Scan barcode
nickjonesreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
If broader evangelicalism would have paid attention to the findings in this book back in 2008, we might find ourselves in a different spot now. But alas… Great information and even some great practical solutions. Some of it is slightly out of date and I would venture to say that the broader cultural perception of evangelicals is even worse now than it was in 2008. Three stars isn’t because I think they did a poor job, I just had a tough time getting into this book. I’m not sure what it was. It had plenty of anecdotal evidence to go along with the scientific data, But it seemed a bit dry anyway.
booksofaim's review against another edition
5.0
What is this book about?
UnChristian is an account describing how young “outsiders” perceive the Christian community. It is in some sense a documentation of their sentiments and experiences. With its research and publication, UnChristian has seemingly given these young people a voice and a platform from which they can be heard. Its aim—in my opinion—is to help Christians understand why young people perceive Christians as hypocritical, judgmental and overly political.
It is important to note that the arguments in this book are not philosophical constructs. They are perceptions based on experience and personal interactions. They are the testimonies of “outsiders” and young Christians alike.
To this end, UnChristian is a solemn appeal for the church to take seriously what this generation is saying and subsequently use it as (1) a means to understand what we are projecting as a community and (2) as a framework for evaluating ourselves and motives as Christians.
Who is the targeted audience of the book?
Christians are the targeted audience of this book. Christianity as a whole has failed society and the book seems to want Christians to understand not only why but also how we have failed. UnChristian is not a comprehensive examination of the present Christian condition, but rather a facet of the problem.
Who would you recommend this book to?
I would first recommend this book to all pastors and church leaders. If we are going to address this problem, we must begin with those who have a sphere influence.
Secondly, I would recommend this to every follower of Christ. This is a universal issue and we should all be aware of it. We cannot depend on our leaders. We must educate ourselves and personally begin the work of reformation.
What did you think about the book?
I truly enjoyed it. It was a validating experience. The subject matter of the book is something I’ve been (1) living through and (2) seeing for quite some time. It was refreshing to know I wasn’t the only one experiencing the hypocritical and judgmental nature of the church. It was validating to see this on paper. The results of this research are also sobering. Christianity has unfortunately lost its flavor and we as a church are (1) hindering the work of the Spirit and (2) unwittingly or ignorantly working with the enemy.
UnChristian is an account describing how young “outsiders” perceive the Christian community. It is in some sense a documentation of their sentiments and experiences. With its research and publication, UnChristian has seemingly given these young people a voice and a platform from which they can be heard. Its aim—in my opinion—is to help Christians understand why young people perceive Christians as hypocritical, judgmental and overly political.
It is important to note that the arguments in this book are not philosophical constructs. They are perceptions based on experience and personal interactions. They are the testimonies of “outsiders” and young Christians alike.
To this end, UnChristian is a solemn appeal for the church to take seriously what this generation is saying and subsequently use it as (1) a means to understand what we are projecting as a community and (2) as a framework for evaluating ourselves and motives as Christians.
Who is the targeted audience of the book?
Christians are the targeted audience of this book. Christianity as a whole has failed society and the book seems to want Christians to understand not only why but also how we have failed. UnChristian is not a comprehensive examination of the present Christian condition, but rather a facet of the problem.
Who would you recommend this book to?
I would first recommend this book to all pastors and church leaders. If we are going to address this problem, we must begin with those who have a sphere influence.
Secondly, I would recommend this to every follower of Christ. This is a universal issue and we should all be aware of it. We cannot depend on our leaders. We must educate ourselves and personally begin the work of reformation.
What did you think about the book?
I truly enjoyed it. It was a validating experience. The subject matter of the book is something I’ve been (1) living through and (2) seeing for quite some time. It was refreshing to know I wasn’t the only one experiencing the hypocritical and judgmental nature of the church. It was validating to see this on paper. The results of this research are also sobering. Christianity has unfortunately lost its flavor and we as a church are (1) hindering the work of the Spirit and (2) unwittingly or ignorantly working with the enemy.
kylerw's review against another edition
4.0
This should really be standard reading for any Christian (or church) that wants to be effective its mission. An eye opening read.
joshmillernj's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting book in a different sort of way. Kinnaman is the president of the Barna Group. The Barna group, started by George Barna, has published statistics of "all things Christian" for many, many years. This book was the result of one of those research projects.
The subtitle is "What a new generation really thinks about Christianity...and why it matters." Although I am not a fan of living my Christian life based on what others think (Christian or not), this book did bring up some poignant points to ponder when attempting to reach those who are outside the faith with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. How people view Christians (that's us) will often impact our effectiveness in reaching them. This book diagnosed six major topics in which people negatively view Christians and Christianity. One of the things I liked about this book is that it was not an "answer book" for these type of things. It basically stated the facts (sometimes opinions) and places that we have been wrong on these items.
The subtitle is "What a new generation really thinks about Christianity...and why it matters." Although I am not a fan of living my Christian life based on what others think (Christian or not), this book did bring up some poignant points to ponder when attempting to reach those who are outside the faith with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. How people view Christians (that's us) will often impact our effectiveness in reaching them. This book diagnosed six major topics in which people negatively view Christians and Christianity. One of the things I liked about this book is that it was not an "answer book" for these type of things. It basically stated the facts (sometimes opinions) and places that we have been wrong on these items.
elvenavari's review against another edition
5.0
This was a very eye opening read. All the point made were not something I considered new but it was refreshing to know that I am not the only one out there that feels this way. I hope others will read this book and have their eyes opened as I have.
megawattcole's review against another edition
While I respect the effort that went into the research for this one, it was a total slog for me. A positive way of viewing it would be that this text is a bit older now, and the problems addressed here regarding those in the church who consider themselves to be “Christian” have possibly been addressed in more nuanced ways. A negative point of view would say these are the same problems the church has always had, and that the reason nonbelievers dislike Christians is unchanging: an over-politicized concept of Christianity, hypocrisy and moral superiority. I can’t blame anyone on any of these fronts; they’re the same reasons I dislike Christians at times.
The last few books I’ve read have been so dry. Consider me officially in a mini reading slump.
The last few books I’ve read have been so dry. Consider me officially in a mini reading slump.
kargoforth's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of stats and somewhat biased. The book does help a believer to realize that his/her approach to an unbeliever should be one that is characterized by sensitivity and acceptance of the person.
ralovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Would recommend: Yes
This book reports the results of a study about how Christianity is perceived, and it's really eye-opening. Of course, I loved it because there are so much data included, plus an appendix on the methodology (I may have exclaimed, "Sweet, a methods section!"). The overall message is difficult, even though it is true and important, and there is a lot of work ahead to remedy the deservedly poor reputation Christianity has by earning a strong one through faith in action. I'm glad I got a copy for future reference.
This book reports the results of a study about how Christianity is perceived, and it's really eye-opening. Of course, I loved it because there are so much data included, plus an appendix on the methodology (I may have exclaimed, "Sweet, a methods section!"). The overall message is difficult, even though it is true and important, and there is a lot of work ahead to remedy the deservedly poor reputation Christianity has by earning a strong one through faith in action. I'm glad I got a copy for future reference.
theartolater's review against another edition
3.0
A book about popular perspectives and stereotypes about Christians and Christianity and how to address them. A little dry, and I wasn't the intended audience for it, but still a fascinating read from a point of view you don't get in the media.
book_nerd_buzz's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting, convicting research demonstrating what most of us already know, but likely haven't acted upon. The author's argument is that by having the research insights and knowing the weak spots in Christianity's image problem, believers can act to change negative stereotypes without being thwarted by their own prejudices.