of Liberal and Evangelical Protestantism that shows no bias, but lets the views speak for themselves and categorizes, compares, and interprets them in scholarly, theoretical, and practical terms.

The book describes the attitudes of liberal Protestant congregations in the Pacific Northwest, thoughI have seen those expressed elsewhere in America. I am not from that region, I gained a better understanding of the United Methodist churches I attended growing up that never told me why I needed to be born again.I cited quotes from this book for a term paper I was writing.

This is a valuable study of the contrasting churches in the Pacific Northwest. The fact that the author is a PCUSA church minister and yet finds plenty to fault with the liberal churches makes it more objective. Another confirmation of why conservative churches continue to grow and liberal ones aren't.