does Christianity need a makeover?-from Time Magazine

[Fitswimmer]

As a professed Christian who has a problem with Christianity's image-this article really hit home. I think those of us who don't fit the stereotype really need to get out there and make our views known.

It used to be, says David Kinnaman, that Christianity was both big and beloved in the U.S. — even among its non-adherents. Back in 1996, a poll taken by Kinnaman's organization, the Barna Group, found that 83% of Americans identified themselves as Christians, and that fewer than 20% of non-Christians held an unfavorable view of Christianity. But, as Kinnaman puts it in his new book (co-authored with Gabe Lyons) UnChristian, "That was then."
Barna polls conducted between 2004 and this year, sampling 440 non-Christians (and a similar number of Christians) aged 16 to 29, found that 38% had a "bad impression" of present-day Christianity. "It's not a pretty picture" the authors write. Barna's clientele is made up primarily of evangelical groups.
Kinnaman says non-Christians' biggest complaints about the faith are not immediately theological: Jesus and the Bible get relatively good marks. Rather, he sees resentment as focused on perceived Christian attitudes. Nine out of ten outsiders found Christians too "anti-homosexual," and nearly as many perceived it as "hypocritical" and "judgmental." Seventy-five percent found it "too involved in politics."
Not only has the decline in non-Christians' regard for Christianity been severe, but Barna results also show a rapid increase in the number of people describing themselves as non-Christian. One reason may be that the study used a stricter definition of "Christian" that applied to only 73% of Americans. Still, Kinnaman claims that however defined, the number of non-Christians is growing with each succeeding generation: His study found that 23% of Americans over 61 were non-Christians; 27% among people ages 42-60; and 40% among 16-29 year olds. Younger Christians, he concludes, are therefore likely to live in an environment where two out of every five of their peers is not a Christian.
Churchgoers of the same age share several of the non-Christians' complaints about Christianity. For instance, 80% of the Christians polled picked "anti-homosexual" as a negative adjective describing Christianity today. And the view of 85% of non-Christians aged 16-29 that present day Christianity is "hypocritical — saying one thing doing another," was, in fact, shared by 52% of Christians of the same age. Fifty percent found their own faith "too involved in politics." Forty-four percent found it "confusing."
Christians have always been aware of image problems with non-believers. Says Kinnaman: "The question is whether to care." But given the increasing non-Christian population and the fact that many of the concerns raised by non-believers are shared by young Christians, he says, there really is no option but to address the crisis.

 

[disney junky]

I always find these articles amusing. It begs the question, should society shape religion or should religion shape society?

 

[dameodie]

That's from Time?? Wow.

So, what exactly is the "crisis" of which they speak? Other religions gaining popularity? That they're losing their percieved monopoly in American culture?

And this is a BAD thing? Well, from their point of view, certainly. But we heathens couldn't be happier.

They don't seem to be worried about losing followers so much as losing their viewpoints belonging to the overwhelming majority of people... sorry, I have no pity for you!

 

[GeorgeG]

One point made is that things have changed over several generations. Taken as such, it will require generations to reverse, if it can be reversed at all.

The heathen in me wonders if the decline in Christianity in not, in fact, inevitable.

 

[LukenDC]

When I was growing up (1970s-1980s), religion was not a hot topic of debate and the most visible Christians tended to be neighbors, relatives, friends, etc. As Christianity became more politicized and evangelical/fundamentalist Christians became politically organized, the most prominent Christians became politicians and televangelists. For many non-Christians, Pat Robertson, George Bush, John Ashcroft, Ralph Reed, etc. have become living symbols of Christianity. In a society that scorns politicians of all stripes and televangelists, this cannot be a good thing for Christianity.

 

[Fitswimmer]

That's from Time?? Wow.

So, what exactly is the "crisis" of which they speak? Other religions gaining popularity? That they're losing their percieved monopoly in American culture?

And this is a BAD thing? Well, from their point of view, certainly. But we heathens couldn't be happier.

They don't seem to be worried about losing followers so much as losing their viewpoints belonging to the overwhelming majority of people... sorry, I have no pity for you!

The problem is, those viewpoints are NOT the viewpoints of ALL Christian people.

And nobody asked for pity, BTW. Maybe a little understanding for those who have been falsely accused of holding those same beliefs, but that's all.

 

[Crankyshank]

I think that change is due and it isn't necessarily a bad thing. Only a small number of people professed to be Christian at the time of the Revoultion, and then look what happened with the Great Awakening. I think the same thing is about due.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

As Christianity became more politicized and evangelical/fundamentalist Christians became politically organized the most prominent Christians became politicians and televangelists. For many non-Christians, Pat Robertson, George Bush, John Ashcroft, Ralph Reed, etc. have become living symbols of Christianity. In a society that scorns politicians of all stripes and televangelists, this cannot be a good thing for Christianity.

I think that's the biggest problem I have with Christianity. I don't think anyone really cares what anyone else believes, but religious organizations should never have a place in government and as it stands now those organizations have tremendous power.

I don't want to live in a Christian country any more than I want to live in a Muslim one. I want to live in a country where people have their faith and leave it at home where it belongs. Religion should not shape policy.

 

[LadyShiva]

It also might be reaction from Millenialism. I remember quite a bit of emotional religion before and after the turn of the century and was quite turned off myself.

Or maybe too much "put your hands on the television screen!!!!" Christianity has pervaded our culture, so people are starting to withdraw from the movement.

And for the record, it isn't as if America hasn't had ebbing tides of religion. We go through phases of being very "religious" and being anti-religious. Depends on the news of the day or year.

What steps would you personally take to address this issue that you already don't do now?

Brandie

 

[cardaway]

So, what exactly is the "crisis" of which they speak? Other religions gaining popularity? That they're losing their percieved monopoly in American culture?

And this is a BAD thing? Well, from their point of view, certainly. But we heathens couldn't be happier.

They don't seem to be worried about losing followers so much as losing their viewpoints belonging to the overwhelming majority of people... sorry, I have no pity for you!

 

[Fitswimmer]

It also might be reaction from Millenialism. I remember quite a bit of emotional religion before and after the turn of the century and was quite turned off myself.

Or maybe too much "put your hands on the television screen!!!!" Christianity has pervaded our culture, so people are starting to withdraw from the movement.

And for the record, it isn't as if America hasn't had ebbing tides of religion. We go through phases of being very "religious" and being anti-religious. Depends on the news of the day or year.

What steps would you personally take to address this issue that you already don't do now?

Brandie

What I'm hoping for is a response from the Christian Left, who do NOT hold these types of opinions.

This is an excerpt from an article written in 2005, sadly he was preaching to the choir and nobody else heard it. http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1110-31.htm

A close friend recently lamented in conversation that the Republicans have “stolen God”. Maybe, I said, but at least we still have Jesus.
While many on the righteously religious right say they’ve “found” him, the story of the Jesus they’ve found is the one they’ve written themselves – the one in which a vengeful Jesus wields his cross as a sword and a shield. That’s not the Jesus I know, nor the one known by many Americans, irrespective of their political affiliations. I personally know at least a dozen Republicans who voted against their party in last November’s elections in part because they recognize this. They recognize that their party has been hijacked by those who’ve taken scissors to their Bibles and cut them so severely that their version now begins with the Old Testament and ends with Revelations, with little resembling Jesus’ teachings left in between.

That's how I feel, and how many of my friends feel. We feel that Christianity's image does need to be changed. That it has become too aligned with the vision of the NeoCons and too far away from the real teachings of Jesus.

 

[Pigeon]

The problem is, those viewpoints are NOT the viewpoints of ALL Christian people.

And nobody asked for pity, BTW. Maybe a little understanding for those who have been falsely accused of holding those same beliefs, but that's all.

I can understand your point. But, at the same time, if moderate Christians were more vocal about their position, and about opposing the political actions of the fundies, perhaps Christians in general would be perceived differently. I guess you are in the same boat as the majority of non-fundamentalist Muslims, huh?

 

[Fitswimmer]

I can understand your point. But, at the same time, if moderate Christians were more vocal about their position, and about opposing the political actions of the fundies, perhaps Christians in general would be perceived differently. I guess you are in the same boat as the majority of non-fundamentalist Muslims, huh?

Yes, and I actually had that discussion at a dinner we had at our church with a member of the local Islamic organization!

We both felt that our respective faiths had been hijacked by people who were serving a political agenda and using faith to drag people along with them.

 

[Sprthrcksplthchld]

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”--Gandhi

I thikn Gandhi was right.

Spr

 

[Jrsy Boy]

That's how I feel, and how many of my friends feel. We feel that Christianity's image does need to be changed. That it has become too aligned with the vision of the NeoCons and too far away from the real teachings of Jesus.

What people perceive as a result of the mainstream media and a vocal minority should never have an impact on the faithful. I don't care how I am perceived for being a Christian as long as I am true to myself and true to my beliefs. I don't believe that maintaining an image was part of the teachings of Jesus.

I can understand your point. But, at the same time, if moderate Christians were more vocal about their position, and about opposing the political actions of the fundies, perhaps Christians in general would be perceived differently. I guess you are in the same boat as the majority of non-fundamentalist Muslims, huh?

I think it would be wasted energy to try to convince the general public that the average Christian in no way resembles the self-serving, self-promoting, publicity-seeking "Christians" who always seem to find their way into the media. Focus on your beliefs and the way that you feel is the right way to live and don't worry so much about what others may think or how they might perceive you.

 

[Cool-Beans]

As a professed Christian who has a problem with Christianity's image-this article really hit home. I think those of us who don't fit the stereotype really need to get out there and make our views known.

Why? So ignorant bigots might change their minds?

I've got news for you: they don't like Christians simply because they don't. It is exactly like racism. No amount of logic will reason them out of their position because logic didn't take them there to begin with. A bigot can list 10,000 reasons why it is the other guy's fault he doesn't like them...but he's still a tiny, ignorant and nasty person.

And who the hell cares about what folks like that think anyway.

Stop worrying about how bigots perceive you. You don't have to change anything for them. And if you did, it wouldn't change anything.

 

[Aidensmom]

When I was growing up (1970s-1980s), religion was not a hot topic of debate and the most visible Christians tended to be neighbors, relatives, friends, etc. As Christianity became more politicized and evangelical/fundamentalist Christians became politically organized, the most prominent Christians became politicians and televangelists. For many non-Christians, Pat Robertson, George Bush, John Ashcroft, Ralph Reed, etc. have become living symbols of Christianity. In a society that scorns politicians of all stripes and televangelists, this cannot be a good thing for Christianity.

I agree with you. I think a lot of people, if asked to think of a Christian, would think of one of these public figures rather than the person who lives next door. As a Christian, I can say that none of the people you mentioned in your post represent me nor my relationship with God, but to society in general, people think that these people do represent me. Christianity, at least what it is to me, is not a political party, and I think that distinction has become very blurred in this country. I don't agree with churches becoming political. The only place where Christianity or any other religion and politics should be in any way combined is when people who just happen to practice a certain religion vote.

 

[ead79]

I do believe that Christianity needs a makeover, but not exactly the kind spoken about in the article. I think that those of us who are Christians need to focus primarily on two things: 1) loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind (not just theoretically, but practically), and 2) loving our neighbors as ourselves (not just philosophically, but actually ministering to their needs). I really believe that Jesus summed it up perfectly when asked about the greatest two commandments.

Where I differ from the article's viewpoint is that I believe it is critical that Christians not change their viewpoints simply when they are unpopular with the secular culture. I believe that sticking to what the Bible says is critically important. Where I think we run into trouble as Christians is when we choose to judge others more than we choose to love them. I don't have to agree with everything someone else does, but I should love them and show them that love. As Christians, we believe that Jesus died for all of us and offers His free gift of salvation to anyone who accepts Him as Savior and Lord. Jesus spoke out against sin, but He also let people know of His unconditional love for them in practical, relevant ways. We as Christians need to do just as Jesus did.

 

[LadyShiva]

Hey, Fitswimmer, there was/is an interesting interview on NPR's Fresh Air today that made me think of your thread. Here's a link to check it out: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14986005

Hope you find it interesting! I know you think of/post a lot of politics/religion questions.

Brandie

 

[Pigeon]

Why? So ignorant bigots might change their minds?

I've got news for you: they don't like Christians simply because they don't. It is exactly like racism. No amount of logic will reason them out of their position because logic didn't take them there to begin with. A bigot can list 10,000 reasons why it is the other guy's fault he doesn't like them...but he's still a tiny, ignorant and nasty person.

And who the hell cares about what folks like that think anyway.

Stop worrying about how bigots perceive you. You don't have to change anything for them. And if you did, it wouldn't change anything.

As someone whose opinion of Christianity as dropped considerably over the years, I have to say you are entirely wrong. I dislike Christians because they are trying so very hard to make this country a theocracy, and to impose their values on everyone. I have no problems with the moral teachings of Christ. Jesus was a pretty cool guy. I was raised Christian and was Christian for decades myself. It is the meddling of so-called Christian leaders in politics that makes me dislike the organized religion intensely.

If your religion tells you homosexuality is wrong, fine, I don't have a problem with that. But when your religious leaders use that as a basis to deny people their civil rights, then your religion becomes society's problem.

If your religion tells you abortion is wrong, don't have one. But keep your rosaries off my body.

If your religion tells you that science is wrong, go ahead and wallow in your ignorance. But keep your religion out of my public school.

I don't think Jesus would recognize most Christian leaders as his followers today. Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Marvin Gorman, Oral Roberts, Peter Popoff, Ted Haggard, Randy and Paula White, Bishop Weeks, Juanita Bynum, Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, Bishop Joseph Keith Symons, Bishop Anthony O'Connell, Bishop Joseph Anthony Ferrario, etc. Not a particularly savory bunch.