So, every once in a while I'll try and keep up with the teenage culture because I'm getting older and losing touch with some of it. I read an article by the Barna Group, an organization of researchers who poll people and come up with conclusions on mainly Christian things. The company is run by a guy named George Barna. Today I read an article on 4 crazy findings of people and there faith. Take a look at this excerpt and then hear me out.
"The research discovered that people are reframing not just faith in general, but Christianity in particular. While slightly fewer adults - and many fewer teens - are identifying themselves as Christians these days, the image of the Christian faith has taken a beating. This battered image is the result of a combination of factors: harsh media criticism, "unchristian" behavior by church people, bad personal experiences with churches, ineffective Christian leadership amid social crises, and the like. The result is that those who choose to remain Christian - however they define it - are also reformulating the popular notion of what "Christian" and the Christian life mean. Some of those changes are producing favorable outcomes, while others are less appealing."
Why are people not calling themselves "Christians" or why aren't adults and ESPECIALLY teens not wanting to become Christians? The answer is shown right here. First, we can blame the media.
For example, recently I just watched "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" to see what the whole motive was behind it. I found that while the movie was funny, it portrayed a pastor getting into a fight with Adam Sandler because he was "homosexual". Yes, the media or the producer filmed it that way, but that is the way we as Christians are. DISCLAIMER: I am not in support of homosexuality!!!! But we are portrayed so badly in the world because of some people who take things way too far.
Why don't people want to be Christians? Because the people that are to be imitating Christ are not imitating Christ! Let me challenge you with that today!
Ephesians 5:1-2
With the new year, brings new opportunities and a new lesson series! I'm really excited about the upcoming series entitled "LIFE". It is based off a book by Erwin McManus a guy I appreciate greatly!
