unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity is a loving reality check for Christians based on groundbreaking research conducted by The Barna Group. Author David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group, wrote this book after finishing a project commissioned by Gabe Lyons, founder of the Fermi Project, analyzing what young Americans think about Christianity.

Lyons had a hunch something was desperately wrong with Christianity’s image among young adults. The research supported his hunch and painted a stark reality. At the core of this work is the fact that young Americans have an increasingly negative view of Christians. They view Christians as hypocritical, judgmental, antihomosexual, sheltered, and too political. The research undergirding the book focuses on the reasons for these negative perceptions to help Christians understand how they’re seen by others.

Throughout the book, authors Kinnaman and Lyons present these difficult truths in a humble, non-confrontational manner. They separate the offense of the Gospel in a hostile society from the offense Christians cause by their attitudes and behaviors. unChristian isn’t intended to berate Christians or serve as a forum for complaints. Instead, the authors give practical ways to reverse these negative perceptions and begin positively contributing to the culture at large. They encourage Christians to respond in five key ways in order to work toward reversing the perceptions young Americans have about Christianity: 1) listen to the criticism rather than defaulting to a defensive posture. 2) connect with young Americans through relationships and friendships. 3) approach the problem creatively, 4) serve people, and 5) live compassionately. In many ways “the church has lost its ability and willingness to love and accept people who aren’t part of the ‘insider’ club.” unChristian is a plea to reclaim its ability to love in order to faithfully represent Jesus to a new generation of young Americans.

unChristian is a unique book. Other books offering a critique of Christians are often autobiographical and anecdotal. While effective, they’re prone to the response of “that doesn’t fit my experience” or “not in my Church.” Instead, this book is based on extensive research. The results are as overwhelming as they are tragic (for more information about the research conducted by The Barna Group, visit www.unChristian.com).

Furthermore, unChristian doesn’t limit their understanding of this research to the two authors of the book (Kinnaman and Lyons). Each chapter offers original insights from noted and respected Christian leaders who add their assessment of the problems and the proper ways that Christians should respond. This reemphasizes the fact that this perception is not a localized or unique problem.

Christian leaders throughout American attest to the same hunch Gabe Lyons had: something is desperately wrong with Christianity’s image in America. Many of these leaders are actively engaged in creatively changing this perception. unChristian realizes the change in the perception of Christianity comes from a change in the attitudes and behaviors of Christians. This book is an invaluable tool for all Christians concerned with the reputation of Jesus Christ and representing Him to those around them.