In his Epistle, the Apostle Peter instructed us to give others good reason for the hope we have in Christ, but to do so with "gentleness and respect." Unfortunately, in the eyes of many non-Christians today, the church has done just the opposite. In Unchristian, David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, has complied startling research among the unchurched and learned that Christians are too often known for the issues they stand against, rather than the hope which they stand for. According to the research, believers are seen as too judgmental, too political, and often hypocritical. If you are a Pastor, lay person or youth leader you will not want to go without the details of this critical study. Uncover for yourself the latest research on the unchurched in Kinnaman's must-read book.
Kinnaman, president of the Barna Institute, was inspired to write this book when Lyons (of the Fermi Project) commissioned him to do extensive research on what young Americans think about Christianity. Lyons had a "gut-level sense that something was desperately wrong," and three years of research paints exactly that picture. Mosaics and Busters (the generations that include late teens to early 30-somethings) believe Christians are judgmental, anti-homosexual, hypocritical, too political, and sheltered. Rather than simply try to do a PR face-lift, Kinnaman looks at ways in which the church's activities actually may have been unchristian, and encourages a return to a more biblical Christianity, a faith that not only focuses on holiness but also loves, accepts and works to understand the world around it. It would be possible to get lost in the numbers here, but the authors use numerous illustrations from their research and life experiences, and include insights at the end of every chapter from Christian leaders like Charles Colson, John Stott, Brian McLaren and Jim Wallis. This is a wonderful, thoughtful book that conveys difficult truths in a spirit of humility. Every Christian should read this, and it will likely influence the church for years to come. (Oct.)Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Thomas Olson (Clearwater, FL), November 02, 2009
Startling facts to support suspicions about the 21st century church goer. Especially enlightening about the view non-Christians have of Christians. A must read!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dawn Bengtson (Becker, MN), August 26, 2009
This book has influenced how I interact with unbelievers. By understanding their view of Christians, I am better able to portray who Jesus really is to them.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kent (Malaysia), August 23, 2009
If you think you are a good Christian to outsiders (non-Christians), read this book first!
Even though the research is based in America but it the research result apply to all over the world. According to the research, today’s world Chrisitans are hypocritical, antihomosexual, sheltered, too political and judgemental. These are the few reason why Christians are getting harder to spread gospel. This book tells you what outsiders think about Christians. By understanding and build relationship with them, we only can bring them to Jesus Christ.
For example, Bible tells us that Jesus Christ love sinners but not sins. Jesus Christ loves homosexual but not homosexuality. Some homosexuals are actually struggling, but we reject them (judgemental) without listening to them. Is there any diference between homosexual and a married man having affair with another woman? Both are sinners but why we judge homosexual without listening to them first?
Get the book, listen to outsiders, build relationship with them and bring them to Jesus Christ so that everyone can be saved.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Pershing Lum (Rancho Cucamonga, CA), August 21, 2009
This is an excellent work of research and presents insights that should be obvious, but have been lost to many who serve in leadership in our churches today. It is a must-read for those who are concerned about reaching those who don't know Christ in a way that communicates the message of God's love, justice, salvation through faith in Christ alone, and the message of His transforming power in a way that the current and next generation understands.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Regina Saucier (Sulphur Springs, TX), August 10, 2009
Every Christian should read this book and re-evaluate their walk. A painful look at how we are viewed in regards to our every day behaviors.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Yep (Waycross, GA), April 19, 2009
This book should be required study material for any church suffering from the same problems I've seen. Lots of oldies and very few people under 50. Like the book says, these are the facts, you don't have to like them, or agree with the opinions of "outsiders", but they are what they are and we have to meet people where they're at, not make them come to us first.
Paul, the guy who gave this book 2 stars, couldn't have read the book, because he's complaining about the same things the book does. His complaints have been heard...by this author. Read the book. It's one of the best ones out right now.
2 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Paul (New York, NY), April 02, 2009
Perhaps part of the problem that we're facing in attracting people to church is in the negative labels we give to those we are looking to bring into our churches: unchurched, non-believer, unsaved. Are these words really going to make people desire to come to discover their Creator? There is still a pig-headed quality to much of Christianity that is keeping people away in droves.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sammie Dennis (Oklahoma City, OK), March 09, 2009
Very thought provoking. A must read for all Christians for this generation in today's world.
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