Should Christians be concerned about the negative image of Christianity?

Question

I recently read a book called unChristian (Kinnaman) that reports the results of hundreds of research studies related to the impressions young Americans have about Christians. Interestingly, if you spend just one hour in the R&S section, you will see at least one question or answer that directly supports every significant finding in the book.

When people, primarily those outside the faith but even those inside it...and especially those in the 18 to 29 year old age group think about the term "Christian", words that come to mind include insensitive, judgmental, hypocritical, antihomosexual (or homophobic), sheltered, arrogant, and hostile.

My questions...

1. Are these perceptions an accurate reflection of the instructions Jesus gave his followers?
2. Should Christians be concerned about these negative perceptions?
3. Do all Christians share some measure of responsibility for these perceptions and, if so...
4. What should we be doing to alter these perceptions?

Voice of Reason...thumbs up because I think your perception is accurate...but I think the premise is faulty. If you shelter a child, he or she is more likely to grow up to be exactly what you said. ...but I don't think it is "necessary" to shelter a child if you want to raise them as Christian. The normal sheltering most parents provide to their children is one thing...but if we want to raise children capable of living IN this world and interacting with people that need the love of Jesus, we need to show them this world not try to protect them from it. I'm a Christian and my son is far less "sheltered" than many of his non-Christian friends...I want him to see this world for what it really is so he can learn to react to it with love instead of with fear!

To those suggesting that Christians should not be concerned about the image of Christianity, please consider that I wasn't suggesting concern motivated by self-interest. I agree that in terms of my own beliefs, I couldn't care less what others think. HOWEVER, the concern I'm speaking of is the concern that stems from Jesus' command to love others. How can a Christian NOT be concerned if even one person is turned away from the love of Jesus because he or she carries an inaccurate perception of him caused by the actions of someone that claimed to be delivering a Christian message?

Answer 1

1. The perceptions are not an accurate reflection of the instructions that Christ gave us. Perceptions are hardly ever a correct reflection of anything, because of the fact that we put a bit of ourselves and where we are in life into perceptions.

2. To a point we should be concerned about these perceptions. With a media which is slightly tilted to a liberal secularism we must understand that whatever we do negative will be reflected 100 times over. So we as Christians have a responsibility to make sure that we are not doing anything to fuel the media fire.

3. All Christians fit into one of 2 categories in this question. Those who propagate these negative perceptions or those who do not stop other Christians from propagating them. There will always be a negative perception of Christianity, Christ himself said that they will hate us because they hated him, but we must do our best not to further these negative perceptions because of our own stupidity.

4. First we all need to study the Bible before me make declarations of what it says. Most times we run into problems as Christians because of bad exegesis and hermeneutics. These bad interpretations of Scripture cause us to start spewing forth doctrine which is not found in Scripture, and drives those of us who understand Scripture up a wall.

Answer 2

1. Are these perceptions an accurate reflection of the instructions Jesus gave his followers?
How accurate do you have to be? What you are going to base that accuracy on? What translation or context are you going to use? This debate has been going on for 2000 years. You can say the same line to 100 people and get 100 different messages out of it. Some Christians do set a great example and other don't. You should be looking to them but work on your own salvation rather to think if you are better or worse than someone.

2. Should Christians be concerned about these negative perceptions?
Jesus had a very negative perception and people don't like it when they are told they are wrong. That they have to change their ways.
We are not in this world to look for approval from man only from G-d.

3. Do all Christians share some measure of responsibility for these perceptions and, if so...
Christians are task with one thing to witness to others. To tell others about the Good News. Than it is up to that person do decide.

4. What should we be doing to alter these perceptions?
You shouldn't morph the Bible to make it poltically correct. If you don't like that idea that somethings are a sin and the Bible says it is a sin well TOUGH. You go bring it up to G-d and tell Him to rewrite the Book to your way.
See how far you get.

Answer 3

1) No, not at all. Unfortunately, people like to judge the majority based upon the actions of the few. It is the same with the Islamic faith, we see them all as bomb-toting zealots when that is simply not the case, it is the fringe we are using to judge the many.
2) Christians should be concerned to a degree. There has to be some understanding that there will be a good number of angry teenagers simply looking for some construct or system to be angry at, and any attempt to reach out will be met with utter hostility. It is important to consider the image of the faith in the larger sense, though I dont feel there is much we can do about that. It isnt anyone's fault that the media seems to care more about the work of George Bush than that of Mother Teresa.
3) Unless you had direct involvement in creating these perceptions, I dont think you could be considered responsible.
4) The only thing that can really be done is to do your best to be a good Christian and hope that you are judged based on your own merits rather than by the stigmas people attach to your beliefs.

Answer 4

1. Are these perceptions an accurate reflection of the instructions Jesus gave his followers?
They are not Jesus taught a message of peace and understanding. We are to spread the Gospel but gently. Even Jesus said " I am gentle and lowly of heart"

2. Should Christians be concerned about these negative perceptions?
Absolutely, even though I believe that this perception is based on only a few radical people. It does reflect on the religion as a whole

3. Do all Christians share some measure of responsibility for these perceptions and, if so...
Again yes we do, it is our responsibility to counsel and guide those that are lost. Even if they claim to be Christians in name only.

4. What should we be doing to alter these perceptions
Actions speak louder than words. The best way to share the Gospel is by living as a good example of what a Christian truly is.

Answer 5

U have given some serious and hard questions. the term religion has undergone tremendous change over the years. once it meant a guiding path to good life. now for many youngsters it is just a manual controlling their lives and telling them what they should not do( as u said homophobic,sexual purity and related matters). christainity is much more than merely asking people shed their arrogance, immorality, homophobic tendencies and others. For many others it is something that can misinterpretd as demanded by their ideology to spread their propaganda. it is really sorry to see many use religion for inhuman purposes like terrorism. i dont think christains should be much concerend abt the negative image of their religion which people of other faiths have. had they been true believers they would have understood that all religions are just different roads that ultimately lead to the same destination. True christians do not need feel responsible. tha matter has gone out of their hands long ago.but considering the number of christians who drop out of church and who reject their faith, i think it would be betetr to make the new generation know abt the real values of christianity. they should be made understood that christaibity doesnt mean being hostile arrogant and insensitive. instead it works for the eradication of such evils and it is the absence of these negative things which makes life worth living

Answer 6

1. No they are not.

2. Yes, that is very PURPOSE that I spend time on R&S.

3 & 4. Kind of, I guess in one sense we all make mistakes and it is possible that in that mistake someone gets a wrong perception about Christians. Also Christians are a family and a community. And we are responsible to each other. So to help *ALTER* this perceptions we need to:
a.) Follow Jesus example and light out deeds shine before all men in order that they may glorify our Heavenly Father.
b.) Teach fellow Christians how to properly follow Christ.
c.) Inform a brother or sister in Christ when they are NOT following Christ properly, especially when they believe that they are.
d.) Each Christian to be willing to admit that they are not perfect.

Answer 7

The only realistic way to show God's true nature through the church is to sincerely care for one another as Jesus commanded us.
Church was not not intended to be a place where you got a list of "dos and don'ts" but rather a place to freely worship God and enjoy each others company.
It can be done, I've seen it happen before even in modern day churches. But it takes determination and a strong desire to do God's will regardless of what comes at you. Meaning religious spirits working through people who will do everything in their power to keep the church in the "dark ages" as it were.
God bless!

Answer 8

I think your question is excellent. I had a good friend who reportedly calls herself a Christian. She is judgmental and one of the most negative ppl I've ever met. She opening advertises the fact that she is a Christian and I've called her on it many times. She says to me, "this doesn't mean I can't judge ppl". My response to her was.....well you may want to tone it down a bit...you are alienating all of your co-workers. Her negativity eventually ended our friendship as I couldn't take being associated with her anymore. 'I have another friend who I've known for over 10 years, who up until this past year, I didn't even know her religious beliefs. She too is a Christian. She just doesn't go around advertising it the way this other one did. Then again, the latter friend is a grown up. Perhaps this is the difference. She practices her faith through her actions and is every bit a Christian. Me? I believe in God but don't call myself anything. I'm a spiritual person. I don't go for organized religion, but don't criticize those who do their thing I do however question those who flaunt anything in my face and will continue to do so...for I still believe....I think thou dost protest too much...just as my ex--friend did. I think the only person she was trying to convince was herself.

Answer 9

Jesus warned us in a parable that there would be tares planted among the wheat, and you can't really tell them apart until harvest time.

He told us that wolves in sheeps' clothing would arise, so we should be as wise as serpents, but as harmless as doves. He said that we would know them by their fruit.

So, no. I don't think Christians should be overly concerned. Just live your life in such a way that men would see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven, so Jesus told us. In other words, don't let your personal lifestyle be an excuse for someone else to reject Christ.

The others will have to face their own judgement when the tares are separated from the wheat and cast into the fire!

Answer 10

Great questions.
Jesus was either a genius or divine. On some days I pick one on some another. Christians today do not live up to the challenges Jesus left us, at least not in public life. Perhaps they do privately, I hope so.