a new book or two
I started reading unChristian today. I've been meaning to get to it for quite some time. I've heard good things, disturbing things about it. It's the project of David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. 3 years in development, it's the latest research from the Barna Group, and should inform and form how the church relates to the unchurched, especially those in the 16-29 age bracket.
Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like “hypocritical,” “insensitive,” and “judgmental,” young Americans share an impression of Christians that’s nothing short of . . . unChristian.Check out the website for some other great resources--podcasts, video, and an excerpt from the book.
posted by Stacy @ 5/20/2008 01:33:00 AM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
I surf Christian blogs almost daily. I read your blog (and blogs that you and others link to) looking for answers. I try very hard to read what you write and understand where you're coming from and why you and others write what you do. I would really like to find a church community to belong to.
But I have a very difficult time not feeling the feelings that are written about in UnChristian sometimes. When I read the New Testament, I read about a man who wanted for people to love each other (yet most saved Christians support those who started the war). He loved everyone who loved him but I see saved Christians who don't welcome (and act judgementally or patronizingly toward) people they decide are worse sinners than they are (for example, homosexuals cannot hold positions in church. If everyone is a sinner, why is them continuing to sin worse than anyone else continuing to sin?). That does seem homophobic.
I went to a church on Sunday where the pastor said unsaved people don't know Jesus. That was pretty arrogant. How do you know I don't know Jesus? I thought that was a bit insensitive.
With all the diversity in the world, many young people have very eloquent, intelligent friends who are Jewish and Muslim. It feels very disrespectful and arrogant (and a little out of touch) to hear Christians in the media call them unperfected or stereotype them in some way.
Julie--I hear you. I know that our need for community is hard-wired into us. The church should be the place that people find a sense of home--security, help, love, hope...
For what it's worth, I'm sorry that you haven't found that place. I desperately want our gathering to be the kind of place people feel valued, and find hope in Jesus.
If you want to discuss this more, email me: stacysublett at gmail dot com.
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