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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. Anti-homosexual. 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. Anti-homosexual • Current perception • Christians show contempt for gays & lesbians • Goal perception • Christians show compassion & love to all people, regardless of their lifestyle • A foreword • Create & maintain a safe environment; balance content & conversation; focus on the perception & how to change it; we know it’s personal

  3. #1 • 9 out of 10 Buster & Mosaic outsiders describe the Christians as anti-homosexual • More than any other perception, Christians are perceived as gay-hating homophobes • The public opinion race is over; the Christian viewpoint did not finish first • Youth see our treatment of homosexuals as ignorant, old fashioned & not at all Christ-like

  4. A few bad apples • Christians believe that events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina are God’s judgment on homosexuals • Public comments & sermon language from prominent Christian figures • Protests & rallies

  5. Digging our own hole • Insensitive jokes & language • Born again Christians are more likely to disapprove of homosexuality than divorce • Most believers advocate legal restrictions on homosexuals • Most Christians believe that homosexuals should not be allowed to work in public schools • Christians remain skeptical about donating to HIV/AIDS causes

  6. Digging our own hole • Christians have failed to offer a standard response which balances truth & grace, or to have compassion for those challenged because of this lifestyle • Our approach reduces the complexity of someone’s entire lifestyle to an act of sexual immorality • We seem to be unable or unwilling to see past the sin

  7. Why does it matter? • Criticizing gays & lesbians is not only ineffective, it’s repelling to a younger generation • Deprives us of relationships (our most effective form of evangelism!)

  8. Clearing the air • Homosexuals are incapable of acting morally; they have no moral code & are untrustworthy • Homosexuals are no more immoral or untrustworthy than heterosexuals • Homosexuals are part of an organized movement with a purpose of subverting conservative Christianity • Homosexuals have diverse feelings about, and experiences with, Christianity • Most claim Christianity as their faith; 1 in 3 attend church regularly

  9. Clearing the air • Homosexuality is simple; black & white • Homosexuality is complex and varied • Can define one’s entire identity; occasional same-sex attraction; present in a heterosexual marriage; past experimentation; bisexual/transgender; a source of shame; a source of pride; etc. • It’s best to avoid any friendship with homosexuals • Sexual orientation does not define friendships • Religious people were scandalized by Jesus’s choice of relationships (Matthew 9:10-12)

  10. Shifting values • Among Mosaics & Busters, homosexuality has been largely accepted as a legitimate way of life • In the 1980s, there was not a large opinion gap between young & old • Today, fewer than 1/3 of Buster & Mosaic Christians believe homosexual lifestyles are a major problem • As this generation becomes the next, homosexuality will continue to gain acceptance • If forced to choose, Busters & Mosaics would rather be loyal to their friends

  11. The Christian response • What Christians do • Preaching & politicking against homosexuality • What Christians don’t do • Pray for homosexuals • Donate to organizations that deal with the lifestyle • Have meaningful relationships • This has to change

  12. What would change if…

  13. Next week • Continue anti-homosexual; focusing on changing the unChristian perception • Feedback & resources • Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com • Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com • PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality

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