According to research by the Barna Group reported in the book UnChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, 38% of non-Christians in the US aged 14 to 29 have a “bad impression” of Christianity, compared with fewer than 20% ten years ago. There are significant cultural differences between the US and Australia, but at least some of the negative impression of Christianity is probably rubbing off in Australia.
Are non-Christians being offended by the Cross? Are they being offended by the overwhelming generosity of Christians, their willingness to serve the poor whatever the cost, their enthusiasm in identifying with the marginalised and oppressed, their desire to bring justice, mercy, forgiveness and healing wherever they go? Unfortunately not. It seems that non-Christians see Christians as being anti-homosexual, hypocritical, judgmental and too involved in politics.
Where does the future lie? It seems to me that the identification of Christianity with reactionary conservative political views is something which has come to the fore only in recent years, and it is likely to pass when the church refocuses on the mission of Jesus, rather than right-wing politics. However, in the mean time considerable damage is being done to the cause of Christ. People are choosing not to become followers of Jesus because the image of Jesus is so poorly reflected in those who claim to be his followers.