Christian - what does that really mean? It seems that everyone claims to be a Christian. And how does one really know? Because we consider it some “personal” issue. So personal that we live however we want and say whatever we desire without and question. But the problem is there are questions!

I’m thirty (which is the new twenty, haha) and I hate what I see within my “religion(?).” So recently I got a new book for Christmas that is really helping me squeeze thoughts out, is called “UnChrisian” by David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons. Over the next few weeks I hope to digest this book with you. I would love to hear people’s thoughts: those who proclaim to be Christian and those who do not. Over the next weeks let’s keep in mind a few reasons for such a book.

First, this book is a research of those who consider themselves “outside” (those looking at the Christian faith from the outside). Because it’s hard to define who is Christian the book gives a good definition. A Christian is someone that is born-again and you’re a born-again Christian if you have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important to you and have you have confessed sins and accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior. Of course only God knows ones heart and reaction to Him. But you are not a Christian just because you go to church, identify as a Christian, read the Bible, or do good things for others.

Second, we’re serious about paying attention to outsiders because Jesus cares about them. It’s easy to just turn away from the perspective of people outside the church. To make some type of excuse that their “heart is hard” or “they are just making excuses.” But I’m afraid we have made their hearts hard and their “excuses” are reality (at least it’s what I see too). We’re talking about millions people and this book’s focus is on the 24 million between the ages 16-29. That is decision makers in today and tomorrow that strongly oppose Christianity.

Third, Christianity’s image problem is not just an issue for the outsider - it’s an issue for the insiders too. The born-again believers in their twenties and thirties are bringing up the same challenges, questions, and doubts facing those outside the church.

Fourth, this is a huge movement and not something that can be changed overnight. “The vast majority of Americans identify themselves as Christians; most adults in this country say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life; and nearly half are relatively active churchgoers. Of course, the depth of most Christians’ faith leaves much to be desired, but the fact is Christianity leaves an enormous footprint in America.”

I’ve already find myself looking in the mirror and asking what role did I play in how people perceive Christianity? I’ve led in bed thinking back to when I was in school and the words, actions, and attitude that may have caused someone to be nauseous at what they see - not at Jesus - at this form of Christianity I display. I hope not but I’m afraid so.

Categories: books