unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters by David Kinnaman, Gabe Lyons
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Book Reviews of unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters
Book Review: A Sobering Look
Summary: 4 Stars
In their book, "unChristian", authors Dan Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, use research data gathered as part of the femri project's commissioning of a study by the Barna Research group to examine the attitudes of persons aged 15-49 towards Christianity in the United States. As the title implies and the authors report, the data does not paint a positive picture.
The strength of this book is that the conclusions drawn by the authors about the six broadly negative attitudes held by members of the last two generations are based on solid statistical research (that can be accessed by the reader through a web site). While some of the definitions and questions betray a specific paradigm from which the research is conducted, the results are founded on good data. Additionally, the conclusions drawn from this data, while again stated from within a specific paradigm, can be taken as following fairly straightforwardly from this data.
With these data in mind, Kinnaman discusses the broad scope of each of the attitudes, their effect on the interaction of generational members with much of American Chritianity and some solutions focused towards changing the attitudes from broadly negative to more positive. Refreshing, Kinnaman does not make excuses for or try to explain the appropriateness of the behaviors from those who call themselves Christians that has contributed to the negative perceptions discussed but challenges those actions and calls for individuals and churches to examine their biases and modify them according to broad scriptural principle.
The one caveat I would have regarding this book is that it is written by people associated with evangelical Christianity for readers familiar with and involved in that particular brand of of the Christian faith. Those coming from the emergent church conversation or from churches that have already begun to face up to some of the challenges the authors mention may find that some of the conclusions they have reached have already been identified within their own traditions. What is good about this book in that context is that while many of those arguments have heretofore been based in anecdotal information, the fermi project has gathered the statistical data to support the conclusions reached. However, much of Kinnaman's discussion still comes from that evangelical perspective of getting people saved (especially ironic given one of the chapter topics) rather than working with God to redeem all of creation back to Him. Finally, I would have liked to have seen more information on how Christians ought to practice their faith outside of the six somewhat narrowly defined topics. While issues like social justice, climate change, poverty and the like are mentioned, they are rarely discussed in more than a passing mention and, as such, the reader may be left that those outside the church only have complaints when, in fact, they are looking for the church to take the lead in issues that are deeply meaningful to them. Perhaps the authors will write another book addressing issues evangelical churches can address that will resonate with new generations of seekers.
In closing, this a book I think every leader within Christianity should read. This especially true for those in "middle management" (as it were) who lead small group studies and ministries. If the attitudes and perceptions the authors mention are to be changed, this is where such change will begin.
Book Review: Hope that Christians can change the way outsiders perceive Christianity by the way they live their faith
Summary: 5 Stars
Christianity in the U.S. has an image problem, and it stands to lose an entire generation of young people if things don't change dramatically and soon. That's the conclusion of a three-year study by the Barna Group examining attitudes toward Christianity expressed by Mosaics and Busters, those in the late-teen-to-30 age group. Barna's findings should give evangelical Christians pause, but only briefly. Given the seriousness of the situation, believers can't pause for too long, because it seems they have a lot of work to do.
Here's one finding that shows just how negative an image we project to the world around us: "The primary reason outsiders feel hostile toward Christians, and especially conservative Christians, is not because of any specific theological perspective. What they react negatively to is our 'swagger,' how we go about things and the sense of self-importance we project. Outsiders say that Christians possess bark --- and bite.
Christians may not normally operate in attack mode, but it happens frequently enough that others have learned to watch their step around us. Outsiders feel they can't let Christians walk over them." That's pretty devastating stuff, though it really should come as no surprise to any Christian who has been listening carefully to outsiders under 30, and even some insiders over 30, in recent years.
The short version of the research findings is this: Mosaics and Busters most often expressed disenchantment (or outright hostility) toward Christians because they perceive them as hypocritical, only interested in people as potential converts, uncharitably anti-homosexual, sheltered from cultural and societal realities, too political, and judgmental. Before you get defensive, David Kinnaman is quick to remind Christians that this is how they are perceived. Your perception may differ, but that doesn't change the fact that outsiders often reject Christianity because of the image it projects.
The long version is what makes this book a must-read for...well, for all of us. It always sounds hyperbolic to say that "everyone" should read a particular book, but trying to narrow down the audience for this one is difficult. Let's just say that any thinking evangelical Christian with an open mind --- even half open --- would do well to read UNCHRISTIAN. It's vitally important for anyone in leadership to do so, but even those who are not leaders need to share some of the responsibility for giving Christianity a bad image.
One case in point is Christians' attitudes toward homosexuality --- and homosexuals. The "hate the sin, love the sinner" attitude so often expressed by Christians just doesn't wash with Mosaics and Busters. They see little love and compassion toward gays. From what they've observed, Christians hate both the sin and the sinner. Again, this is the short version and hardly does justice to the detailed, compelling and convincing research results.
And lest you think this is a dry read, full of statistics that will make your eyes glaze over, let me assure you that this is not the case. Yes, there are lots of numbers to wade through, but the authors did a masterful job of surrounding those numbers with eye-opening anecdotes and highly accessible analysis. And they included sidebars featuring commentary from other authors who have their ear to the ground on all this, including Rick Warren, Andy Crouch, Brian McLaren and FaithfulReader.com reviewer Margaret Feinberg. Their insights help enliven the chapters and put a human face on the stats.
Despite the depressing statistics, David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons offer hope that we can change the way outsiders perceive us by changing the way we live out our faith. Chapters end with a "Changing the Perceptions" section that offers practical steps we can take to turn the situation around. The book also includes an appendix on the methodology of the research and a short but helpful glossary of terms.
There is little question that the authors are correct in saying that Christianity has an image problem. But the problem is far more serious than mere image. The reality is this: evangelical Christianity has an attitude problem. And until that is corrected, until we begin to live out our faith more authentically, until we lose our swagger, the image --- the negative image --- will remain in the minds of outsiders.
--- Reviewed by Marcia Ford
Book Review: Un Christian
Summary: 5 Stars
Speaks directly to the person who feels a need to reach people on the outside. The writer uses research data obtained from people on the outside to determine how we "church" folks are preceived. I really did not learn anything new, but this book creates within me thedesire to change who I am in Christ in order to be Christ for those on the outside. The research data is clear and useful in pointing out the preception problem. The problem is me. In the way I live as a Christian. No Christian could read this book and honestly disagree with the results of the data. The church is made up of people like me, well accepted, leaders, business men and women, middle class, conservative who live our lives as we choose but profess a spiritual belief that is not used. Those on the outside have good eyes, Excellant book that will cause you to take inventory of your life.
Thomas L Moore
Book Review: unChristian: examining the world's objections
Summary: 5 Stars
If Christians want fulfill the Great Commission and spread the Gospel throughout the "educated" world, then they must first understand what they're up against. This book explains why non-Christians are turned off to organized religion, and allows lay people to plan for and anticipate objections. It's also a wake-up call for pastors, elders and other church leadership to change -- or become less relevant in an increasingly secular society, whose images of church are formed by stereotypes perpetuated by the liberal left using their favorite tools: public schools, the media and socialistic government officials.
We can learn to uphold our values without judging others. The price of proselytizing is to separate the sin from the sinner and to accept the human condition, of which we are a part. Continued "holier-than-thou" attitudes only serve to push away potential believers. It also means recognizing that no matter how good we try to be, were it not for Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross, then all Christians would be considered hypocrites. Fortunately, our sins are remembered no more. This book reminds us not to be too smug about that fact.
Book Review: Shake off the Sand
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is a call to an honest appraisal of the situation from the "Gallup" among Christians - the Barna Group. I am fascinated by research for what it can tell us, what it does not tell us, and the newly formed questions after reviewing what we have learned. While non-technical in its voice, this research-based book presents understandable information for the masses. The message, loud and clear, is that the way Christians see themselves and the way non-Christians see them are very different. It is time for such Christians to pull their heads out from under the sand and shake the sand out of their eyes, ears and mouths.
This undesirable "outsider" perception of Christians is far from what they are called to be by Christ. How Christians handle this will be the test. To argue that Christians are being perceived unfairly or inaccurately misses the book's point: that these realities are very real for non-Christians. Arguing from within the Christian perspective, Kinnaman calls for better listening, consideration and grace for outsiders of all stripes. A truer expression of Christ is the answer.
My only objection is the definition of "born-again Christian" (in the glossary) which focuses on "go[ing] to heaven when they die." While the book speaks of bringing heaven to earth, this definition may leave readers confused.