Lowell Avery's Discussions

Replied Dec. 10, 2008

Lowell Avery's Page

At 9:36am on December 10, 2008, Bob Wollenberg said…: "Unchurched" clearly comes out of a more conservative evangelical point of view, but it is quite challenging for persons in that camp. For instance, one of the chapters is devoted to the homosexual issue and the research of the authors clearly indicates that non-Christians believe that Christians hate gays. The book concludes that clearly any strategy to, "love the sinner but hate the sin," is not working. However, the authors do not move to a conclusion that the church should be a more open and inclusive place. This book was useful in an adult class that had moderate to moderately conservative folks in it. The book was conservative enough that it wasn't immediately rejected by the the more conservative folks and it was challenging enough to the status quo that it produce fruitful discussion. I hope this helps.

At 1:21am on December 10, 2008, Pam Marino said…: Hi Lowell,
It is based on three years of research with 16-29-year-olds (outside and inside the church). It shows how most young people see those of us inside the church as being hypocritical, unloving, judgemental, etc. It is great insight, and gives church leaders lots to think about. Kimball's "They like Jesus, not the Church" is similar, but without all the research results. There are a couple of more books coming out early in 2009 that will have similar research and ideas. Clearly this is a topic of great interest.