Let it sink in . . .
March 11, 2010
You definitely want to take a look at the groundbreaking research commissioned by the Fermi Project (a broad collective of innovators, social entrepreneurs, and church and society leaders working together to make positive contributions to culture). It reveals some startling, and perhaps heartbreaking, negative perceptions held about Christians by today’s 16 – 29 year old Outsiders.
Just so you know, Outsiders is defined as those looking at the Christian faith from the outside, which includes agnostics, atheists, those affiliated with a faith other than Christianity (such as Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Mormonism, and so on) and other unchurched young adults.
The research results indicate that this group of young people places a very high value on being loyal to their friends and possess a strong need to belong, to be a part of something. Yet, they also fiercely pursue individualism.
In addition, findings show that even though they esteem fair-mindedness and diversity, they are known to be irreverent and blunt. They don’t trust things that seem too perfect, accepting that life comes with its share of messiness and off-the-wall experiences and people. Plus, being skeptical of leadership, products and institutions is part of their generational coding.
According to the study, here are the most common points of skepticism toward Christianity raised by Outsiders aged 16 – 29:
Hypocritical. Outsiders consider Christians hypocritical and they are skeptical of our morally superior attitudes. They say Christians pretend to be something unreal, conveying a polished image that isn’t accurate. Christians think the church is only a place for virtuous and morally pure people.
Too focused on getting converts. Outsiders wonder if we genuinely care about them. They feel like targets more than people. They question our motives when we try to help them “get saved,” despite the fact that many of them have already “tried” Jesus and experienced church before.
Antihomosexual. Outsiders say that Christians are bigoted and show disdain for gays and lesbians. They say Christians are fixated on curing homosexuals and on leveraging political solutions against them.
Sheltered. Christians are thought of as old-fashioned, boring, and out of touch with reality. Outsiders say we do not respond to reality in appropriately complex ways, preferring simplistic solutions and answers. We are not willing to deal with the grit and grime of people’s lives.
Too political. Another common perception of Christians is that we are overly motivated by a political agenda and that we promote and represent politically conservative interests and issues. Conservative Christians are often thought of as right-wingers.
Judgmental. Outsiders think of Christians as quick to judge others. They say we are not honest about our attitudes and perspectives about other people. They doubt that we really love people as we say we do.
Let that sink in for a good, long minute (or more).
These points of skepticism wreck me. I mean three of my four kids fall within the age range of the subjects of this research. They’re my kids’ peers. This group also includes the sweet couple that lives across the street from me. Based on this research these young people are not being drawn to Jesus by the Christian examples they’re encountering.
While it’s important to remember that the Outsiders’ points of skepticism are based on perceptions and not necessarily reality, it’s vital for us to pay attention to the mindset of Outsiders and to respond in a Christlike manner.
The good thing is negative perceptions can be reversed one person at a time – and that’s up to us Christ followers.
Want to take a more in-depth look at the six critical perceptions mentioned above, and even more importantly, explore a biblical vision for how Christians should be known? Want to engage Outsiders with the life-changing Jesus instead of an unattractive version of Him? Then a good place to start is to read UnChristian by David Kinnaman with a listening heart. I’m reading it right now.
Hey Meg,
this is insightful. Not only do “outsiders” feel this way, but having worked in youth ministry, I know for a fact that a lot of young people in the same age group that profess Christ feel this way about older Christians as well. I wonder how the outsiders and those young Christians would feel to know that they share some of the same views?
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kim. Good to hear from you!
The book I mentioned, UnChristian, confirms your personal perspective: “Among young adults who participate regularly in a Christian church, many share some of the same perceptions as Outsiders. For instance, 4 out 0f 5 young churchgoers say that Christianity is anithomosexual; half describe it as judgmental, too involved in politics, hypocritical, and confusing; one-third believe their faith is old-fashioned and out of touch with reality; and one quarter of young Christians believe it is boring and insensitive to others. These are significant proportions of young people in Christian churches who raise objections to the motivation, attitudes, and image of modern Christianity.”
I too wonder how young Outsiders and young Christians would feel to know that they have similar views. Maybe it could be a great point of relational connection that would lead to taking a probing look at what it truly means to be a Christ follower.
Exactly Meg!
If they would put their so-called “differences” aside, they would realize that there isn’t much that really separates them – and it would also be a great evangelism tool for youth to use with their non-Christian friends.
This is what I tried to help the teens to understand – that though there were perceptions on each side of what each group believed, they weren’t really that different, and that both groups probably had really skewed perceptions and preconceived notions about what it means to follow Christ looking at it from the others’ point of view.
Hi Meg,
I read it differently;could it be they often times misunderstand the Christians they are encountering? Jesus himself was misunderstood (referring to a recent teaching by Chuck Swindoll). I get very concerned when Christians are more worried about what people “think” of them then speaking the truth. “old fashioned faith”, “out of touch with reality”? sorry, faith IN JESUS CHRIST, is the ultimate REALITY.
Hi Margie. Thanks for checking in and thanks for your thoughts!
Absolutely. I’m willing to bet that a good many of the Outsiders’ perceptions were formed due to misunderstandings. I’ve been misunderstood as a Christian. But I don’t think that’s the case across the board.
Speaking for myself, I know I have to own some responsibility for any negative perceptions out there about Christians.
I know I’m a hypocrite sometimes. (My kids will verify that!) I know I’ve been quick to judge. I know there are times when I just don’t love people as Jesus commands. Plus, I know I’ve spoken the truth NOT in love.
So it makes sense to me that Christianity would take a hit, resulting in some negative perceptions, because of me.
I agree. We definitely don’t want our primary concern to be about what people think of us. Being a Christ follower isn’t about winning any popularity contests.
For me, to know someone’s perception, whether it’s reality or not, is to know where they’re coming from — and I think that can provide a place to connect.