What Outsiders Think of Christianity, of Us

Have you considered that outsiders look at Christianity with the same scepticism with which Christians look at each other?

Research shows Christians have a increasingly negative reputation among young Americans. That Christians are best known for what we are against and are seen as judgmental, anti homosexual, and too political. That Christianity is no longer as Jesus intended it to be.

When asked to describe what Christianity is like, outsiders give these analogies:

• The Titanic---a ship about to sink but unaware of its fate
• A pack of domesticated cats that look like they are thinking deep thoughts but are just waiting for their next meal
• A hobby that diverts people's attention
• A powerful amplifier being undermined by poor wiring and weak speakers

Many commented that Christianity insulates people from thinking. One comment illustrates the image: "Christianity stifles curiosity. People become unwilling to face their doubts and questions. It makes people brain-dead." A majority of outsiders reject the idea that Christianity "makes sense" or is "relevant to their life."The perception is Christians are not thinkers. That Christians use special word and phrases no one else can understand.

In our assemblies we are isolated from the world. When visiting other congregations it is easy to see that activities are by rote memory. Without expression. Singing about joy,salvation, Jesus with blank expressions. With time a major concern. With prayers that instead of being specific the phrase "we pray for . . ." is what is being prayed for. The primary activity, the sermon which better not be too long.

When we visit congregations that are trying new things the first thing that comes to my mind is a list of congregations that would not like one or more of the activities.

Over the past few months ago I have made suggestions and suggested if anyone thought them worth considering mention something and the men could discuss one or more of them. Apparently none were considered worth talking about. When you understand the perceptions outsiders have of Christianity we seem to fit the mold. Correct me if I am wrong providing accommodations for visitors is not high on the list of activities and responsibilities of the church. Over the past months Al has produced sermons that my reaction was "good idea, now what." One of those sermons covered the tree Jesus called useless. In reality that tree was not useless. It was producing branches and leaves for bugs to eat and for birds to build their nests with and in. It was providing shade. It was converting CO2 to Oxygen. All valid and praiseworthy activities. Jesus was referring to the fact the tree was not fulfilling its primary purpose, producing figs.

Christians should be aware of how we are perceived by the World and seen by Jehovah God.