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A review by gbdill
Unchristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity...and Why It Matters by David Kinnaman
5.0
Thoroughly eye-opening and insightful. The whole premise of this book is to find out what the author terms "outsiders" (those who are not believers) think about today's form of Christianity and the people who call themselves Christian. After conducting several years of research and surveys, the statistics and responses are quite bleak and dismal. In general, today's younger generation think of Christians as: antihomosexual, hypocritical, focused on converts, sheltered, too political, and judgmental, just to name a few. This, not to add: old-fashioned, irrelevant, and hollow. Sadly, even many Christians (such as myself) think the same about the state of today's brand of Christianity and its adherents.
But, there is hope. It is never too late to redefine the true sense of what Christianity is. A Christianity that can become known for what we are for rather than what we are against. A Christianity that focuses on community rather than individualism. A Christianity that cares and loves all people regardless of race, religion, sexuality, and gender. A Christianity that cares for the world's ills rather than a couple of hot button topics. A Christianity that focuses on a deep spirituality rather than a facts and knowledge driven faith. A Christianity that is about love and grace rather than rules and regulations. A Christianity void of politics but truly concerned about problems rather than legislating morality and seeking political power.
I particularly enjoyed the last section of the book that solicits insight from emerging leaders, both conservative and liberal, within evangelical Christianity and how they foresee Christianity 30 years from now if we head in the right direction. I think their ideas are very plausible and doable. But, I believe it takes a completely different way of thinking and doing, especially from those who are ingrained in their old ways. I have hope for the Body of Christ, that it truly will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world someday like it once was. But, it will indeed take time.
I highly recommend this book to both those outside of the Christian faith and those who are desiring to see an old and tired Christianity become something new, refreshing, and invigorating to both the individual and the world community. I applaud the author and the Barna Group for their objectivity in the research that was conducted and in its presentation of the facts. I look forward to reading more from David Kinnaman and its co-author Gabe Lyons.
But, there is hope. It is never too late to redefine the true sense of what Christianity is. A Christianity that can become known for what we are for rather than what we are against. A Christianity that focuses on community rather than individualism. A Christianity that cares and loves all people regardless of race, religion, sexuality, and gender. A Christianity that cares for the world's ills rather than a couple of hot button topics. A Christianity that focuses on a deep spirituality rather than a facts and knowledge driven faith. A Christianity that is about love and grace rather than rules and regulations. A Christianity void of politics but truly concerned about problems rather than legislating morality and seeking political power.
I particularly enjoyed the last section of the book that solicits insight from emerging leaders, both conservative and liberal, within evangelical Christianity and how they foresee Christianity 30 years from now if we head in the right direction. I think their ideas are very plausible and doable. But, I believe it takes a completely different way of thinking and doing, especially from those who are ingrained in their old ways. I have hope for the Body of Christ, that it truly will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world someday like it once was. But, it will indeed take time.
I highly recommend this book to both those outside of the Christian faith and those who are desiring to see an old and tired Christianity become something new, refreshing, and invigorating to both the individual and the world community. I applaud the author and the Barna Group for their objectivity in the research that was conducted and in its presentation of the facts. I look forward to reading more from David Kinnaman and its co-author Gabe Lyons.