Grand Rapids, Michigan: BakerBooks. c2007.

255 p.

ISBN: 978-0-8010-1300-3

"Christianity has an image problem". The attention-getting first sentence in this book introduces you to a major new research project on the perceptions of young Americans about Christians and Christianity. What began as a three-month project turned into a three-year study by the authors who are Evangelical Christians.

 

So how does Christianity look from the outside? The most common reaction of outsiders or non-Christians is that they think Christians no longer feel true compassion and care for others, that they are no longer what Jesus intended his followers to be. Outsiders perceive Christ followers as unChristian.

 

This thought-provoking book forces you to understand why these negative perceptions exist and explore how you can best reach out to outsiders in a Christlike manner. Since Christians are known for what they oppose more than what they stand for, this unChristian message is a strong wake-up call.

 

There are six broad themes that define how outsiders view Christianity and affect their understanding of Jesus: hypocritical, too focused on getting converts, antihomosexual, sheltered, too political and judgmental. Moreover, outsiders also perceive Christians are prideful and lack grace. 

 

This book goes beyond criticism to provide practical suggestions. It is a call for action without compromising our beliefs in order to link up with non-believers. Biblical insights are provided so that believers can avoid imitating the behaviors that produce these negative perceptions.

 

The tools on how best to represent Jesus to nonbelievers are the exact reverse of being unChristian. Misconceptions or myths that create mental and emotional barrier to Jesus are destroyed by clearly illustrating that the myths you treasure are the opposite of reality that is conveniently ignored.

 

I find that this book is a great tool for evangelizing. The valuable insights on how to reach the upcoming generation for Jesus Christ show us how to understand and approach them. We are motivated to learn to respond to people just the way Jesus did - with humility, grace, love and compassion.

 

Another positive point of this book is the observations from a broad cross-section of Christian leaders such as Chuck Colson, Rick Warren, Kevin Palao and John Stott. They share their thoughts, hopes and admonitions for the purpose of this church. Highly recommended.