UnChristian
by Kathy Brown on September 16th, 2010 | 0 comments
In a couple of weeks I will be going to help my mother celebrate her ninetieth birthday. Many of my relatives will be coming also. Among them are my nieces who do not share my Biblical worldview. (Foundational Presupposition Chart) Because of a book I have been reading, UnChristian, What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity . . . and Why It Matters, I am very aware that my reputation as a Believer probably precedes me. What are the notions they may have about me?
According to the surveys of The Barna Group, the Mosaics and Busters (generally, ages late teen through thirty) have this understanding of “born again” Christians:
1. 91% believe we are anti-homosexual (hate gay people/as opposed to disapprove of homosexuality as immoral like other sexual sin)
2. 87% see Christians as judgmental
3. 85% think disciples of Jesus are hypocritical
4. 78% view us as old-fashioned
5. 75% say we are too political
6. 72% conclude we are out of touch with reality
7. 70% have the impression that we are insensitive to others
8. 68% rank Christians as boring
Wow, that is harsh! Take a moment to think over this list, as I have. Personally, my first response was defensive and self-justifying. And then I realized that I could be all of those things. If left to my own human nature, I am much worse than the attributes described by the “UnChristian.” I so easily and quickly default to my human nature, my selfishness and pride. I need what Christ has to give me: His Spirit of Holiness and Righteousness. The only difference between me and my critics is faith and hope. I have faith that I have been changed by the grace-filled substitution of my sins for the Holy Spirit of my Savior. My hope is that, as I believe the cold hard facts of Scripture, I will draw closer to the One who can readjust me and transform me.
What I am able to testify to any generation is that what I am now is not what I once was. That story next.
2 Corinthians 1:21 - 22
"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
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