Christians Have an Image Problem

[seeking.IAM]

"A new study published by Ipsos in partnership with The Episcopal Church as part of its Jesus in America survey shows that Christians in America have a perception problem." The article Christians say Christians are loving. Other people don't, survey says indicates Christians see themselves much more favorably than they are seen by non-Christians.

"People who identified as Christians described Christians as:

1. Giving — 57 percent
2. Compassionate — 56 percent
3. Loving — 55 percent
4. Respectful — 50 percent
5. Friendly — 49 percent
6. Honest — 45 percent
7. Humble — 42 percent
8. Sharing — 42 percent
9. Truthful — 40 percent
10. Judgemental — 19 percent

People identifying with other religions described Christians as:

1. Judgemental — 37 percent
2. Hypocritical — 36 percent
3. Self-righteous — 33 percent
4. Arrogant — 21 percent
5. Friendly — 20 percent
6. Giving — 18 percent
7. Unforgiving — 16 percent
8. Disrespectful — 16 percent
9. Compassionate — 15 percent
10. Loving — 15 percent

People identifying as not religious described Christians as:

1. Hypocritical — 55 percent
2. Judgemental — 54 percent
3. Self-Righteous — 50 percent
4. Arrogant — 36 percent
5. Unforgiving — 23 percent
6. Selfish — 23 percent
7. Disrespectful — 19 percent
8. Giving — 16 percent
9. Friendly — 15 percent
10. Compassionate — 12 percent"

I think this disparity between how we see ourselves and how others see us must pose a barrier to drawing other people to the faith. I think this is worthy of discussion here. Thoughts?

(I wasn't sure the proper place for posting this so I invite Moderator to move it if it fits better elsewhere).

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

Of course Episcopalians care about how non Christians perceive Christians. It the world’s compassion is not worth embracing. It will only weaken Christians.

 

[NBB]

If the world hates you, they hated me first, of course christians are going to be disilked.

 

[Apple Sky]

If the world hates you, they hated me first, of course christians are going to be disilked.

Sadly it's always been the same ever since Nero's day & before.