I just finished reading the joint work of Frank Viola and Gorge Barna titled Pagan Christianity?: Exploring The Roots of Our Church Practices. I highly recommend this book to every Christian (paid minister, church leaders, old ladies…everyone). This book uses Church history to prove the modern practices of today’s Church have been greatly influenced by pagan culture. As a result, it also points to the troubling reality that the teachings of the New Testament have been marginalized for the last two millennia. No one “does church” by the book.
As a person who has been suspect of traditional Christianity for some time, Pagan Christianity is another indication that Christianity is radically changing (for the better in my opinion). Viola’s work explores the origins of some of the foundational practices of the Christian faith that are seldom questioned. This practices include(and also serve as the chapter titles): the church building, the order of worship, the sermon, the pastor, the Sunday morning costumes, ministers of music, tithing & clergy salaries, baptism & the Lord’s Supper, Christian education, and finally, reproaching the New Testament.
This book will scare some; for others it will provide hope for the future. I found this book very eye opening and helpful in so many ways. To say this book was timely (with the uncertainty of my professional future) would be a great understatement.
Order HERE if you are interested (and be sure to read the bood reviews - some praise it while others find it useless). Drop a comment. I would love to hear what you think.
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