The Next Christians

The Good News About the End of Christian America

By: Gabe Lyons

Narrated by: Gabe Lyons

Turn on a cable news show or pick up any news magazine, and you get the impression that Christian America is on its last leg. The once dominant faith is now facing rapidly declining church attendance, waning political influence, and an abysmal public perception. More than 76% of Americans self-identify as Christians, but many today are ashamed to carry the label. While many Christians are bemoaning their faith’s decline, Gabe Lyons is optimistic that Christianity’s best days are yet to come.

In the wake of the stunning research from his best-selling book unChristian, which revealed the growing disenchantment among younger generations with Christians, Lyons has witnessed the beginnings of a new iteration of the faith. Marked by Lyons’ brutal honesty and unvarying generosity, Lyons exposes a whole movement of Christians - Evangelicals, mainline Protestants, Orthodox, Pentecostals, and others - who desire to be a force for restoration, even as they proclaim the Christian Gospel. They want the label Christian to mean something good, intelligent, authentic, and beautiful.

The next generation of Christians, Lyons argues, embodies six revolutionary characteristics: "When Christians incorporate these characteristics throughout the fabric of their lives, a fresh, yet orthodox way of being Christian springs forth. The death of yesterday becomes the birth of a great tomorrow. The end of an era becomes a beautiful new beginning. In this way, the end of Christian America becomes good news for Christians."

Both a celebration and a reckoning, The Next Christians combines current-day models and relevant research with stories of a new generation of Christian leaders. If you are worried by what you see transpiring around you, this book will take you on a surprising social exploration in hopes that you too will restore confidence in your faith.

©2010 Gabe Lyons (P)2010 christianaudio

Ok some good points.

I guess my greatest criticism is that I can't find the book in any form other than Audible. I had to listen to many chapters over to be certain I was understanding the points being made. In print or digital download it would be much easier to reread points I wanted to. The author recommend we spend less time with technology as it can get in the way of building community and relationships yet I felt forced to spend more time with technology than I wanted to.

Optimistic about the church

I fear a lot has changed for the worse in the church in the US in the 14 years since this was written. Many churches have become enamored with a political agenda that would conflict with some of the examples of Christian living the author sites. For example, helping immigrants and people who are less”respectable “. I am not convinced he’s onto anything new - he wants it both ways, to criticize the stale old church for doing basically the same things he’s promised will revitalize the “next Christians”. I do agree with a lot of what he says though and it’s worth a listen.

Think Restoration

The Author motivates us to engage in using our God given talents in restoring whatever is broken starting with our own life, family, neighborhood, city or country. Focusing on others and extending a helping hand to them will give us purpose and fulfillment.

Actually worth the read

It took me years to finally read this book. The first part I was skeptical, but keep going, it’s worth it!