Greetings to all!
What do persons outside the church think about the church and/or Christianity?
A recent study by the Barna Group revealed some striking, and sometimes
conflicting, responses, particularly among 16 - 29 year olds.
In our national surveys we found that the three most common perceptions of
present-day Christianity are antihomosexual (91%), judgmental (87%), and
hypocritical (85%). These "big three" are followed by the following negative
perceptions, embraced by a majority of young adults: old-fashioned, too
involved in politics, out of touch with reality, insensitive to others, boring, not
accepting of other faiths, and confusing. When they think of the Christian faith,
these are the images that come to mind. This is what a new generation really
thinks about Christianity.
Yet not all reactions are negative. As part of our research, we found that many
embrace favorable perceptions of present-day Christianity as well...The most
common "favorable" impression is that Christianity teaches the same basic
idea as other religions...that Christianity has "good values and principles,"...
that present day Christianity is "friendly." Outsiders were split down the middle
when it came to the following images: a faith they respect, a faith that shows
love for others, something that offers hope for the future, and people they trust.
Only a small percentage of outsiders strongly believe that the labels "respect,
love, hope, and trust" describe Christianity. A minority perceives Christianity
as genuine and real, as something that makes sense, and as relevant to their life.
(from UnChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity...
And Why It Matters.)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 10:
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, October 10, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
Our focus for the morning will be "UnChristian," reviewing the findings of the study
referenced above. Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just
listen in.
The Vestry met with a full agenda this past Sunday afternoon. Among the items
of business was discussion following up the five inquiry team recommendations
(see www.walnuthillchurchky.org) with special attention to the matter of identifying
and recruiting congregational leaders as well as a proposal for maintenance and
improvement of the Sanctuary and walkways. Watch for more details regarding the
building proposal on Sunday morning.
Thanks to all those who helped make "Ecumenical Sunday" a good day including
our guest speaker, Margaret Ralph, the choir, acolyte, communion preparers and
servers, offering ushers, readers, Sunday School helpers, and refreshment hosts.
Thanks also to your generous donations allowing Walnut Hill to send over $1,300
in support of the Kentucky Council of Churches.
In the Community:
*October 10 - 11 - The Pace Warren Lectures at Second Presbyterian Church,
featuring Dr. Thomas Long (Candler School of Theology, Emory University). See
www.2preslex.org for more information.
*October 14, 7:30pm, Transylvania University - Dr. Elaine Pagels (Princeton
University) speaking on "The Discovery of the Secret Gospel of Thomas." Free and
open to the public. See www.transy.edu for more information.
*October 15-17 - Dr. Elaine Pagels will be at Christ Church Cathedral for a
program titled, "What's Evil Got to Do With It?" See www.ccclex.org for program
and registration information.
*October 28, 6:30pm, Temple Adath Israel - Dr. John Stempel (Univeristy of
Kentucky) speaking at the annual meeting of The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass.
$20/person includes meal. For reservations and information, contact tiabg@qx.net.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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