Product: Book ISBN-10: 0-8010-1300-3 ISBN-13: 9780801013003 Publisher: Baker Books Country: Year: October 1, 2007 Size: 15.24 x 22.86 x 2.54cm Number of pages: 256 Weight: 417gr Binding: Hardcover
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.
reviews
Better Than I Expected
This book is very unbiased. It's full of data and not opinions. It's thought provoking and very important.
Insightful!
unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity … and Why It Matters by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons is a book that will give you insight into what the next generation of late twenties and early thirties think about Christianity. Basically they think »Christians are judgmental, anti-homosexual, hypocritical, too political and sheltered.« The authors would like to see more biblical Christianity but only one that loves, understands and accepts the world around it.
If you're ready for enlightenment from another source about The Almighty One, may I suggest you read my book as well entitled »The Enlightenment, What God Told Me After One Million Prayers: A Message for Everyone« (See Profile Above)
I had very mixed feelings on this book …
On one hand, I think it is fabulously important that all Christians are aware of the issues presented in this book and how deeply true most of the concerns are. On the other hand, the book is very, very satistical in its approach to the subject as the author is a researcher. Analyzing surveys can only be interesting for so long. Furthermore, the author is still VERY biased in his opinions of what he believes to be right and wrong and applies it to all of Christianity like his answers are right and others are wrong. Even though I agree with him more than many Chrisitians, I still take issue with him implying his opinions and interpretations are facts instead of simply conjecture. I also take strong issue with the fact that he lists Mormons as a group that is outside of Christianity. While I believe they are some of the most persecuted of Christians, it does not alter the fact that Mormons are Christians. With all these issues, though, I think it is an important book for the more conservative-minded Christians as it points out how their thoughts, words, and actions alienate people from Christianity rather than make people want to embrace it.
A great window on present day perceptions of the Church.
This is an eye opening characterization of perceptions of the Church by today's youth. It provides a very specific snapshot of where they and the Church are today. These perceptions must be addressed in order that both the church and the youth can move beyond snap judgments and profitably engage in thoughtful dialogue. Out of such dialogue can come mutual understanding and, Lord willing mutual acceptance. Change is clearly indicated, but thoughtful dialogue can lead to productive change.
Good Research, Evangelical Bias
Positive notes-
The author does a great job of recognizing and researching the perceptions that »outsiders« have of Christianity. It is shocking to me because as an »outsider« once, these were exactly the same concerns and beliefs that I possessed at a certain point in my life. The response with an emphasis on love is one that I fully agree with.
Negative notes-
As a liberal progressive Christian, I find some fault with the books underpinnings. It seems to be guiding readers to accept and convert »outsiders« to the »biblical worldview« that is apparently the »right way« to live life. The chapter on homosexuality, is unblinkingly concrete on the issue that it IS a sin. That is not to be debated.
Though if you agree with Kinnamens views on homosexuality, his suggested responses of love and self-examination to the issue are quite commendable.
Again, this book is strongly biased towards an evangelical worldview, so take it as such.