Could this be a few reasons why many are not interested in Christianity ?

Question

Christian Post Reporter
Tue, Sep. 25 2007 11:19 AM ET
Study: Christianity No Longer Looks Like Jesus

Negative perceptions toward the Christian faith have outweighed the positive as a growing percentage of younger Americans associate with a faith outside Christianity.

Only 16 percent of non-Christians aged 16 to 29 years old said they have a "good impression" of Christianity, according to a report released Monday by The Barna Group.

Common negative perceptions among non-Christians is that present-day Christianity is judgmental (87 percent), hypocritical (85 percent), old-fashioned (78 percent), and too involved in politics (75 percent).

Answer 1

Well, from the answers you've gotten it is obvious that these reasons and others have given a very negative perception of Christianity. It is important to note however, atheist views notwithstanding, that these persons have not turned to atheism, but to religions outside of Christianity. The article does not list the religions or percentages, but these could be anything from Judaism, Islam, or various forms of paganism. In any case, these persons still are attempting to fill a spiritual need, however inappropriately.
Jesus foretold that true worship would become contaminated by apostate Christianity. (Matthew 13:24-26) The apostles continued to warn against this.(Acts 20:29, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Peter 2:1) These false Christians have proliferated. True Christians are few by comparison. (Note Matthew 7:13-14)

Answer 2

In my opinion Christian church's have not changed much. They still produce good caring people. Rather, as you say, the perception has changed, not Christianity. I think the reason for this negtive perception is for two reasons. The first is an abnormally loud minority of fundies, who make Christianity look silly, and probably in accordance with the negative characteristics sited. All you have to do is read some of the things they write on YA, or wach that documentary they did on that fundamentalist bible camp for kids. The other has a lot to do with at least the first 10 responses I read on to this question. By that I mean, atheists and the liberal media who unfarily perpetuate this negative view of Christianity. I understand that there are people in the church, just like everywhere else, who do bad things. But based on my experience with my church (Catholic), and other Christian church's I've been to, those people are in the overwhelming minority. But instead of focusing on the hospitals we build, the hungry we feed, and the naked we clothe, those people/entities prefer to focus only on the negative aspects. I think this is very sad, but I also think that those people will have to answer for this someday, because ultimately what they're doing leads people away from the church, and consequently further from God.

Answer 3

I can see why these are the statistics, because I have felt that way. There are always going to be people who are self righteous, boastful, loud, corrupt or ignorant around regardless of what the name of the group is. It is really a shame. The goodness that a church does in a community gets overlooked. Nay-sayers focus in on all the flaws, but that does not change the fact that Jesus lived.

Here's an interesting addition to your question...If all Christians were perfect, would you become one?

Answer 4

motives why that's is with the help of the fact initially Jesus suggested it may be. and because people think of that they could do something say sorry or now and returned not at all and God is sooooo merciful that he forgives each thing no count what. so easily they're Lawless. some call themselves a Christian meaning follower of Christ yet they do no longer the flaws that Christ did. Jesus himself suggested in Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth bypass, one jot or one tittle shall in no sensible bypass from the regulation, till all be fulfilled. there are end time prophesies interior the previous testomony that have not been fulfilled yet yet everybody is looking themselves new testomony believers and thoroughly overlook appropriate to the previous testomony. Jesus himself even made a connection with the e book of Daniel in Matthew 24:15 and it says whosoever readeth permit him understand. and Jesus nonetheless stored the sabbath and the disciples nonetheless stored it even after his dying. now some Christians bypass to church on the 1st day of the week and not the seventh day as God commanded. and protecting the sabbath is between the ten commandments. and we are to have no graven photographs or idols and Sunday church homes have crosses, pictures of Jesus, statues of Mary, christmas timber, (examine Jeremiah 10:a million-5) jesus referred to there being yet another Jesus which will study, the sunday church is that different Jesus reason they say they seem to be a follower of Christ yet their strikes say something else.

Answer 5

Christianity has never been popular. Remember, the majority of Jesus' people had Him executed.

Christianity is a hard, narrow way. Many who are raised in the faith fall away. It is too hard for them. Many who hear about it hear from negative sources. Most hearing about it either dismiss it or deride it, as those dismissed or derided Jesus.

We, who believe, know that the truth shall set you free. Being of the minority, we still espouse the truth knowing that those who have ears to hear and eyes to see will be set free from the world. This is what Jesus said thousands of years ago. It is still the truth.

Yours in Christ Jesus, Grace

Answer 6

"Common negative perceptions among non-Christians is that present-day Christianity is judgmental (87 percent), hypocritical (85 percent), old-fashioned (78 percent), and too involved in politics (75 percent)."

Seems like public opinion is spot-on to me, for once. I know a few true Christians, many "Christians" (who say they believe but act more like pagans), and a lot of preachy Christians who are very pushy and hypocritical with their views and not informed in the least. The last lot are only tolerable to be around when they close their mouths and open their ears, which doesn't happen very often in my experience.

Answer 7

Yes, I agree - let's ask ourselves which elements in society are pushing the line that Christians are judgemental, hypocritical, old-fashioned and too involved in politics? I know which elements on here are constantly pushing that wheelbarrow (wink, wink, nudge, nudge ... the At----ts).

And, just who is "The Barna Group" and why should I trust their statistics?

Answer 8

I think people are threatened by who Jesus actually is and what relationship with Him would mean to them personally. Because they are scared of this or dislike it, they focus on judging His servants as an excuse to not come closer to Him.

We all need God. But not everybody wants to admit that and submit to a loving King.
http://www.livingwaters.com/good/

If you recall, some people had pretty negative things to say about Jesus when He walked the earth too. They accused Him of being aligned with satan and some tried to throw Him off cliffs, etc. Jesus was out to be a truthful witness, not win a popularity contest. His followers should follow His example.

Answer 9

Old Fashioned - Just gimme that old time religion,
Judgemental -- there are strict moral rules,
Involved in politics - we would enjoy a morally guided government
hypocritical - it would appear Christians are the black
kettle as far the little pots are concerned.

There are still a great number of youths that are walking
the Patriotic and/or Christian path, and we're praying for the rest of you.

Answer 10

God´s word.

Even Jesus reject christians in Matthew 7:21-23.