I’ve been reading a new book (or at least new to me) called Unchristian by David Kinnaman. This book is based on years of research performed by the Barna Group. It is aimed at how Christians are perceived by those outside of the church. Why does this matter? Their perceptions tell us how effective our Christian witness has been at reaching these people. When people have a negative view of Christianity we tend to get defensive. We are quick to place blame on the values of a changing society, but this is often not the case. Most of the negative views people hold come from real, first-hand, negative experiences with Christians. Sadly, these negative experiences cause us to lose credibility and the opportunity to share the gospel with others.
Christians are primarily perceived for what they stand against. We have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for.
UnChristian pg. 26
Barna Group conducted a study to learn what those outside the church really think about Christians. In another study, they found that the same sentiments were shared by young church-goers. The following list identifies the most prevalent responses. Christians are seen as:
- Hypocritical
- Judgmental
- Too focused on getting converts (conditional acceptance)
- Sheltered
- Anti-homosexual
- Too political
Jesus was also criticized during his ministry, but for opposite reasons. The religious leaders of the day criticized his outreach to sinners!
And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:2
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:34
It’s ironic that Christians have the reputation for rejecting the very people Christ came to save. It’s difficult to reconcile when our claim of being a follower of Christ conflicts with the way we treat others. We have to acknowledge that there is often a disconnect between our behavior and the example Jesus set for us. The sad truth is that we have driven many people away from Jesus by treating them in an un-Christian manner. Even though the truth revealed by this book hurts, it doesn’t make it any less true.
Have you ever been on the receiving end of an Un-Christian interaction? It’s hurtful, and for some it can be faith-shaking. As Christians, we need to step back and take a long hard look at ourselves. Are we showing love or judgement to our neighbors? Are we really following the example of Christ, or have Christians become the Pharisees of today?
You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Matthew 15:7-9
Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:4-5
The good news is that perceptions can change, because we can change! To do this, however, we must recognize our sins of pride and self-righteousness. We must then do what we expect others to do- ask for forgiveness and turn away from those sins. Only then can we achieve meaningful change that is capable of impacting the lives of others. To be Christians means humbling ourselves and taking the role of a servant (Phillipians 2:7), just as our savior did.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
Seek and You Will Find 
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