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Topic: unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity and Why

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L. G. (L)
Subject: unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity and Why
Date Posted: 8/27/2008 4:19 AM ET
Member Since: 9/5/2005
Posts: 12,412
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unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity and Why it Matters by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons

Wow - what a great book!  This book is basically a report about the stereotypes surrounding the Christian faith, why young people have those stereotypes, and how Christians contribute to those stereotypes.  It's written (by Christians) as an informative guide for ministers and people of the Christian faith.  The research was done by the Barna Group on a grant supplied by the Fermi Project.  They assessed the common feelings, perceptions and beliefs of young adults (under 30) about Christianity and identified a set of stereotypes most often cited.  They then looked at what Christians, including churches, were doing that might contribute to those stereotypes and suggested a different approach to behavior and ministry.  It's basically a huge, thoughtful, introspective "look in the mirror" wake-up call to Christians, and a call to return to Christ-like behavior (and Christs' teachings) on a personal level in the way they think, believe and act on a daily basis.  It's been touted by multiple people of faith as a book "every Christian should read" but IMO, it's a book everyone should read, especially those who live in a society where the major religion is Chrisitianity.

My only criticism of the book is that it can get bogged down with statistics, and if someone is not used to reading non-fiction it may be difficult.  Overall, I thought it was well-written and well worth the read. ( I was given a copy by a Christian friend and read it in about 4 days.  Which is fast for me, LOL!)



Last Edited on: 8/27/08 4:24 AM ET - Total times edited: 1
Generic Profile avatar
Subject: Website--Problem Page
Date Posted: 8/27/2008 4:23 PM ET
Member Since: 9/24/2007
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I went to this website last night and it was really good!  I challenge each one of you to go to the website and read it all the way to the end.  Won't take but a couple of minutes, that's depending on how fast of a reader you are.  This is for Christians and Non-Christians alike!

http://www.wildolive.co.uk/problempage.htm

surfgirl avatar
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Date Posted: 8/27/2008 4:32 PM ET
Member Since: 1/11/2007
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L.,

Thanks for that link.  I've added the book to my WL.

When I brush my teeth each night before I go to bed, I look at myself in the mirror and say, "If I was the only example of a Christian that the people I encountered today ever saw, what would their opinion of Christians be?"  Unfortunately, I think I fail miserably.  But I try.

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L. G. (L)
Date Posted: 8/27/2008 5:43 PM ET
Member Since: 9/5/2005
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Deborah's post: Just FYI....The link has nothing to do with the book, or the topic or anything except proselytization.   Report filed.

 



Last Edited on: 8/27/08 5:49 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
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L. G. (L)
Date Posted: 8/27/2008 5:50 PM ET
Member Since: 9/5/2005
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Marsha I think most people of all faiths do that on a fairly regular basis.  At least I hope they would! :)  The book is really interesting - I think you will like it.  I had to give my copy back or I would send it to you.

 

deltatiger avatar
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Date Posted: 8/28/2008 3:03 AM ET
Member Since: 12/19/2005
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*Sigh*  Another book to add to my wishlist.  Would you all stop being so interesting!

sevenspiders avatar
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Date Posted: 8/28/2008 10:00 AM ET
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ditto to what Kari said, adding it to the TBR pile.

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Date Posted: 8/28/2008 10:38 AM ET
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There's another one to add to the list of books I have on hold at the library.
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L. G. (L)
Date Posted: 8/28/2008 2:26 PM ET
Member Since: 9/5/2005
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Here is the YouTube video interview with the first author, David Kinnaman.  I can't see it, so not sure what it says but it may be of interest to some.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mKfg2mrMP4

 

And here's a nice USA today article about it:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-10-10-christians-young_N.htm

 



Last Edited on: 8/28/08 2:57 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
RockStarGirl avatar
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Date Posted: 8/28/2008 7:23 PM ET
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I noticed that the rogue poster in this thread is no longer an account holder....is that a temporary spanking?  That's not the first time, is it?

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L. G. (L)
Date Posted: 8/28/2008 9:26 PM ET
Member Since: 9/5/2005
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Amanda, I will send you a PM.  I don't think it's polite to discuss it openly. Suffice it to say it's been taken care of.

 

Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 8/29/2008 6:36 PM ET
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ha ha ha ha ha ........so this forum had a "ringer" . . . .

kinda different from most bell ringers, ain't it?

Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 8/30/2008 4:54 PM ET
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The book looks interesting, I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

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Date Posted: 11/25/2008 9:01 AM ET
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Barna is shaking up things with his books. He is a good researcher and wants us Christians to take a hard look at who we are. I have read some of his other books in the past. I would recommend any of his stuff.

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Date Posted: 11/30/2008 5:06 PM ET
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Last Edited on: 2/21/10 7:11 AM ET - Total times edited: 1
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L. G. (L)
Date Posted: 12/2/2008 1:46 AM ET
Member Since: 9/5/2005
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Marilyn, I think you would love it.

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Date Posted: 1/10/2009 11:24 PM ET
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i don't usually post but as a christain who has gone through this book as a bible study with my small group. i have to say what an amazing challenege it is to me and an eyeopener to some of the people i go to church regurly. i did not become a christain until later in life so i grew up loving all kinds of people no matter what kind of life they lead and when i became a christain i had a hard time with what i thought was expected of me i.e anti-homesexuallity. so reading this book and finding out that i am not the only christain that thinks it wrong to completely exile myself from "outsiders "it was completly refreshing