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I began reading "Pagan Christianity", by Frank Viola and George Barna because a friend recommended that I read it. I got a great deal on e-bay and the book was in my hands within a few days. "Pagan Christianity", by Frank Viola and George Barna is a well-researched documentary of the roots of most of what is considered to be "Christian" in America today. It exposes 1,700 years of taking 'the traditions of men, passed down from our fathers' and putting those traditions ahead of the Word of God or the very Words of Jesus himself. From buildings with steeples, to paid "clergy", to "Sunday sermonization" practiced on a world wide scale, these two co-authors will challenge nearly everything you think of as "church", in light of what the Bible says (or does not say) concerning each of the aforementioned categories, plus much more. If you have been comfortable in your participation in American "Churchianity", and don't want to change or be changed, this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you say, "I could be into Jesus, but 'organized' religion is not for me", then this book may help to answer many of your questions regarding the anemic condition of most "churches" in our world today. "Pagan Christianity" may be the catalyst for a much needed reformation, picking up where the last one left off, and completing the process of returning to the roots of the Christian faith, laid out for us on the pages of the Bible.Read full review
I have been a born-again Christian since 1994. I don't care for Frank Viola or George Barna but you cannot argue with facts. I have never considered myself a Protestant because Im an ex-Catholic and I am not protesting anything. I know 1 pastor in my almost 30 years of being a Christian who allowed any questions at all and he is in South Africa. We traded one pope for another. Or elder rule which is nothing more than the College of Cardinals. Very good book. Good luck finding a church that allows you to ask questions. Paul never faulted the Bereans and they obviously asked a lot of questions. That's how you learn.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I thought this book would "stick it" to church members who seem to value tradition more than an actual relationship with God. I've seen from reading this book how deeply and in how many ways tradition affects the way most people worship, including my own worship! I will never look at conventional church the same way again! The authors compare how most Protestant churches worship--church building, pastor, sermon, Lord's Supper, etc.--versus how church was celebrated by the apostles. Each chapter traces the history of each tradition back basically to the time of Christ. Quite readable except for a few sections packed with important names & dates. The authors themselves warned: don't read this book if you want to stay comfortable in the church traditions you've always practiced.Read full review
It is very revealing as to how churches have just followed traditions that came from pagans. People should question things more! I do wish it addressed more strongly the fact that Sunday worship is also pagan...that Saturday is the true sabbath.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
We bought this book on the recommendation of a friend and have since purchased several for gifts. The purpose of the book is clear from page one; to show how religion "tacked onto the Word of God reams of human laws" otherwise known as "the tradition of the elders" and has come to be viewed as being "on equal par with Holy Writ". The book is well documented with extensive footnotes, a "summary of origins", and bibliography. Using scripture and historical writings, the authors present convincing, even undeniable proof that men have steadily strayed from what God originally intended as the true identity of the Church, aka. Body of Christ and then took it even further, calling it "of God" and "by the book". The book brings to light what man has done and called it God. Be prepared to possibly wend your way through a cacophony of emotions and responses. Also, consider purchasing this book on CD. Although I do not agree with every way in which the author points out the current dilemma of modern-day Christianity, the facts are hard to deny, of which the authors do an excellent job to present. Buy the book; you be the judge.Read full review
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