Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices | Frank Viola, George Barna | Whew! I feel better

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Pagan Christianity...

	Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices Frank Viola, George Barna BarnaBooks, 2008 - 336 pages average customer review:based on 203 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

The Silence & lack of defense on Tithing speaks volumes

So far not one comment or argument from anyone opposing the Authors historical information that the Gentile Believers & Early Church did NOT practice the OT Jewish commandment of specifically tithing 10 percent.
Makes me wonder that maybe these Church leaders are not giving any defense for Tithing or disputing the Authors of this book, because they realize what a sham the church leaders and Pastors have played on us gullible sheep all of these years! Could it be that giving to the Lord is supposed to be an act of love & free will not by pressure, intimidation, manipulation-such as giving to get, by guilt and bullying afterall?
It is a Pastors right to be paid as the Bible does quote that a worker is worthy of his wages but there is increasing resentment on the non biblical bullying tactics being used. Teaching to give so God can make you rich financially is shameful! Finally someone is willing to write the truth--- and if the shoe fits --- OH well!

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Whew! I feel better

This is a hard book to read at first. The things Frank and George say fly in the face of organized churches everywhere. I am a product of a Bible College education, grew up in an Evangelical Church, and spent my life in a family full of professional missionaries, and I have often seen the Spiritual conclusions that are drawn in this book become reality in the church. This book doesn't go into rebuilding, but deconstructs what we are doing today. If you are committed to realizing Church in a way consistent with scripture, and you aren't afraid to lose the trappings of tradition, you must read this book.

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The Anarchist Bible Against the Organized Church

As a former minister of 20 years, I found this book both interesting and quite depressing. I believe my review title says it all: "The Anarchist Bible Against the Organized (or Institutionalized) Church." If I was to believe their "research," then I must conclude that the churches of today are nothing but an invented system by humans and used by the devil to deceive multitudes. The authors seem to have a real phobia about "programs" or "structure" or designated "heirarchy." In their Preface, they write: "An organic church is simply a church that is born out of spiritual life instead of constructed by human institutions and held together by religious programs." As a former pastor, I can testify to the fact that "whenever two or more are gathered together in His name," there will be appointed structure, heirarchy and eventually a program. If an organic church springs up, people are gathered together to be "Spirit-led," even singing together or studying the Word is a "program." Appointing Elders or Deacons, which is scriptural, or those gifted with pastor/teaching or evangelism is still a form of "heirarchy." (Even though on Page 3, they say that the early church "did not organize themselves hierarchically.") One doesn't have to be afraid of this process...or the words...nor do we need to avoid what they try to prove is merely man-made. The "organic" world is still organized. If a home church or cell church or organic church is "formed," there will eventually be some kind of organization. Do these spiritual organisms need these authors to do research to see if their procedures are kosher?...rather New Testament? I agree with some of the other comments made about this book. While they have hundreds of footnotes to "prove" that the church of today is a total perversion and no where close to New Testament principles, they fail to demonstrate what the "real" really looks like. Other than: it is Spirit-led, organic, no church heirarchy, no programs, nor any of the "regular" things associated with today's local church. Okay then, I'm ready to lead an organic church. Rather, I want to start an organic church...but, if I start it, am I not the leader? If I start it, and it has some degree of order, does that not constitute a program? If it's Spirit-led only, maybe I should call it an Organic Quaker Church...or if musical instruments are not spiritual nor were they used in the New Testament Church, maybe I should call us the Church of Christ Non-Instrumental Organic Church? But a name would be institutional. So, I will try to use word of mouth for the No-Name, Non-Churched, Organically Organized, Spirit-Led and Spontaneous Local Home Cell. Arghhhhhh!
Rev. Tom

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redundant, inconclusive but well researched

I have two problems with this book. First, the authors conclude several times that the early church did not conduct themselves a certain way based on a lack of any mention of the subject. Or that one mention of one church acting a certain way at one time is proof that all churches everywhere at all times should conduct themselves the same way.
My second contention is the lack of deference to any other plausible explanation for changes in church corporate worship during the second century. Paul preached a soon return of Jesus Christ. Many first century Christians believed that the last remainign Apostle, John, would not die before Jesus returned. ALl of these expectations proved incorrect and resulted in a great disappointment or falling away. The second century faithful Christians struggled to find their way out of that darkness and remain relevant.
The authors are so convinced that their explanation is the only one they unnecessarily impugn god fearing men (eg. Dwight Moody didn't see the eternal nature of salvation rather than accepting that he could see that view yet chose to focus on one aspect of salvation).
I agree with the authors that Christianity does not need professional pastors and expensive buildings. We might be robbing God in this age not by witholding tithe but by giving it to institutions God never ordained instead of taking care of our Christian brethren around the world. Solid points each well researched and documented. I appreciate this work for that proclamation. It does not grace this important discussion to include illogical proofs or intolerant assertions.

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