Common Perceptions about the Church
I am wrapping up a book I have written for Zondervan, called "They Like Jesus, but Not the Church". It is based out of a series of interviews I have done with people (primarily those in their twenties) who either dropped out of the church, or grew up outside of the church and want nothing to do with church.
The list below are the primary things they have said are their perceptions of the church and Christians - which keep them away from the church (not in any order).
I am wondering if there is agreement with these things being the main reasons people stay away from church. Or is there anything I have missed in this list? I would appreciate any feedback on this list.
- The Church is an “Organized Religion” with a political agenda
- The Church is Judgmental and Negative
- The Church is Male Dominated and Female Oppressive
- The Church is Homophobic
- The Church Thinks They Have the Exclusive Way to God (and everyone else is wrong)
- The Church takes the Bible too literally and are “Fundamentalists”
If you could leave comments or suggestions that would be very helpful to me. Thank you!
