Unchristian - by David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons (Paperback)

About the Book

Based on groundbreaking Barna Group research, "unChristian" uncovers the negative perceptions young people have of Christianity, and explores what can be done to reverse them.

Book Synopsis

According to Millard Erickson, J. I. Packer's God's Words is "a clear, succinct, and perceptive summary of significant evangelical beliefs." Useful to students, pastors, and laypeople alike, this popular title is now back in print.

Packer examines key Bible words, explaining essential Christian doctrines in clear language and a warm, vigorous, and energizing style. He explains: "Keys open doors; key words open minds--and through minds, hearts. This book takes key words from the Bible . . . and spells out in a practical way some of the main thoughts linked with them. The goal is understanding, faith, and wisdom."

Seventeen biblical words and themes such as revelation, grace, justification, and the devil are treated by Packer and expounded in his usual thoughtful manner.

From the Back Cover

Christianity has an image problem.

Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like "hypocritical," "insensitive," and "judgmental," young Americans share an impression of Christians that's nothing short of . . . unChristian.

Groundbreaking research into the perceptions of sixteen- to twenty-nine-year-olds reveals that Christians have taken several giant steps backward in one of their most important assignments. The surprising details of the study, commissioned by Q and conducted by The Barna Group, are presented with uncompromising honesty in unChristian.

Find out why these negative perceptions exist, learn how to reverse them in a Christlike manner, and discover practical examples of how Christians can positively contribute to culture.


"This is a wonderful, thoughtful book that conveys difficult truths in a spirit of humility. Every Christian should read this, and it will likely influence the church for years to come."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An engaging, challenging, and morally compelling study."--Library Journal

"Essential reading for all Christian leaders."--CBA Retailers


David Kinnaman is coauthor of unChristian, You Lost Me, and Good Faith. He is president of Barna Group, a leading research and communications company that works with churches, nonprofits, and businesses ranging from film studios to financial services. Since 1995, David has directed interviews with more than one million individuals and overseen hundreds of U.S. and global research studies. He and his wife live in California with their three children.

Gabe Lyons is the founder of Q--a learning community that mobilizes Christians to advance the common good in society--and author of The Next Christians: Seven Ways You Can Live the Gospel and Restore the World. His work represents the perspectives of a new generation of Christians and has been featured by CNN, the New York Times, Fox News, and USA Today. Gabe, his wife, Rebekah, and their three children reside in Manhattan, New York.

About the Author

David Kinnaman is coauthor of unChristian, You Lost Me, and Good Faith. He is president of Barna Group, a leading research and communications company that works with churches, nonprofits, and businesses ranging from film studios to financial services. Since 1995, David has directed interviews with more than one million individuals and overseen hundreds of U.S. and global research studies. He and his wife live in California with their three children.

Gabe Lyons is the author of The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America and the founder of Q--a learning community that mobilizes Christians to advance the common good in society. Prior to launching Q, Gabe cofounded Catalyst, a national gathering of young leaders. His work represents the perspectives of a new generation of Christians and has been featured by CNN, the New York Times, Fox News, and USA Today. Gabe, his wife, Rebekah, and their three children reside in Manhattan, New York.