unChristian.6

6.23.13

          “So many Christians are caught up in the Christian subculture and are completely closed off from the world. We go to church on Wednesdays, Sundays, and sometimes Saturdays. We attend small group on Tuesday night and serve on the Sunday school advisory board, the financial committee, and the welcoming committee. We go to barbeques with our Christian friends and plan group outgoings We are closed off from the world. Even if we wanted to reach out to nonChristians, we don’t have time and we don’t know how. The only way we know how to reach out is to invite people to join in our Christian social circle.” – 28 yr old Christian describes how Christians prevent their selves from engaging the world around us.

          Chapter 6 focuses in on the perspective that Christians are sheltered. Outsiders believe that Christians are:
1. Out of tune with reality. Outsiders view Christians to no longer be in step with their ever-changing fast paced lives.
2. Lacking spiritual vitality and mystery. Many surveyed outsiders have been to church and haven’t experienced God through the church. This allows them to view Christianity as a lack of supernatural description but rather a religion of rules and standards. Personally, this is unfortunate and makes me sad knowing how much I see the mystery in Christianity. And the moments when the Spirit draws me in and I’m left in awe.
3. Christians aren’t thinkers. Outsiders doubt that the Christian lifestyle boosts intellect. That it stifles curiosity and Christians become unwilling to face their doubts and questions.
For myself, I have grown increasingly in the dynamics of my thinking since becoming a Christian. There comes moments where I’m baffled by certain biblical view points, and seek to find the answers. I can personally say how little Christianity has stifled my thinking. It pushes me to grow and answer the hard questions.
4. Christians live in their own world. They remain in the church bubble and neglect those around them.

           This is easy for many Christians, and I believe this is a real issue. But when the Gospel begins to saturate your daily living, sharing Christ with those who haven’t come to follow him becomes more and more present in your life. It is definitely something that needs to be worked on by all.

The author also points out the deep needs this generation's young people have. This generation faces more violent settings than 40-50yrs ago, growing up with one parent, media swimming with sexual content, premarital sex, substance abuse, depression and struggling with loneliness, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among people 15-24yrs of age. Looking at the sheltered unChristian perspective, Christians will not be able to help this generation find Christ.

                                              Response to the sheltered perspective:

• Accepting responsibility. It’s our duty to engage the world. Jesus calls us to. Guiding, preserving, or protecting is not easy and automatic. The world does not come at our doorstep, it takes effort and sacrifice. 
•  Not being fearful. (1 John 4:18) “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment…” God’s love is perfect. My biggest struggle with sharing the Gospel is that I act out of fear of loss. That I wish not to sacrifice a relationship due to my beliefs. Which is selfish to both parties and puts human relations before Gods. 
•  Not being offended. (John 16:33) “..In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Being offended is the wrong response in attempting to connect with outsiders. Outsiders are living out their human nature. We wouldn’t be that different if it weren’t for God’s grace. Jesus never took offense when his invitation to follow him was rejected. 
•  Helping the desperate. Christ instructs us to reach the end of the Earth with the life changing message of the Gospel. God wants to use us in the gritty, raw places of other’s life. 
•  Being prepared. When Christians shelter themselves, letting “someone else” answer the worlds doubts and address its problems, they abdicate their biblical role to be spiritual influencers. It is incumbent on us to develop our hearts and minds so that we can fulfill our role as agents of spiritual, moral, and cultural transformation. 
•  Keeping balance. “Being salt and light demands two things: we practice purity in the midst of a fallen world and yet we live in proximity to this fallen world. If you don't hold up both truths in tension, you invariably become useless and separated from the world God loves For example, if you only practice purity apart from proximity to the culture, you inevitably become pietistic separatist, and conceited. If you live in close proximity to the culture without also living in a holy manner, you become indistinguishable form fallen culture and useless in God’s kingdom.” – Mike Metzger.

Avoiding certain situations because it might lead you to sin or allowing time to be alone to refocus in on the relationship between you and God are both healthy things. But when Christians become too sheltered that they are unable or unwilling to reach outsiders who need Jesus, there arises a problem. The conclusion I [the author, David Kinnaman] hope you draw is that a fragmented world requires diverse means of engagement. We are to bring Jesus to others but the world is a unique place and each relationship is different.

Journal Entry

Recent journal entry 6.2.1:

[context: a tornado hit close to my university and the winds and storm damaged most of the trees. It’s an extremely minor case as compared to Oklahoma and past storms]

…The sad thing is how easily I couldn’t stand the thought of staying in my apartment without the electricity. Which brings me to my a few different immediate processing. 

             1. We rely on technology. There’s thousands of people down south who have experienced much worse of a storm. And I couldn’t last but a day before I drove to my parents for a good night’s rest in the AC. I stayed at a friend’s house in the area that was still with power to charge my phone and remain comfortable. I’m thankful I have those outlets, but if I didn’t, how would I react? It makes me sick to think of it, because I know the answer isn’t what I would like it to be.

              2. The Earth. It too groans with chaos and rebellion. Missing the shalom of God. The destruction of trees littered about the roads. It brings me clarity. Our human race is not in charge. We are not in control as we, especially myself, like to think We are creatures residing on a rock covered in water, held by gravity – a force that’s hard to comprehend on its own – being flung in an ellipse at an unfathomable speed (108,000 km/hr or 67,062mi/hr), while spinning rather fast on an axis.  Amazing to think of. But we simply discovered those facts. We did not create the Earth . We manipulate the resources we have thinking we are in control. But the recent storm, one that is minor compared to all over the world. The past years, it is clear we are not in control. I am not. But God is. He created. He has the same power to destroy. Which is scary. But I’m thankful God is sovereign. And He is in the business of redeeming.

         All in all, I wanted to make the point that I have to remind myself often of. I am not in control. Most of us think we are. I have weird tendencies that bring me comfort when I see the uncontrollability in my life. Which is ultimately sin since I’m not trusting God to bring me comfort and the lack of trust I have for his control and working in my life. But God is in control. Even when we don’t see it. Or when we don’t feel like He is. But without Him, how exactly would we be here?

unChristian.5

 6.9.13

         God created sexuality, so it is good, but it can be expressed in wrong ways. Every one of us, gay or straight or whatever, expresses sexuality in broken ways.

          The 5^th chapter is on Homosexuality. One that I was excited to dig into, but also very apprehensive. I have homosexual friends that know I’m a Christian. But very few of them understand my stance on their life style. Do I agree with it, or don’t I? It’s my own fault that I haven’t made clear my stance on biblical teaching. This is out of fear and the feeling of inadequacy. The lack of knowledge isn’t an excuse for me to not discuss the topic. So this chapter deals with how many homosexuals view us based on those “screaming the loudest” per se. 

          --91% of outsiders said “antihomosexual" accurately describes present day Christianity. 

          Here is some real viewpoints that Christians have admitted to from Barna’s Group research. Christians believe events like 9.11 and hurricane Katrina are God’s judgment on homosexuals. Christians use coarse jokes and offensive language to describe homosexuals, such as fags and sodomists. During their research, many homosexuals turned the company to the “God-hates-gays” websites. 

          “As you will see, our criticism of homosexuals is not only ineffective, but also repels people. One survey respondent put it, “I cannot imagine Jesus actually treating gays and lesbians like Christians do today.” 

          This research shows that people believe Christians completely reject homosexuals. Not just their lifestyle. Where does the change need to happen for them to feel love and accepted as a person? Displaying God’s love. How He loved the world before it knew Him and still as His people rejected Him. 

Biblical responses:

·         Everyone can have sexual baggage, but also have sexual wholeness. Develop a process within your church or your life that allows people to work through sexual issues in a context of accountability respect, and transparency.

·         Christians expect overnight results and are impatient with the need to cultivate deep, candid relationships and interactions of trust.

·         True connection to people and to Christ happens most often when we love and serve them. Love is patient and kind. It does not keep record of wrongs. It always believes the best. Love never fails.

·         Think of past/present experiences homosexuals have had with unChristian faith. The types of thins written, spoken, or emailed. Our words in us-vs.-them used as a weapon. Think of James 1:26 in this light.

          It is easy to learn what words are offensive and simply avoid them; it is much harder to find meaningful ways to speak the truth in love. If your theology says homosexuality is wrong and sinful, is it still true that homosexuals have deep sexual needs, just like the rest of us? How can we not utter compassionate words and perform compassionate acts?

          Homosexuality is a simple issue. The young outsiders we interviewed explained that most Christians seem to spend little energy in actually getting to know homosexuals or what happens in the lives of those who have some type of same-sex attraction or encounter. This lack of interaction leads Christians to misunderstand the complexity of issues facing gays/lesbians. Opening conversation is a key element in addressing anyone’s brokenness and need for Christ. But that means trust and relationships. Which takes time.

unChristian.4

4.19.13

“We are not likely to change another adult’s spiritual trajectory by a comment here or a small dose of Jesus there. If we really want to help outsiders see the unique freedom available through Christ a simplistic get-saved message is an insult to their intelligence.”

        The above quote is a great wrap up and way to set the mood of chapter four of unChristian. It focuses on certain perceptions held, or myths, of the significance of faith-sharing activities. And what the reality is along with what is really effective. Which I’m going to summarize as best as I can.

Myth: The best evangelism efforts are those that reach the most people at once.

Reality: The most effective efforts are interpersonal relationship based. Most young people come to Christ because of people they know, usually very well as compared to strangers.
       I find this true in any setting of life. Relationships allow you to connect with other. Understand what gets under their skin, and what lifts them up. Knowing the way a person learns, if they are an introvert or extravert will allow you to experience life with them easier. 

Myth: We cannot worry about the possibility of offending people when sharing the truth about Jesus.

Reality: Obeying the command to make disciples does not give us license to offend people. Especially when those offenses are actually inhibiting us from fullfilling that very commandment. True respect for people is a key factor in effective evangelism.
(2 Timothy 2:22-24) “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolishness and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
         Yes, the Gospel is a powerful message that can be offensive. You are bringing peoples sin into the light. No one, not even myself, likes to hear they are a “bad person” especially to the magnitude that the Bible presents us with. It hurts. But that does not allow you to be unkind. Key thing to remember is truth without love is empty. It can do more harm than good.

Myth: Everyone has an equal chance of becoming a Christ follower.

Reality: Based on extensive research on this topic, our data points out clearly that the faith trajectory of the vast majority of Americans is mapped out before they become adults. We are not likely to change people’s trajectory by a comment here or there.
       I’ve come to understand this with my own family. They are practicing Catholics which is a works based faith. Me coming home and mentioning bits of the Gospel doesn’t change their outlook. It takes work. Development of deeper relationships and addressing deep rooted issues. And allowing the beauty and the truth of the cross to be repeated multiple times. 

Myth: We just need to help outsiders find a connection with God.

Reality: 42% of outsiders said they’re skeptical and distrustful of faith and religion. Part of that is fierce independence. They don’t want to be whipped up into a state of emotionalism and reliance on faith. 

     “Experiencing and feeling” God sounds paranormal to outsiders. It puts them out of their comfort zone and makes them skeptical sometimes. For part of the generation that does things by the book and logically based actions, religion doesn’t fit into that category.

        Scripture is clear that there is a basic starting point to the Christian faith: admitting that we need Jesus. People accept the message and enter the Christian faith without any hoops to jump through. And more than just going to church on Sundays but entering a community. Establishing relationships that allow spiritual transformation.
There are 3 outcomes that are most common in spiritual transformation of Christians:
1. Thinking. “Our research shows there is a primary reason why ministry to teens fails to produce a lasting faith is because they are not being taught to think.” Young people experience a one-size-fits-all message that fails to connect with their unique sensibilities, personality, or intellectual capabilities. Young people need to be taught how to process the rich complexities of life.
2. Loving. If we are transformed by our faith, we change the way we perceive and love people. Just because a person believes the right thing about Jesus, does not automatically make the person loving. “We do not look like Jesus to outsiders because we do not love outsiders as Jesus does.”
3. Listening. Knowing the right answers is not sufficient; we have to be able to apply what we know. The first step is realizing what we don’t know. Listening to God through the Bible and often through other people, is how we learn.

        To wrap up the “avoid the get saved” message that is often displayed is just a few comments.

Why should the most important message in human history be perceived as a cheap marketing gimmick? If outsiders stop listening, we can’t simply just turn up the volume.
I’ve come to remember with each and every person I encounter. They are broken. They are loved and accepted. They have just as much Grace that I have been blessed with. And most importantly, God views them as cherished treasures to be saved. Every person has a unique history and perspective on Christianity. Different lifestyles need different approaches.
And relationships are a commitment. An ongoing one that if abruptly ended, an outsider is hindered with the ability of the life-long joyful commitment to Christ.

unChristian.3

3.16.13

The third chapter discussed hypocrisy among Christians. I’m going to quote a lot of the book because it says everything I’d like to say in a clearer view.

“…Older born again Christians need to look more carefully at what Jesus teaches, that spiritual maturity is demonstrated in a life as an outcome of the condition of a person’s heart and soul, that behavior follows belief. And younger born again Christians need to take an honest assessment of their lives and realize that they are increasingly poor witnesses of a life and mind transformed by their faith. Embracing personal integrity and rejecting compromises to personal purity are crucial goals for young believers. We cannot hope to shed our hypocritical label if our lifestyle offers no proof of the “fruit” of Christlikeness. These are tough realities to think about, but we must do so if we hope to shift our reputation from unChristian to Christian.”
This paragraph sums up this chapter pretty well.

Unfortunately, a lot of outsiders are turned off to Christianity due to the hypocrisy in Christians. Now, understand the definition of hypocrisy: the practice of professing beliefs, feeling, or virtues that one does not hold or posses. “It is not hypocrisy when a pastor preaches against a sin with which he is personally struggling.”

Hope that clears the air, but the generation which is up and coming does not portray the life of Christ. Many young adult Christians still participate in drunkenness, gambling, pre-marital sex, same-sex relations, and illegal drugs. This allows those outside of the Christian faith to label Christians hypocritical as a whole since we claim to avoid those things.

As stated in the first half of the paragraph, older adult Christians have a lifestyle standard. Their Christian life follows the trend of “being a good person leads your relationship with God to be better.” However, that is not the good news of Jesus. The Gospel is that God’s work (sending His son to live a perfect life and die on the cross for our sins) has freed us from the endless striving to measure up to God’s standards (unachievable perfection). Which is why behavior follows belief. Not the other way around.
Yet the young adult Christian lifestyle portrays the opposite.

The balance should be easy. Found in the Bible: to be transparent first. To admit that we are all broken, sinful people that need to be saved by God. Not once. Not twice. But every single day.

"As an example, consider the difficult subject of abortion. For many women, it is easier to keep the “problem” hidden than to be candid. It doesn’t make the situation easier for young women who feel they have no other option. But what better place to deal with the difficulties of these pregnancies than within the church? Are we openly and honestly talking about sexual issue in our churches? Or are we hiding behind religious pretenses, pushing people away who have deep hurts and need? Are we helping people understand the gravity of their choices but also displaying a clear process to restoration, including providing financially for women and adoptive families? Do we wait until a person is forced to anguish over abortion, or do we nurture soft-hearedness and transparency in her life? Have we created relationships and expectations within our churches in which older women are accessible and transparent with younger women about their struggles – not just occasionally, but ongoing, real-life ways?
Based on our research, Christians are not defined by such transparency but by adherence to rigid rules and strict standards."

A general response (for Christians) from the book

• To be transparent and visible to others.
• Young people need leaders to be authentic. To be transparent and authentic require a certain balance.
• Don't use the cop-out "Christians aren't perfect, just saved." Scripture looks at the deep fractures of our heart and tells us to admit that we can never prove our worth; Jesus made us worthy by His sacrifice.
• Insure the motivation of transparency is right. Culture teaches people to be candid and blunt, but this usually revolves around self-centeredness. This is transparency for the sake of shock value and personal entitlement. Be motivated to confess your sins and bring light into the darkness before God.
• Out of that motivation, trust the outcome of restoration from God. "Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.." (James 5:16)