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Post by Josh on Dec 10, 2009 20:28:46 GMT -8
I started this thread a while ago, but this weekend (April 25, 2010) we'll be starting into a series of lessons and activities gleaned from the book unChristian. Chris is going to start us off with a two week intro, then we'll revisit the theme once every six weeks or so. We can use this thread to discuss things that come up during the series
Along the lines of some of the other threads here, I wanted to post some of the data from the book I'm reading (unChristian).
Here's one for starters:
Of "outsiders" age 16 to 29,
38% have a bad impression of Christianity, 45% have a neutral impression, and only 16% have a good impression
the numbers are considerably worse for outsiders impressions of "evangelical Christians" (49% have a bad impression!)
One of the main thrusts of the book is that Christians are too quick to dismiss such data as simply a reflection of a world that is hostile to God. Rather, through a vast array of data, they demonstrate that much of the fault actually lies with Christians themselves who are failing to demonstrate Christ to the world.
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Post by Josh on Dec 10, 2009 20:35:26 GMT -8
84% of "outsiders" know a Christian personally
Only 15% see any significant lifestyle differences in the Christians they know.
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Post by Josh on Dec 10, 2009 20:40:08 GMT -8
Percentage of self-identified "born again" Christians between the ages of 23-41 who believe the following are morally acceptable:
Cohabitation: 59% Sex outside of marriage: 44% Getting drunk: 35% Having an abortion: 32%
And here's the kicker:
Allowing the use of the F-word on broadcast television: 7%
Talk about straining the gnat while swallowing the camel!!! (Matt. 23:24)
Sad. Truly sad.
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Post by christopher on Dec 10, 2009 22:00:37 GMT -8
I wonder what percentage actually think it's acceptable to just follow Jesus?
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Post by Margot on Dec 10, 2009 23:23:53 GMT -8
Man, those last numbers are pretty painful.
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Post by Josh on Dec 21, 2009 10:44:31 GMT -8
Another factoid:
Few Young Outsiders See Difference in Christian Lifestyles
85% know a Christian personally 15% see lifestyle differences
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Post by Josh on Dec 21, 2009 10:45:15 GMT -8
A related question:
What Christian lifestyle differences are bound to stand out in our culture if we are sincerely following the gospel?
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Post by yeshuafreak on Dec 21, 2009 13:24:28 GMT -8
the statistics are interesting, but you can make a statistic say anything you want it to, so i would like to see who exaclty performed them and the reliablility before I can give my thoughts.
john
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Post by Josh on Dec 21, 2009 15:08:03 GMT -8
The research was conducted by the Barna group for the book I mentioned above. They described their method and it looked pretty solid.
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Post by yeshuafreak on Dec 21, 2009 16:41:58 GMT -8
Oh! The barna group-- i love them. they are definitely reliable. I have read their stuff before.
Well, then. I would say that Christianity does have an image problem, and it is not the fault of the outside but the insides deficiency in representing God.
John
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Post by Josh on Dec 21, 2009 19:06:14 GMT -8
That is their thesis for the most part. Of course it's a bit of both, but the part we should be most concerned about is the part we actually have some control over- ourselves.
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Post by yeshuafreak on Dec 22, 2009 21:00:00 GMT -8
evangelical christianity has an especially bad rap. www.abovetopsecret.com is a forum i am a part of (for fun, not because i believe in the conspiracy theories) and one of the main topics on there is how bad "fundies" are and such. john
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Post by Josh on Apr 23, 2010 19:41:05 GMT -8
Chris- and everyone at Aletheia (and anyone else interested),
I thought we could resurrect this thread for follow-up discussions on our lessons on "unChristian" which start this Sunday.
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Post by christopher on Apr 23, 2010 21:20:59 GMT -8
Good idea!
And, you know, my desire for all this would be that we as a community act on this in some real tangible and detectable ways, and not just discuss it.
Please come prepared to share how the image Christians have among outsiders affects you, your witness, your walk, and attitudes.
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Post by Josh on Apr 25, 2010 20:58:58 GMT -8
I know I missed the actual lesson today teaching the older kids, but I thought the spontaneous lunch and afterlunch discussion was great. I really think this topic has the potential to help stimulate us as a church to press deeper.
In way of opening up the discussion, I'm curious what parts of your discussion today stood out most/ made the most impression on you all?
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Post by sarah on Apr 25, 2010 21:39:05 GMT -8
I wanna hear! I wanna hear! (Brian says "Me To!" and suggests you start posting services and lunch discussions on U-Tube)
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Post by christopher on Apr 25, 2010 22:49:01 GMT -8
I want to say that I was VERY encouraged by the discussion(s) today. We have such an awesome community!
I plan on posting an outline of today's topic soon so people that couldn't make it can stay caught up if they wish. Hopefully, the recording turned out well also (Josh?) and we can post it here for whoever wants to listen.
I have to say that I'm very excited about this series. It's a conviction that's been slowly building in me for years now.
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