Overcoming the Unchristian Perspective

I came across an article I had saved from Sept. 2007 based on some research by the Barna group and published in a book called Unchristian. Here were some of their findings:

“Young Americans today are more skeptical and resistant to Christianity than were people of the same age just a decade ago, says a new study.

Only 3 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds who are not of the Christian faith express favorable views of evangelicals.

Common negative perceptions among non-Christians is that present-day Christianity is judgmental (87 percent), hypocritical (85 percent), old-fashioned (78 percent), and too involved in politics (75 percent).

Also, one-third said it was old-fashioned and out of touch with reality.

Young Christians largely criticize the church, saying it has made homosexuality a “bigger sin” than anything else and that the church has not helped them apply the biblical teaching on homosexuality to their friendships with gays and lesbians.”

In 2005 and 2006 I wrote about overcoming the negative Christian stereotype and embracing people with whom we disagree (published in July 2007 as Peppermint-Filled Pinatas). Check out “The Art of Woo” and “Faith in Politics?” and  “Why Homophobia is So Gay.”

There is no better time than now in the midst of an election year for those of us who follow to reclaim the call to be known by our “faith, hope, and love.”