 | unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters
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 2008-10-09 - Irritating and Elevating
I think the Barna group has revealed in Unchristian facts about the younger generation (18-29) which will be eye-opening and maybe a little uncomfortable for many in the church who will read this book. The book on one level is very irritating because it brings so many accusations against Christians that it can become quite depressing. Who wants to be part of something that is hypocritical, manipulative, homophobic, insular, political, and judgmental? Taken as a whole, no one would want to come within miles of a church after reading that list. The list is about perception, not reality. There are probably millions of Christians in America who are humbly going about their daily lives seeking to bless others. Many Christians are just trying to raise children and make it, like everybody else. But we have been painted in a most negative light in most cases by the entertainment/media of our culture. I am no conspiracy theorist, but I do believe there is a bias against Christianity among many in the media. Why? I believe it may be explained in part by the unchristian way they were treated in their early experiences with church. Now I know that is a broad brush but the most vocal opponenets of Christianity in the entertainment/media world often come from a strict religious background. So perceptions are a big part of the problem the younger generations are having with Christianity. And these perceptions are largely driven by a media that is hostile to Christianity. So what is the solution? I believe the book hints at it in the call to real acts of love for non-Christians and humble and courageous service to a needy world. For Christians, it can never be an either-or approach of care for physical needs or sharing the gospel, it must be a both-and approach where our actions give credibility to our words.
The central problem the church can address, in my view, relating to the issues presented in unchristian, is to stop making the local church the be all and end all of activity and to start focusing on the kingdom of God, of which the local church is just a part. Pastors and church members get too caught up in the activities of the church (and this takes many forms) and neglect the daily living of life in Christ in a community among unchurched people. Megachurch flashy contemporary expressions of church are in danger of becoming ingrown and stifled as must as traditional smaller churches. When it becomes about us instead of about God and his love for the world, we have lost the battle and the media stereotypes become all too easy to pin on us because they carry a hint of the truth. If this book moves us out of the four walls of the church and away from endless meetings and church organizing to real ministry to the world, what will be an irritating book to read could become an elevating book for the church.
2008-09-30 - Ever Christian should read this book, especially pastors!
Great book, every Christian should read this book. This book is especially beneficial for pastors and will help them in the way they lead and guide their congregation.
 2008-09-16 - will read soon... I hope
I haven't had a chance to read this book, but it comes with a good recommendation.
2008-09-16 - A vicar's review.
This is a book based on three years of extensive research by the Barna Group concerning the perceptions of Christianity from the viewpoint of 'outsiders,' or those who are not Christians. The research results are embarrassing and ought to be of great concern to ministers and laity alike.
When asked to describe Christianity the following descriptions were given at least 75% of the time: Anti-Homosexual, Judgmental, Hypocritical, Old-Fashioned, Too political.
The reader quickly gathers that there are adjectives that are missing. One would hope that descriptions such as: Loving, Kind, Generous, Merciful, Helpful and Fulfilling would be on the list. Unfortunately, they are not.
Consequently, Christianity has an image problem. Though we are Christians, too often we are actually promoting an 'unchristian' faith.
The statistics gathered by the Barna Group set the foundation for the rest of the book. Author David Kinnaman and co-author Gabe Lyons clearly and effectively interpret the mounds of statistics that they have gathered. After presenting the data in a meaningful way, Kinnaman and Lyons offer practical and thoughtful suggestions on how to go about changing the pejorative adjectives that are unfortunately attached to Christianity today.
UnChristian is a quick read at 256 pages and will transform the way you look at ministry.
 2008-09-06 - A look at the Christian Church
This is a book that should be read by every Christian; especially those whose main contacts are within their churches. Written by the head of the Barna Group and based on the group's surveys about the church, this book reveals what those outside of the church think of Christians. It's not a flattering picture. The book goes on to explore the various areas and reflects on what Christians might be doing wrong or other ways to communicate the truths of the Bible that might be more easily understood by those they are trying to reach. It is a book which will cause you to think and pray and has the potential to change your life.
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