unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters by David Kinnaman, Gabe Lyons
|
List Price: Our Price: $9.99 You Save: $8.00 (44%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $9.97 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters
Book Review: An Important Work
Summary: 5 Stars
Being creative takes courage, both in the act and in navigating the consequences generated by creativity. So David Kinnaman's ability to convert a pile of statistics into potential - potential to change a person's perspective and, thus, to change their life - is, in my view, nothing short of a corageous work of art.
To call this book "art" will undoubtedly be dismissed as gross overstatement. No matter, because the potential described in these pages offers promise to those of us deeply wounded (and in many cases irrevocably harmed) by the unChristianity that has infected our lives.
The author has woven what are essentially damning stats into a tapestry accessible to every level of reader and every relevant point of view held. The information presented is practical and extremely useful for all sides because of its open and honest nature. And Kinnaman weaves with a non-judgemental humility rarely seen in my experience. He could have undermined the results or come down hard on the Christian community; he did neither. His capacity for compassion resonates across every page. And he does something that brings an even greater credibility to this work: he invites other thoughtful and humble individuals like Jud Wilhite, Margaret Feinberg and Leroy Barber to address the issues that have eternal consequences for saint and sinner(if you're someone who believes Christianity is truth).
One of the most important consequences of this book is its promise of restoration. I don't necessarily mean a return to Christianity by people like me, but a return to Christ-likeness by those who call themselves "Christian." The author and contributors all display a measure of courage that gives me the courage to risk faith in followers of Jesus. And I am humbled, the edge taken off my anger, disappointment and strong sense of betrayal.
Perhaps, after witnessing this Christ-likeness in action, I'll find reason to forgive, having been led to that forgiveness by fellow human beings not bent on my return to Jesus - but interested in my heart, my mind, my ideas, hopes, and dreams. In other words, someone interested in friendship.
For your art, Mr. Kinnaman, I am grateful.
Book Review: If you only read one book this year, this is the one
Summary: 5 Stars
These insights are so vital to effective and appropriate evangelism, that it is one of those few books that are essential reading for any Christian.Book Review: Great book
Summary: 4 Stars
I agree with this book, and what the Author is trying accomplish. The Christian community need to be directed onto a more loving path and we need to be open and honest with everyone. No one wants to see this fake and frankly, mean, group of people w ho try and debate you into loving a God that they don't see in the lives of a lot of "Christians"Book Review: Excellent, provocative, insightful read
Summary: 4 Stars
If you're a person of Christian faith, you will probably find this book more than a bit unsettling. Based in research, the authors help uncover the perceptions, often based in reality, that leads outsiders to accuse the Church of being UnChristian in it's behavior. Clearly, their intent is to help the Church as an institution, as well as individual Christians "hear" the concerns of those who are ruling out involvement in Christianity. And they seek to draw out the tough issues the Church needs to face where the perceptions of those outside truly are in contradiction with the character of what Christianity is supposed to be about. I happen to be a person of lifelong Christian commitment. I also happen to have a M Div from a prominent seminary. And I found the book to be very insightful and helpful. It did loose a bit of it's energy and insightfulness in the later chapters. Nonetheless, I'm planning to use it as a discussion starter for an adult class in our church. I suspect it will stimulate very engaged conversation, if not some level of controversy.Book Review: UnChristian
Summary: 4 Stars
Haven't read it yet but it seems good so far. On time delivery and in good condition.