NCLA Review - Ever wonder why Christians are viewed so negatively, especially by young people? The sad news is that a vast majority of them have had a painful experience involving Christians or church that turned them against Christianity. When the Barna evangelical research firm interviewed 16- to 29-year-olds, they discovered that Christians “are widely distrusted by a skeptical generation.” Three years of research convinced the authors that the attitudes, actions, and values of far too many self-identified Christians is no different than that of those outside the church. If the perception of Christian is to change for the better in the coming years, the Body of Chris t must take seriously its failure to reflect Christ. Devastating as this book’s message is, it holds forth hope (and ways) that Christians can regain the credibility they had when they were known for their compassion and hospitality rather than for actions they opposed. I feel this is the most important book I have ever reviewed. Every reader needs to ask sincerely, “Is it I, Lord?” and examine his or her own interactions with others regarding the perceptions of Christians he or she may be sending. Rating: 4 —DKW  . 255p, Baker 2007, $17.99 [248.4] ( )

A good read on the perception of Christians in society by other Christians and more importantly those who are not Christian. The main perceptions is of a people that are hypocritical, anti-homosexual, sheltered from the real world, too political, judgmental of others, and only concerned with getting people saved. The most interesting part of the research was that each of these perceptions were based on real interaction with Christians and many times warranted.

Ins response to the findngs, the author and many Christian leaders (Colson, Stanley, Warren and others) called the church to radically change. To be the ones that reach out in love to everyone, to care for the sick and dying, those afflicted with aids, help the poor and needy, and just live out Christ's calling. ( )

Loaded with statistics, this book reports on a survey of what Christians and non-Christians think/believe about a number of issues. It can be eye-opening to know that others think! ( )

This book is written by the president of the Barna Research group and is the result of conversations that they've had with people inside and outside of the church since 2004. The research substantiates what we're all feeling -- and the anectodal evidence that Dan Kimball has captured in "They Like Jesus but not the Church." At the end of each section, people from around the country respond. I've found it helpful to hear what various churches and pastors (All Soul's Fellowship in Georgi, Imago Dei in Portland) are trying to do to counteract the negative image that Christians have in America. ( )

VERY stimulating read. Functionally, this is the research to back up the intuitive impressions that Casper and Jim had. Makes a very compelling case that young people, under 40, are highly different than even Baby Boomers, and they have radically different expectations, and radically different impressions about Christianity. Between a study conducted in 1995, and work done from 04-07, this demographic turned 180 degrees from having generally positive thoughts about Christianity to significantly negative thoughts.

Elizabeth has always said that I'm more of a Gen-Xer than a Boomer. I found myself constantly in synch with the description of the 2 younger cohorts, the Busters and Mosaic. I don't trust authority, I'm highly attuned to hidden agendas, and I think evangelical Christianity has an unfortunate tendency to engage in hypocrosy. ( )