Pagan Christianity

[jabcat]

I've heard a lot about this book, and have started reading it.  Others may be interested.

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-1485-3.pdf

[jabcat]

Excerpt, Pagan Christianity  Frank Viola

Does it really matter how we practice our faith, as long as the
activities enable people to love God and obey Him? The preponderance
of evidence shows that these perspectives, rules, traditions,
expectations, assumptions, and practices often hinder the development
of our faith. In other instances, they serve as barriers that keep
us from encountering the living God. The way in which we practice
our faith can, indeed, affect the faith itself.

Does that mean we must go back to the Bible and do everything
exactly as the disciples did between AD 30 and 60? No. Social and
cultural shifts over the last two thousand years have made it impossible
to imitate some of the lifestyle and religious efforts of the early
church. For example, we use cell phones, drive in automobiles, and
utilize central heat and air. The first-century Christians had none of
these forms of human convenience. Therefore, adhering to the principles
of the New Testament does not mean reenacting the events of the
first-century church. If so, we would have to dress like all first-century
believers did, in sandals and togas!

Also, just because a practice is picked up from culture does not
make it wrong in and of itself, though we must be discerning. As
author Frank Senn notes, "We cannot avoid bringing our culture to
church with us; it is a part of our very being. But in the light of tradition
we need to sort out those cultural influences that contribute to
the integrity of Christian worship from those that detract from it."1
It is in our best interest to scour the words of God to determine
the core principles and ethos of the early church and to restore those
elements to our lives. God has granted us great leeway in the methods
we use to honor and connect with Him. But that does not mean
we have free rein. Caution is advisable as we strive to be humble and
obedient people who seek His central will. Our goal is to be true to
His plan so that we may become the people He desires us to be and
that the church may be all she is called to be.

So be prepared for a rude awakening as you find out how off track
our current religious practices are.

.....
(At this moment, all the rebellious hearts are applauding and
are plotting to wield the above paragraphs to wreak havoc in their
churches. If that is you, dear rebellious heart, you have missed our
point by a considerable distance. We do not stand with you. Our
advice: Either leave your church quietly, refusing to cause division, or
be at peace with it. There is a vast gulf between rebellion and taking
a stand for what is true.)

[micah7:9]

From the little I read I believe I must buy the book. Thanks :grin:

[jabcat]

 :thumbsup:

It's kind'a been on my mind for awhile, decided to look it up tonight.

Blessings, you're welcome.

[WhiteWings]

Many here don't even want to learn from that book I think.....
I have the book in an audio format.

YouTube reviews: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pagan+christianity+frank+viola&aq=5&oq=pagan+christian
There's a review in GarY's bookshop.

Read it online: http://www.scribd.com/doc/48347455/Pagan-Christianity-PDF-OCR

[jabcat]

thanks tony, i see my link is just 38 pages of the book