pagan christianity
I received a review copy of Frank Viola and George Barna’s Pagan Christianity. This feisty book attacks the incipient paganism that has been absorbed into historic Christianity over the years. It exposes the syncretistic weak spots in what we assume to be basic in our way of doing church. Thoroughly iconoclastic, it is also at the same time a good apologetic for the house church movement which has strong restorationist impulses. My guess is that it will anger some readers and thrill others. I am one of the latter. 
Whatever, it won’t be too easy to dismiss as it is really well researched and substantiated. I think it is definitely worth the read even if I do think it is a tad purist in tone. Just don’t drop it–it is likely to explode.
Frank is answering questions and responding to objections to the book over here. Also, there is a free chapter available to anyone here.
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January 7th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
There are so many blogs flapping about this book! I think it’s great to have folks willing to call a spade a spade, as it were, and own our historical stuff. That’s the only stance from where we can begin to make choices about how we believe the Body of Christ should function…I’m with you, mate!
January 7th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
looks interesting, have added it to my list of books for 2008.
January 7th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
This does appear to be an interesting read….
Not sure if I created a word or if I borrowed it from Big Al, but I was talking with a friend recently about particular ‘norms’ in church and I said ‘paganization of churchianity”…Perhaps this book unpacks that notion?…..
January 7th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
You da man Chuckeroo. No doubt about that!
January 7th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
For the last three years this book is in my top 5 reads - because of the (practical)influence it had on my life (just like your books did, Alan). When Barna told me last year that he was doing a re-write with Viola, I was thrilled. But just watch - they are going to be crucified by the institution. So far the fiercest criticism in the bloggosphere has always been from…. pastors. Say no more.
January 7th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Matthew 10
: 24 “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!
26 “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs….
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
” ‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -
36a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[e]
37 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Well… let the crucifixions begin… they’re in good company
I like what I’ve read so far…
January 7th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Love that chapter, now I’m going to have to fork out for the book! Curse those handsome devils!
January 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I read the first edition last year and thought it was really good. Frank Viola has discounted group prices on his website if you buy in certain quantities. Through a friend at work I was able to jump in on a real steal, $10.00!
While waiting for my copy of “Forgotten Ways” a friend loaned me, “Revolution” by Barna. Had never heard of George Barna until a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to seeing the mix on these 2 authors.
Speaking of mix! Alan, your book has been worth the wait. I’m taking this one slow and trying to grasp the terms. Awesome job explaining them!
January 8th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I read “Revolution” and thoroughly enjoyed it. It had a lot of appologetics for house churches and other non-traditional forms of church. However, he seemed to stretch a few good stats to justify printing a book, which made for a quick read.
January 8th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Agreed Brian! Speaking of house churches and books, I’ve always wondered about something in the scriptures.
When Luke wrote the book of Acts, Why did he include the part about Eutychus,(a young man), sinking into a deep sleep and falling out the window to his death?
Whenever I read stats on participation in mission and worship, I will laugh ironically and think, “Our leadership is taking Paul literally!” Can’t help thinking that’s Not what Luke had in mind.