Reality Check

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. Why this perception exists • Survey says: best-known Christians • Among well-known public figures, outsiders recognize Christians in politics more than in any other area • Musicians, movie/TV stars, athletes, artists, etc.

4. Why this perception exists • Christian voters have had a large influence on elections and legislation • The media portrays a one-dimensional Christian voting bloc • “Us vs. them” polarization • A candidate’s faith & beliefs is newsworthy

5. Why it matters • Our political activism, if expressed in un-Christian ways, can prevent a new generation from seeing Christ: attacking, degrading, acting superior • The new generation is skeptical of people who use political power to protect their interests & viewpoints • Mosaic & Buster insiders value authenticity & see Christianity as having “sold out” or been hijacked by the Republican party • Desire a living faith that offers transformation, not just wins elections

6. Complexity • Christians voters are frequent victims of over-simplification • Both outsiders & insiders assume Christians voters are an aligned bloc • Voters and the spectrum of faith

7. Complexity • Christian party affiliation is more diverse than you might expect • Only a slight majority, 59% in 2006, of evangelicals (per the un-Christian definition) are registered Republicans • Christian views aren’t strictly partisan • Christians in either party cite the bible to support their platform

8. Us vs. Them • It’s easy to assume that society is divided into two camps: liberal Democrats & conservative republicans • Churchgoers are more diverse, less cohesive, and less unified than is typically assume • Outsiders have far less unity, consistency, & commonality than Christians may assume

9. Worldview • Although Christian voters are the majority, they come with varied worldviews & backgrounds (born again, evangelical, other self-identified Christians) • Political messaging tied to Christian concepts will resonate differently with each group • As Christians with political opinions, our words and thoughts endure & have the power to negatively impact our public image

10. Climate changes • The political & social views of Mosaics & Busters are much less traditional than those held by their parents at the same age • Prostitution, gambling, drinking, drugs, sexuality • Young people are pragmatic & have a “do what works” mentality; they seek compromise over conflict • Side-effect of their valuing relationships & respect for diversity

11. Climate changes • Mosaics & Busters are skeptical of the role of the Bible in public life • Should the Bible or the will of the people determine the laws of the country?

12. Climate changes • Young adults aren’t passionate about America being a “Christianized” country • “In God we trust,” “One nation under God,” 10 commandments in government buildings • Younger adults are less like to demonstrate partisan allegiance to their family precedent • As these views change, the Christian “numerical advantage” will become less relevant

13. Next week • Christians are too political • Feedback & resources • Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com • Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com • PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality