Ryan's Synopsis of David Kinnaman's unChristian

The Book unChristian by David Kinnaman was the result of the author's three-year study of what young Americans think about Christianity. The results of the research indicate that 40% of 16-29 year-olds are individuals who look at Christianity "from the outside in." Kinnaman found that 38% of these young "outsiders" claim to have a "bad impression of present-day Christianity." These young outsiders are not unfamiliar with Christianity or Christians. In fact, 84% say that they personally know at least one committed Christian; yet, just 15% of those who reported knowing a Christian indicated that those Christians they knew lived lives significantly different from the norm.

It is certainly true that there are remarkable Christians who, transformed by their faith, serve their communities and change the lives of people around them. Yet, when Kinnaman surveyed Christians, just 1/5 identified serving the poor as a primary concern of the Christian faith, and one-quarter admitted that they serve God out of "a sense of guilt and obligation rather than joy and gratitude." Outsiders see little connection between the church and the outside world. This must change. After all, a large building with little connection to the streets is essentially empty.

To change the attitudes of outsiders, we must change our own attitudes. Christ calls his followers to be active missionaries to the culture.We could begin by waging a different type of Culture War--one that attacks poverty, crime, addiction, and pain. Rather than being known for what we're against, we must step in and work toward solutions for the problems we see. As Michelangelo said, "Critique by creating." Christians must be defined by our service and sacrifice, by lives that exude humility and grace.

What steps could be taken to help change the negative perceptions that too many young people hold about Christianity? Kinnaman offers the following advice:

• Give without strings, unconditionally, no bait and switches.
  
• Give without concern about whether you will be recognized, rewarded, or repaid.
  
• Be a voice for the voiceless.
  
• Create a church without walls

People's attitudes drive their actions. If we don't change the attitudes of outsiders toward Christianity by seeking to re-vitalize our own Christian beliefs, we risk losing an entire generation.

This book could be a powerful text for another study within our class on Sunday mornings. A DVD and guides are available. Want a bit more? Check out this video.