unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters (Review)
unChristian by David Kinnaman has been on my reading list for quite some time, and I should have placed it as a higher priority. In it, Kinnaman looks at the perception of Christians and finds a reoccurring label of “hypocritical,” “insensitive,” and “judgmental” based on broad surveys and well-organized data. Not only does Kinnaman look at the roots of these perceptions, but he provides helpful analysis on how to act and speak in a way that is both winsome and principled. I recommend the book certainly for individuals in the church, but it may also be interesting for those who once considered Christianity but have since chosen a different path.
Here are some additional excerpts and thoughts that stuck with me during my reading.
“We [Christians] have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for...[non-Christians think Christians are] entrenched-thinking, anti-gay anti-choice, angry, violent, illogical, empire-building, convert-focused people who cannot live peacefully with others. We are known for having an us-versus-them mentality.” Outsiders do not feel loved by Christians. Despite the negative assessment above, there are also a number of favorable impressions that counter the bad. “Three quarters believe Christianity has ‘good values and principles,’ and most outsiders indicate that present-day Christianity is ‘friendly.’”
“Jesus represents truth plus grace (see John 1:14). Embracing truth without holding grace in tension leads to harsh legalism, just as grace without truth devolves to compromise.”
A one-time decision to follow Jesus is unlikely to convince a non-believer to commit to Christ. Instead, focusing on how Jesus transforms Christians in the way we listen and think—growing more like Jesus in patience, love, and wisdom—this has appeal to people of all demographics. For Christians, this means discipling people and representing Christ to those who need him.
Christianity is perceived as having no spiritual vitality or mystery—just a mere set of rules and standard. Christianity is also perceived as brain-dead and stifling to curiosity. Worse, we’re perceived as living in our own world with little capacity to relate to the world around us.
The survey did not suggest Christians should stay out of politics. Instead, the results sighted a perception that Christians are pursuing an agenda that benefits only ourselves we expect too much of politics. Brandon, of the surveyed, put it like this: “the message [of Christianity] seems lost in exchange for an aggressive political strategy that demonizes segments of society...[it comes] at the expense of their own image and message.”
One interesting observation is that Christians need a more holistic understanding of the Bible in relation to politics, knowing what it says about “justice, compassion, the future, power, poverty, money, war, and the kingdom of God.” Both in and outside the church, there seems not only a great deal of biblical illiteracy, but a great deal of churches that devalue the significance of the Bible.
“We interview many young people who have fallen away from faith because it was never more than a mere allegiance to life principles, not a deep inner connection to a living God who wants his people to give themselves away in sacrifice and service.”
“We have lost sight of being for Jesus rather than against outsiders.”
It is this last quote that should be most jarring to Christians—a reminder to evaluate how others perceive our words and actions and ensure they are given with love. unChristian is a quick read, but it is a thoughtful presentation of important content with plenty to consider. I recommend the book for those interested in the cultural elements of Christianity and religion in general.
