What Do Young Non-Christians Really Think about the Church?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Wed, October 22, 2008
- Viewed 70
- (34) comments so far
72% said out of touch with reality
70% said insensitive to others
68% said boring
64% said not accepting of other faiths
61% said confusing
Read more of Kent’s great post here at ChurchRelevance.com
What do you think? And how do we change the “Christianity First Impressions” among these young people?
Get current updates from MMI and me here: http://www.twitter.com/toddrhoades
Kent Shaffer over at ChurchRelevance recently reported some statistics from Gabe Lyons, author of unChristian. Non-Christians aged 16-29 years old were asked, “What is your current perception of Christianity?”
91% said antihomosexual
87% said judgmental
85% said hypocritical
78% said old-fashioned
75% said too involved in politics
Read some more of the statistics here. They are fascinating...
Comments
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Katrina on Wed, October 22, 2008
Just curious why we should be concerned about what the world thinks of the church? The survey should be completed by God to find out what He thinks. That would be shocking, I’m sure!
Antihomosexual- the church is not to support or condone sin. Homosexuality is a sin so we are against it.
Judgmental- if we preach the true Gospel there will be two reactions because of the pricking of the conscience. Either conviction and brokeness or the despising of the message. It is the latter that causes the sinner to point the finger and call us “judgmental” when all along their judgment comes from within.
Hypocritical- the result of the elimination of church discipline.
Old Fashioned- the truths of Scripture have stood for over 4000 yrs and I thank God for His faithfulness.
Too involved/politics- let’s all make a pact that we will make sure that the leaders of this country are amoral by staying away from adhering to a strict code of morality for our elected officials…yeah! that’s a good idea!
Out of touch with reality- This world was created in 6 days, the fall of man was the result of sin, Jesus Christ came to die for our sins so that we could be restored to a right relationship with our Creator, He is coming again to judge the living and the dead. I am so out of touch!
Insensitive to others- Spending millions on conferences, new megachurches with restaurants and coffee houses which only encourages “Christians” to hibernate inside the 4 walls of the church instead of going out and reaching the lost…I agree, that is insensitive. Shame on us. How many souls could we reach with the money wasted in market-driven church projects?
Boring- with all the light shows and smoke and loud music and nifty tee-shirts…it’s not about being entertained; it’s about worshipping the HOLY ALMIGHTY GOD! They’re bored because their not saved!
Not accepting of other faiths- I WILL NOT SIT WHILE THE LOST ARE LED ASTRAY TO BELIEFS THAT DAMN THEM TO HELL! I do not accept that allah is the only god. I do not accept hinduisms 4 million dieties either. I do not accept the JW’s and mormons denial of the deity of Jesus Christ. I do not accept the heretical teachings of the roman catholic church.
NOR SHOULD WE! We have the truth.
Confusing- When pastors and denominations begin denying the complete inerrancy of Scripture, like the creation account for example, it is easy to see why children can become confused
In conclusion, we are accountable to God alone. If the world hates us we shouldn’t be suprised because that is what He said would happen. We should stand on the truth of Scripture even to the cost of our very lives and should never compromise. Our only concern for the world should be to seek and save the lost. When they surrender to the Savior because of the foolishness of the message preached, they will join us with heartfelt joy in worship and praise to the King, Jesus Christ.
Ray Fowler on Wed, October 22, 2008
I agree that we can do a better job of reaching out to young non-Christians. And I don’t doubt that a number of them hold perceptions like these of Christianity.
At the same time, for the sake of balance I would encourage people to read sociologist Brad Wright’s 13-part review of unChristian where he explores issues such as the lack of peer-review process in much research on Christianity and compares the supposed “image problem” of Christianity with other groups, such as Atheists, Muslims, Hispanics and Jews. You can find links to all thirteen of Brad’s articles here: A Sociologist Reviews UnChristian
Peter Hamm on Wed, October 22, 2008
In the early church, we were known for being the people who loved each other so much. Jesus promised that would be how we were known. Now we are known for a list of behavior that we are against and for a political party and agenda.
Christian used to be a word applied to us because we were “little Jesuses”. Now it’s a word we self-apply because of our list of doctrine.
There is indeed much value in knowing how the world sees us, as Jesus tells us how they will see us when we get it right. We are, in many places, not getting it right.
Pastor Dan on Wed, October 22, 2008
In the early church we were also known as the people being persecuted for our beliefs…. hmmm…. some church outsiders thought the Christians needed killing… wonder how they would have filled out a poll…..
Sure we need to do all that we can to make sure we are not putting up unnecessary barriers… we need to live out our faith with integrity, honesty and love… we need to get over being stuck in the past but the reality is Jesus said not to be surprised if the world hates us….
CS on Wed, October 22, 2008
“In the early church, we were known for being the people who loved each other so much. Jesus promised that would be how we were known. Now we are known for a list of behavior that we are against and for a political party and agenda.”
I was thinking about this and something occurred to me: what if we’ve stayed true to the faith, but the world has changed so much that they see us only the way in which the devil would want them to see us?
I was listening to part of a sermon from last week’s Deeper Conference, where there was a speaker talking about the history and influence of Christianity in America in years past. Traveling back to the 1950s and 1960s, due to the knowledge, education, and focus around Jesus Christ, people knew that sin was sin and treated it accordingly. For example, people frequenting pornographic theaters and strip clubs wore dark sunglasses and hid in the shadows when entering and leaving. But now, people boast about what smutty things they watch, almost as a badge of pride, and movies like, “Zack And Miri Make A Porno,” are advertised on evening TV.
With the waning of Christian influence and the true knowledge of what comprises the faith, along with self-centered sermons and bestselling books, is it any wonder that the country now knows us only through a glass darkly?
—
CS
Leonard on Wed, October 22, 2008
Read the book unchristian and it is interesting to say the least. As stewards of the grace of God, we must actively seek to communicate both the Grace and Truth of Christ.
Doing this necessitates we understand how we are perceived and why?
Ray thanks for the links, very interesting indeed.
Eric Frisch on Wed, October 22, 2008
I agree that we shouldn’t be surprised when we face persecution and adversity from outside the church, however as a young 20-something who’s also working in a church, I see some major red flags going up here. Words like “judgmental”, “hypocritical”, “political”, “confusing”. I don’t see any reason why our being true to our beliefs should be associating these words with our ministry and our persons. These are things we as a church need to deal with in order to maintain our relevance in the world we live in.
Also, I think that one of the most interesting aspects of “unChristian” (I’m reading it now) is the polling of current young Christians… a lot of the viewpoints (from people INSIDE the church) match. That’s something we definitely need address… and I don’t think the answer is always to assume that folks like me are wrong… just my 2 cents.
Brian L. on Wed, October 22, 2008
Pastor Dan,
Yes, Jesus said the world would hate us. But that is supposed to be because of our love and commitment to Christ, not our alignment with political parties, loud screaming at soldiers’ funerals, condemnation of everything and everyone that doesn’t fit our particular theological perspective, et al.
The world doesn’t see us as lovers of Jesus, just haters of others. And please don’t come back with “1 John 2 says we’re supposed to hate the world.” That’s not talking about hating people - only the word’s value system.
The gospel is offensive. But that does not mean we are to be offensive in bringing it. Christ was not offensive in his manner, even when His message was offensive to His hearers. Jesus was a friend of sinners (including you and me), and we are to be the same. He did not avoid them as the Pharisees did - He engaged them.
Dave Z on Wed, October 22, 2008
I find it troubling that when I look in the Bible for religious groups that are judgemental and condemning, I find the pharisees, so when people apply those descriptions to the church, I wonder if the church has fallen into the same traps that Jesus spoke against. I also find that Jesus did not seem to have that reputation among the people. They came to hear him in huge crowds because he was different than the religious leaders.
A quote from Ghandi provides the perfect illustration:
“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.”
There is a story that Ghandi, after reading the Gospels, was very interested in Christianity, but was turned away when he tried to enter a church.
The point of Unchristian is that we often do the same by our poor (judgemental and condemning) witness. I used to teach at a high school, and I can say that most of my non-believing students had attitudes that line up with the perceptions revealed in Unchristian. Some of that is surely due to negative media representations, but mostly it was because young Christians at the school ( a fairly high percentage at this particular school) constantly judged, mistreated and belittled them.
Camey on Wed, October 22, 2008
Love people.. warts and all.
Be real - authentic. That’s what they want to see.. Do you walk your talk or are you blowing hot air that couldn’t even get a balloon off the ground.
I’m often critized for being “too real”… Yet, on days like yesterday - I had individuals requesting prayer who would normally tell you they do not believe in God.
As we go about our life’s moments - we have to remember they’re not just about us. And when we screw up - admit our mistakes. We should constantly be pointing to Him.
I still have peeps ticked off at me for suggesting they even pick up unChristian. Some have come back and later had in-depth conversations with me about it. Why? Because they see me engaging people as I go.. not just on Sundays in a comfortable place known as a church.
People are the church.. and we need to get outside the building even if through means such as the internet.
My husband is preaching on Nov 2nd & 9th for our current church body. He’s been inviting individuals he works with at Wal-Mart (hence why he is known as ‘The Wal-Mart Pastor’) to come those Sundays. And while he’s been inviting them to come all along…. a couple have said knowing and seeing how he is at work makes them want to even consider coming at all.
Yes, we want people to grow in Christ.. no question about it. But there is nothing like someone coming to know Him and follow Him and want to live for Him and serve.. who had never given faith a passing glance before.
That’s what being a lifestyle missionary is all about. Don’t just be Christ-followers who speak Christianese. Get real, bathe each day in prayer…. and WATCH GOD AT WORK..
The harvest is happening now.. it is present tense.
Katrina on Wed, October 22, 2008
CS,
I was at the Deeper Conference this past weekend!! I agree that Marshall Foster presented history in a way that encouraged me even more to stand on God’s Word and to preach the Gospel because it will change the world. Ken Ham’s position of how Genesis has been compromised was equally eye-opening!
Wendi Hammond on Wed, October 22, 2008
I’d be curious Katrina, if you could point to one place in the Gospels where Jesus was “hated” by a lost sinner because of the way He pointed out their sin and wrong theology.
And CS – One could make a case that the type of sinful behavior you point out (sexual deviancy) isn’t more prevalent today, just more open, making it appear more prevalent. A cursory study of ancient Rome and Greece makes it pretty plain that the society into which Jesus came was just as deviant as ours today.
Every letter in the NT was written to Christians, and every admonishment about correcting one’s belief or behavior is given to Christians. Paul makes it very clear that it isn’t our place to judge those outside the faith (1 Cor 5:12), yet many American evangelicals seem to have determined that the way to evangelize is by legislating their behavior and imposing Christian morals and values onto every American.
In a Leadership Journal article a few years back, Dallas Willard (I believe) said this (a massacred quote from a failing memory – apologies to Dr. Willard):
“The true test of any religion in a pluralistic society is how it treats it’s NON ADHERANTS.”
I’d say we’re failing the test, at least according to young non-Christians.
(I know I could cite the source of my quote with a little research, but have to get back to my paying gig. If anyone can recall this article, I’d appreciate it).
Wendi
Bruce on Wed, October 22, 2008
Just tell those stupid kids to shut up. What do they know anyway http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif (and that is typically how the observations of the young are treated in many Evangelical circles)
I find their observations, in general, to be very true.
How to go about “fixing” the Church is a whole different matter. I am not at all sure it can be fixed in its current form. We keep adding patches to the wineskin and they keep breaking.
In my neck of the woods, Churches think the answer is to change their music. Change the music and viola! the young will flock to the Church again. All it has gotten us is some pretty “crappy” music.
Pastor Dan on Wed, October 22, 2008
Brian L
You are so quick to judge me based on one comment. I makes me laugh and you probably would too if you met me or knew me! Your assumptions are pretty far off base. I don’t think you even read my whole post. I stated that we must avoid being unnecessarily offensive. I am all about loving people who are far from God, living an authentic life of faith, not preaching politics, not unnecessarily being offensive, divisive or out of touch. We must invest in unbelievers and then invite them to consider and respond to the gospel. However even if we remove all unnecessary barriers the gospel is still divisive and many will choose to hate Christians. It happens all over the world - not just in the west. That was all I was trying to say. Brian please be slower to judge someone you don’t know!
Pastor Dan on Wed, October 22, 2008
Brian - if you want I will send you some CD’s of my messages - you can see just how “offensively” I preach and share the gospel! Just e-mail me an address! Well, I’ve gotta go scream at a funeral….
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