Christianity has an Image Problem
Todd Hunter says:
Most people are seeking spirituality. Spiritual transformation into Christlikeness has always been the right thing to do. We now know that the reputation of Christianity and thus effective evangelism, hangs upon it. Current research shows that un-Christian, un-Christ-formed faith and practice is the single biggest obstacle to making disciples of Jesus.
These quotes from UnChristian by David Kinnaman provide a snap shot into this new, post-Christian reality:
“The most common reaction to the faith: they think Christians no longer represent what Jesus had in mind, that Christianity in our society is not what is was meant to be. They admit they have a hard time actually seeing Jesus because of all the negative baggage that now surrounds him.”
“These days nearly two out of every five young outsiders (38%) claim to have a “bad impression of present-day Christianity”. Beyond this, one-third of young outsiders said that Christianity represents a negative image with which they would not want to be associated.”
“The primary reason outsiders feel hostile toward Christians, and especially conservative Christians, is not because of any specific theological perspective. What they react negatively to is our “swagger,” how we go about things and the sense of self-importance we project.”
“Anti-homosexual, judgmental and hypocritical. Old fashioned, too involved in politics, out of touch with reality, insensitive to others, boring, not accepting of other faiths, and confusing. When they think of the Christian faith, these are the images that come to mind. This is what a new generation really thinks about Christianity.”
Schedule
10 Hunter UnPacks UnChristian Todd Hunter probes and analyzes Kinnaman’s research
11 Is This What Jesus Told You Guys To Do? America’s spiritual odd couple Jim Henderson (Christian) and Matt Casper (Atheist) read from their book Jim and Casper go to Church and take your questions
12 Lunch (purchase lunch in the onsite One Way Café or nearby restaurants)
1 The UnChristian Interview Jim Henderson and Todd Hunter invite a group of young people (Christian and Non Christian) to respond to Kinnamans research. You will get to ask them questions as well.
2 Christianity has an image problem? - So let’s fix it! Todd Hunter and Garry Poole offer a way forward and discuss the unique opportunities in front of us.
3-7 Afternoon break Dinner (on your own)
