My last post (see below or click on archives) began a conversation on the perspective of the church from the vantage point of people that do not attend or have not attended for many years.
Dan Kimball has written a book and many articles on how the unchurched view spiritual things and the church in American culture. Here is the link to an article that I read on the topic.Â
Here are some common perceptions from people related to church life:
- The church is simply “organized religion” and has a political agenda as its primary motivation. I personally believe one of the worst “marriages” in our culture has been between the church and political conservatives that has formed the “religious right”. In many ways this has caused people to miss Jesus amidst all the political rhetoric.
- Many people perceive the church to be full of “hypocrites” that preach their beliefs but do not “practice what they preach”. They see the church or church people as being too judgmental and negative. We are known more for what we are against rather then what we are for! Jesus speaks against this type of attitude in Matthew 23.Â
- Many perceive the church to be led mostly by men who want to keep women oppressed and “in their place”.Â
- Many believe that the church has inadequately addressed the homosexual issue and comes across as “homophobic”.
- Some people see the church as “arrogantly” presenting their beliefs as “right” and all other religious beliefs as “wrong”.
- Most unchurched people view the church as a bunch of “religious fanatics or fundamentalists” that take the Bible literally and use it to shove their message down other people’s throats.
My desire is to take the most incredible and exciting message ever delivered and share it in the most incredible and exciting manner. (I do believe that the bible is God’s Word) I believe it is a sin to make the Bible boring!
We are accountable for how we reflect Jesus to the world. We should humble ourselves and love others in a way that allows people to see Jesus in us and through us.
Invest in a friendship today and invite them to church with you this weekend!
