Product Description

Based on groundbreaking Barna Group research, unChristian uncovers the negative perceptions young people have of Christianity and explores what can be done to reverse them.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #585 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. 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, antihomosexual, hypocritical, too political and sheltered. Rather than simply try to do a PR face-lift, Kinnaman looks at ways in which churches' 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, 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 churches for years to come. (Oct.)
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Review
"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."--Publisher's Weekly -- Publisher's Weekly, starred review

From the Inside Flap
The New Testament writer Paul told the first-century Christians: "You yourselves are our letter . . . known and read by everybody." When a person "reads" your life, what does it say? What does your faith look like to outsiders? A major new research project, unveiled for the first time in this book, describes the increasingly negative reputation of Christians, especially among young Americans. The research shows that Christians are best known for what they are against. They are perceived as being judgmental, antihomosexual, and too political. And young people are quick to point out they believe that Christianity is no longer as Jesus intended. It is unChristian. It shouldn't be this way. What Christians believe may not be popular, but Paul also advised the first believers to "live wisely among those who are not Christians" and to "let your conversation be gracious and effective." In this eye-opening book, David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons--along with more than two dozen leading voices within Christianity--unpack the major criticisms leveled against Christians. Understand why those negative images exist and how you can best represent Jesus to your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Your life is an open book. Is it unChristian?

Customer Reviews

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.

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.

will read soon... I hope
I haven't had a chance to read this book, but it comes with a good recommendation.