In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss how in the U.S., people are still somewhat “turned on” to God (and specifically to Jesus) but very turned off to religion, pastors and even just your average self-identified Christian. They're saying, “Maybe” to Christ, but, “Absolutely not” to Christianity and Christians. And when you see what's happening in culture, it's not difficult to understand why. Because the Christian faith is often perceived as anything but Christlike, we, as the Church, need to have an answer.
If you've been tracking with the Church & Culture Podcast, several of our earlier episodes shine a glaring light on the reasons many draw their conclusions about the Christian faith. CCP94: On the Growing Lack of Confidence in Clergy discussed how American culture at large is losing trust in Christian pastors. CCP96: On “He Gets Us” examined the popularity of an ad campaign focusing on the love and compassion of Jesus that is sparking anger in some Christians. CCP32: On a Non-Christian America tackled the continued rise of the “nones” – those who refuse to identify with any particular religion, but who aren't opposed to believing in God. And finally CCP4: On Pastors and Moral Failings took a hard look at the many high-profile religious leaders who have been in the news recently for immoral and sometimes illegal acts.
Grace was a theme woven throughout this discussion as it's what's so often missing from those unChristian Christians. Dr. White has given two series at Mecklenburg Community Church on grace: Christianity's Most Scandalous Idea and Getting Grace Right. And another series that we would recommend you listen to is The Deconstruction Zone which explored how many in our day are deconstructing their faith, raising questions, and exploring challenges to how they were raised or beliefs they have long held.
Finally, Dr. White mentioned a couple of books related to today's conversation that you may be interested in checking out: Grace Awakening written by Chuck Swindoll and unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity…and Why It Matters written by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons.
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