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Reality Check

Reality Check. What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters. Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download , www.cordovachurch.com/reality. Too political. Current perception

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Reality Check

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  1. Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality

  2. Too political • Current perception • Christians are primarily motivated by a political agenda and promote right-wing politics • Goal perception • Christians are characterized by respecting people, thinking biblically, and finding solutions to complex issues

  3. Recap • Why the perception exists • Well-known Christian politicians • The Christian influence • The media’s “unified” portrayal • The polarized environment • Why it matters • Behaving unlike Christians in the name of politics is hinders relationship • We need to be wary of being “used” by politics. Young Christians are disgusted by this misuse of Christ’s people. • Values are shifting, and will continue to shift, away from tradition. The way we are politically active must take this into account.

  4. So what should we do? • Does society’s shifting value-base mean we simply “roll over” or stand down? • Absolutely not. Yet, Christians must consider how to be relevant & influential in this “new era.” • “Beat them with the Bible” will not work; share truth through personal relationship • Should we place a higher value on respecting others than on our own personal integrity? • No; but this does not mean that it’s not a close race • We can respect without compromising

  5. Changing the perception • Less “high & mighty,” more intelligent & honest discourse • Beware assumptions about political views; don’t be afraid to learn • Avoid isolation; engage with those you disagree with

  6. Changing the perception • Our passion for politics should not be the primary way in which others see our faith • Be open to talking & listening, and doing so without an agenda to change someone’s mind • Be wary of getting caught in the echo chamber; don’t be sheep or parrots

  7. Changing the perception • Because Christians have influence, politics can be seductive in the wrong ways (pride, power, boastfulness, worldly vs. Godly allegiance) • With successes, it is tempting to believe that the church has been called to shape electoral process • “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

  8. Changing the perception • Regardless of whether we’re the minority or majority, Christians should respect the political process • Legislating morality • Political process is not always the best way to solve societal problems

  9. Changing the perception • Finding balance – we cannot be silent & ignorant, but we must realize there are non-political ways to shape & influence culture • As a global tool for Christ, we need to keep domestic politics in perspective • Media, arts, entertainment, politics, education, church, business, science

  10. Promises

  11. Go vote!

  12. Sheltered • Current perception • Christians are boring, un-intelligent, old-fashioned and out of touch with reality • Goal perception • Christians are engaged, informed and offer sophisticated responses to the issues people face

  13. The Christian “brand” • Like it or not we have been branded • McDonalds, Apple, Starbucks, Disney, Pepsi • Christians have been simplified to something that can be used or consumed • Christianity is not seen as a product that can transform this world • Christianity is not seen as something desirable or needed

  14. We have an image problem • A sinking ship unaware of its fate • A powerful amplifier with poor wiring & weak speakers • A pack of cats looking like they are thinking deeply when in fact they are just waiting for their next meal • An ostrich with its head in the sand • A hobby that diverts people’s attention

  15. Why this perception? • Christians are out of tune with real-world choices, challenges, and lifestyles outsiders face • 80% of outsiders do not believe that an active faith helps people live a better life • Outsiders see Christianity & the Bible as behind the times and not relevant to today’s society • Faith reduced to attendance & not sinning • We’ve separated ourselves from the spiritual realm • Outsiders’ experiences with Christians do not translate to an experience with a living God • Christian faith seems dull, flat, and lifeless

  16. Why this perception? • Christians are not willing to think • We stifle curiosity, encouraging brain-dead followers • Christians are unwilling to face doubts & questions • Make no sense & appear irrelevant to outsiders • Christians live in a bubble • We surround ourselves with other Christians & are not interested in trying to understand outsiders • We are part of a club and you’re either “in” or “out”

  17. Next week • Christians are sheltered, and maybe judgmental • Feedback & resources • Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com • Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com • PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality

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