Frank Viola and George Barna are NOT trying to change everyone’s church practices.
That said, their new book, “Pagan Christianity” is an eye-opener about why most Christian groups “do church” the way they do. The truth is it has very little to do with scripture and quite a lot to do with historical changes over time.
But instead of saying, “We MUST do what the Bible says”, Viola and Barna are saying that what most of us were taught is NOT what the Bible says AND that Christians should make up their own minds on whether to try and be “Biblical” or not.
I agree... I've always believed God gives Christians the right to be “traditional” instead of Biblical. Even though the churches I’ve been part of were not traditional, we were never totally, perfectly Biblical either. Oh, there were many ways in which we aspired to “do church” much more like the early Christians did it in the Bible. But we never matched exactly and I’ve not met any group yet who does. (In spirit, maybe, but not in practice.)
It always bothers me when people claim, “We do everything just like the Bible says”, especially when they themselves are doing all these things that Christians never did in Bible days. Again, if they want to do those things, that’s fine with me. I just wish they wouldn’t beat on the Bible so hard and say so many "yougottas" when they don’t even know how incorrect they are.
I’d just like them to know the difference. I'd say, "Do what you like, but know the facts."
Early Christianity was put together very differently from present day traditional Christianity. (I’m talking about group practice – church life and gatherings!)
I believe George Barna and Frank Viola wrote “Pagan Christianity” to give people the facts – NOT to tell people how they must change – but to let readers decide what to do about the truth. And I guess that must be why Tyndale Publishing House was willing to publish this book. They knew "Pagan Christianity" has a gracious message that every believer should be able to agree with. And what believer wants to go on telling lies about the Bible?
In my opinion, if you want to hire a preacher, meet in a building and tithe… fine, go for it! Just don’t tell me I’ve gotta do it because it’s “in the Bible”.
We ought to – at the very least – be aware of the truth.
And then worship God as he leads…
Sunday, February 10
Buy: Pagan Christianity
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6 comments:
Don't think he'd care for either of those items...been there... done that...:)
Hi, an excellent alternative to Viola's book is "The Ancient Church As Family" by Dr. Joe Hellerman. His work is well researched and addresses many of the "pagan" influences on our faith. Dr. Hellerman's contribution is a blend of good history AND respectful discourse.
;) Cheryl, thanks for the private clarification. Cya round...
Joe, thanks for the comment. Nice to "meet" ya. :)
Based on the survey you posted, Hellerman's book seems more like a comprehensive treatment of his own thesis, as opposed to a comprehensive treatment of the first century christians and their practices. Does that seem fair? On the other hand, Frank's book promises to be a comprehensive treatment of neither. Instead, PC is supposed to be about what goes on now and where it comes from. (Disclosure: I've only read a previous edition of PC and I'm still waiting for my copy of the new edition to come out.)
So it doesn't seem (to me) as if the book you mention covers quite the same ground. Would you disagree? If so, how?
Anyway, thanks for the comment and post. Good luck with the new church plant up there in the frozen north, and stop by again sometime...
Certainly the focus is on different things, but from my understanding they both do cover the history of the church in making their point. Viola/Barna apply their understanding of history to the modern pastorate. Hellerman does make application to both the church and to the role of pastor. Again, since I have not yet read PC, I can not speak in absolutes, but I do think they cover a lot of the same ground but with very different agendas.
Hi. Found your review at the Pagan Christianity website. Just thought you and your readers might enjoy reading a new interview with George Barna and Frank Viola. I just posted it today: The Thin Edge hosts joint interview with Barna & Viola.
Frank Viola has captured many truths about the biblical church but when it comes to the role of the elder he throws the baby out with the bathwater. He is correct to want to jettison religion. The religion that calls itself “Christian” (both catholic and protestant) is not the true church. The rightly divided word gives wonderful direction for the true church. The true church does not have a denominational name: It is the body of Christ. No middle men, no popes, no go betweens, just the one and only Jesus the anointed one as the head. Members of the true church have Christ in them (Col 1:27) and have an unbreakable relationship with God through Christ.
Will there soon be yet another new denomination based on Violaism? It like the rest of the modern ”emerging church” has a strong emphasis on social gathering with all who come welcome to spew their weird religious doctrines while the bible is avoided? We need the rightly divided word of God now more than ever. In 1 Peter 5:1-3 elders are exhorted to “feed the flock of God.” There is only one source of food for the flock of God: The Word of God. See chapter 4 Partnership One With Another: Neil Tolman 1993 at: http://www.neilshouse.com/POA4.html#4 neilrn@maine.rr.com
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