Reality Check

Reality CheckWhat a new generation really thinks

about Christianity… and why it matters

Kevin Bowman, [email protected] Davis, [email protected] download, http://goo.gl/ic1eJ

unChristian

A quick review

• This class will focus on outsiders’ perceptions of Christianity, why they matter, and how Christians can respond to them

• “Outsider” population is growing with each new generation; we’ll focus on Busters & Mosaics, ages 16-29

• This generation shares some unique traits which influence their perceptions of Christianity– Relationships; experiences; tolerance; connected

• We are obligated; God wants us to care about these “outsiders” because He loves them

Shared perceptions

• Six broad themes– Hypocritical– Get saved!– Antihomosexual– Sheltered– Too political– Judgmental

16-29 year olds

Unfavorable Image Outsiders Churchgoers

Anti-homosexual 91% 80%

Judgmental 87% 52%

Hypocritical 85% 47%

Too involved in politics 75% 50%

Out of touch with reality 72% 32%

Old-fashioned 78% 36%

Insensitive to others 70% 29%

Boring 68% 27%

Not accepting of other faiths 64% 39%

Confusing 61% 44%

What shapes perceptions?

• Firsthand encounters with Christians & Christianity– Good news: we have relationships & influence– Not-so-good news: the message we send– 59% is experience at churches; 50% relationships;

48% other religions; 40% parents• Media has an influence, yes– Can’t be our “out” – the things we do matter more

• Painful encounters; bad personal experiences– 60% more likely among 16-29 year olds

Catch-22

• These perceptions are particularly tough on Christians aged 16-29

• They are often embarrassed to be called Christians because of Christians; reluctant of being associated with the “brand”

• Young Christians fear that claiming their faith may actually undermine their credibility & ability to connect with people

Reality check & why it matters

• Think these perceptions don’t describe you? – Too bad; they do.

• Oh, and you should care because– What people think about Christians influences

how they respond to us – people’s attitudes drive their actions

– What people think about Christians should help us be objective

– What people think about Christians can change

Hypocritical

• Current perception– Christians say one thing but live something

entirely different.• Goal perception– Christians are transparent about their flaws and

act first, talk second.

16-29 year olds

Unfavorable Image Outsiders Churchgoers

Hypocritical 85% 47%

A universal reality

• Hypocrisy is often an accepted practice among 16-29 year olds. It’s seen as a means to an end:– Can get ahead while avoiding conflict– A way to craft and maintain an “image”– Perhaps necessary to obtain wealth & fame

• Not surprised at Christian hypocrisy– We have an image to protect & maintain too

Issue #1 - the lifestyle gap• Let’s talk – what are some similarities and differences in

the way Christians and non-Christians live their lives?• Statistically, the things Christians do in any given month

are pretty much the same as the things non-Christians do – Gambling; consuming pornography; getting drunk or high;

fighting or abusing someone; lying; seeking revenge; being mean spirited (30% vs. 35%, at least one)

– Own a bible, church on Sunday, giving• Christian lives don’t match Christian beliefs

– 84% know a Christian; 15% see them living differently

Issue #2 - Christian Priorities

• What are some of the top priorities for Christians to pursue in terms of their faith? (Matthew 23:23; Galatians 3:3 & 5:1)

Priority Born-again Christians

Lifestyle – doing the right thing, being good, not sinning 37%

Discipleship – learning about Christ, learning about the Bible 31%

Evangelism – explaining/sharing your faith, leading people to Christ 25%

Worship – worshipping God, singing 25%

Relationships – loving others, making & keeping friends 23%

Service – helping others, helping the poor, serving people 18%

Stewardship – giving money, time, or resources to others, blessing others 4%

Family faith – discipling you children, shaping family faith 1%

Standard deviation

• We’ve set ourselves up for failure, and invited an image of hypocrisy, by prioritizing “being good” as #1

• Christians age 16-29 face a generation of older believers who put a high priority on avoiding sin as a measurement of faith

• This priority presents a temptation to give a false pretense of holiness; to make ourselves look like we have tamed our struggle with sin (1 John 1:8)

Masks

Next week

• Finishing up hypocrisy• Start talking about salvation tunnel-vision

• Feedback & resources– Kevin Bowman, [email protected] – Dave Davis, [email protected] – PowerPoint download, http://goo.gl/ic1eJ