Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters Kevin Bowman, Dave Davis, PowerPoint download,

Anti-homosexual Current perception – Christians show contempt for gays & lesbians Goal perception – Christians show compassion & love to all people, regardless of their lifestyle A foreword – Create & maintain a safe environment; balance content & conversation; focus on the perception & how to change it; we know it’s personal year olds Unfavorable ImageOutsidersChurchgoers Anti-homosexual91%80%

#1 9 out of 10 Buster & Mosaic outsiders describe the Christians as anti-homosexual More than any other perception, Christians are perceived as gay-hating homophobes The public opinion race is over; the Christian viewpoint did not finish first Youth see our treatment of homosexuals as ignorant, old fashioned & not at all Christ-like

A few bad apples Christians believe that events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina are God’s judgment on homosexuals Public comments & sermon language from prominent Christian figures Protests & rallies

Digging our own hole Insensitive jokes & language Born again Christians are more likely to disapprove of homosexuality than divorce Most believers advocate legal restrictions on homosexuals Most Christians believe that homosexuals should not be allowed to work in public schools Christians remain skeptical about donating to HIV/AIDS causes

Digging our own hole Christians have failed to offer a standard response which balances truth & grace, or to have compassion for those challenged because of this lifestyle Our approach reduces the complexity of someone’s entire lifestyle to an act of sexual immorality – We seem to be unable or unwilling to see past the sin

Why does it matter? Criticizing gays & lesbians is not only ineffective, it’s repelling to a younger generation Deprives us of relationships (our most effective form of evangelism!)

Clearing the air Homosexuals are incapable of acting morally; they have no moral code & are untrustworthy – Homosexuals are no more immoral or untrustworthy than heterosexuals Homosexuals are part of an organized movement with a purpose of subverting conservative Christianity – Homosexuals have diverse feelings about, and experiences with, Christianity – Most claim Christianity as their faith; 1 in 3 attend church regularly

Clearing the air Homosexuality is simple; black & white – Homosexuality is complex and varied – Can define one’s entire identity; occasional same-sex attraction; present in a heterosexual marriage; past experimentation; bisexual/transgender; a source of shame; a source of pride; etc. It’s best to avoid any friendship with homosexuals – Sexual orientation does not define friendships – Religious people were scandalized by Jesus’s choice of relationships (Matthew 9:10-12)

Shifting values Among Mosaics & Busters, homosexuality has been largely accepted as a legitimate way of life – In the 1980s, there was not a large opinion gap between young & old – Today, fewer than 1/3 of Buster & Mosaic Christians believe homosexual lifestyles are a major problem As this generation becomes the next, homosexuality will continue to gain acceptance – If forced to choose, Busters & Mosaics would rather be loyal to their friends

The Christian response What Christians do – Preaching & politicking against homosexuality What Christians don’t do – Pray for homosexuals – Donate to organizations that deal with the lifestyle – Have meaningful relationships This has to change

What would change if…

Next week Continue anti-homosexual; focusing on changing the unChristian perception Feedback & resources – Kevin Bowman, – Dave Davis, – PowerPoint download,