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Religious Book Store > Religious books beginning with U
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unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters |
Author: David Kinnaman
Published: 2007-10-01 |
List price: $17.99
Our price: $12.23
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As of: December 04th, 2008 02:24:33 AM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 What we as Christians need to know
unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It MattersAs a long time "older" Christian and public school teacher this book has profound and somewhat troubling answers for why and what the "outsiders" view as the Christian religion and right wing of America. It is truthful and hard to look at what others have honestly experienced and how they feel.
I have often said if we do not teach the practical daily application of our Christian faith we lose. Being in the world and yet not of the world is a difficult challenge - but one that can be accomplished through prayer and the support of a loving God. Forums for discussion for teens, college students, young adults and even older adults should offer opportunities to discuss perceptions and answers that can be offered in "gentleness and love - but truth." This is an excellent, well documented and honest picture for those who wonder what happened in this past election and where the the church is going. If we lose these two generations to the secular world view it is indeed our failure to offer a life and example from which others can learn the love that Jesus intended for all people. Easy? Not all all. Possible - yes indeed! Phil 4:13 Not an easy read but one that will, should and can change our world!
 Informative and on the mark
I found the book to be quite interesting, with a lot of insight. My experience with young adults demonstrates that they do find Evangelical Christians first and foremost anti-gay, judgmental, hypocritical, and too political. I would argue that the perceptions of the last three points are a direct result of the first one (anti-gay). The recent Proposition 8 in California highlighted all four of these findings - the Proposition was a political effort directed at taking away the rights of gay people, in the guise of "defending marriage". But, divorce is the biggest violation of marriage, is explicitly condemned by Jesus (he doesn't discuss homosexuality), and it is a much more significant issue than homosexuality when the actual numbers of people impacted are examined. Much research shows that born-again Christians (specifically Evangelicals) have among the highest divorce rates in the country. Yet, there are no Propositions being put forth to ban divorce: hence the judgmental and hypocritical perceptions by today's youth who are fully aware of Jesus' comments (or lack of) on the two subjects.
It was fascinating to read this book along side Thou Shalt Not Love: What Evangelicals Really Say to Gays by anthropologist and gay Christian Patrick M. Chapman. While "unChristian" talks about the perceptions and provides commentary, Chapman's book provides example after example of exactly how Evangelical Christians are anti-homosexual, judgmental, hypocritical, and too political - and Chapman shows the seemingly deliberate misleading information, deception and sometimes what can seemingly only be described as lies some Evangelicals use when fighting the "gay agenda". It's no wonder that today's youth have a negative perception of Christianity. They all know gay people and their experiences with gay people do not line up with the invariably negative portrayal of gays put forth by many born-again Christians.
"UnChristian" is a good read and a necessary book at a time when Christianity is becoming much too political and less impacting of society.
unchristian
Anyone who is interested in understanding how Christianity is viewed today will find the book "unchristian" a must read. As the authors state "agree or not we must come to terms with their impressions." The impressions are complex and difficult to navigate, but this book will give any person who cares or dares an opportunity to understand. How has the message of God's grace become hidden to so many today? Start searching for the answers by reading "unchristian."
Rev. Gregory Douglass, a United Methodist pastor
 Just Organizes Well What Most People Know
There really isn't any new content in this book for any Christian who has read Barna in the last few years. The value present is in the way the authors organize it. Kinnaman and Lyons describe in detail how most Christians today are perceived by society as hypocritical, hyper-evangelistic, anti-homosexual, sheltered, overly political and judgmental. They then offer a few concluding thoughts as to how to change the perception for the better.
For someone who has never read any recent works by George Barna, this title may be worth the price. Otherwise, I'd recommend skipping it or borrowing it from a friend.
For the book, "Unchristian"
This is a powerful book meant to educate those of us looking to help Christians evangelize in a more positive and meaningful way.
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