Read what Barna.org says introducing the new frontline article:As the nation’s culture changes in diverse ways, one of the most significant shifts is the declining reputation of Christianity, especially among young Americans. A new study by The Barna Group conducted among 16- to 29-year-olds shows that a new generation is more skeptical of and resistant to Christianity than were people of the same age just a decade ago.
The article continues by noting:
The study shows that 16- to 29-year-olds exhibit a greater degree of criticism toward Christianity than did previous generations when they were at the same stage of life. In fact, in just a decade, many of the Barna measures of the Christian image have shifted substantially downward, fueled in part by a growing sense of disengagement and disillusionment among young people. For instance, a decade ago the vast majority of Americans outside the Christian faith, including young people, felt favorably toward Christianity’s role in society. Currently, however, just 16% of non-Christians in their late teens and twenties said they have a "good impression" of Christianity.
This is very telling:
Even among young Christians, many of the negative images generated significant traction. Half of young churchgoers said they perceive Christianity to be judgmental, hypocritical, and too political. One-third said it was old-fashioned and out of touch with reality.
And finally,
When young people were asked to identify their impressions of Christianity, one of the common themes was "Christianity is changed from what it used to be" and "Christianity in today’s society no longer looks like Jesus." These comments were the most frequent unprompted images that young people called to mind, mentioned by one-quarter of both young non-Christians (23%) and born again Christians (22%).
These are not only staggering statistics but also discouraging statistics as we consider the future of America's Evangelical church. In all, these statistics do not shock me, but what does shock me is that when America's church is trying with all its might to be more relevant to culture (e.g. the Emerging Church) and to be more "acceptable" to society, yet society itself recognizes that this is not true and authentic Christianity. It means alot when the secular world says of us, "Christianity in today's society no longer looks like Jesus." So we see that we are no longer living in such a way as to be radical witnesses for Jesus.
Granted, the article has some good and helpful notes, but let us take this to heart. Shame on us for making the church fit right in with culture. It deeply grieves me when I hear nonbelievers say that Christians today live no different than pagans do, and, if you look at statistics on divorce rates, abortions, acceptance of a homosexual lifestyle, it is no wonder why people say these things.
May we take Paul's exhortation to the church in Ephesus to heart when he writes:
Ephesians 5:1-5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 3 But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
