Monday, June 20, 2011

Pagan Christianity

The institutional mindset is the towering wall that stands between a person and Jesus Christ and the way He wants to connect with the church, His body. The book Pagan Christianity, authored by Frank Viola and George Barna addresses this life-sucking, yet seemingly pious mindset that is not rooted and grounded in the New Testament.

If you are a thinking Christian, I would urge you to read this book. This is not the typical Christian self-help book. Depending on how traditionally rooted you are, this book will challenge everything you thought about Christianity as it is generally perceived and promoted.

Before anyone jumps to the conclusion that the authors are pushing house churches, that is not at all the point of this book. I initially had the same feeling too, because the last thing I wanted was the old wine in a new bottle. The book cleared my doubt regarding that. By the way, I have nothing against home churches, as long as they are directed by the Holy Spirit. It's just that this book not is a debate on traditional church Vs house church. On that same note, I should also add that Pagan Christianity is not a stand-alone work. The other half is Reimagining Church.

May their warning from Chapter 1 inspire you to read the book:
"Warning: If you are unwilling to have your Christianity seriously examined, do not read beyond this page. Give this book to Goodwill immediately! Spare yourself the trouble of having your Christian life turned upside down."

Download* or order the print copy of this book from this link.

*You do not necessarily have to have a Kindle to read the electronic version. Click here for more info.
 
Related post by Frank Viola: 10 Myths About Pagan Christianity

2 comments:

Mike and Netty said...

"Before anyone jumps to the conclusion that the authors are pushing house churches, that is not at all the point of this book." That statement got me very interested. They did meet in houses so I have no problem with anyone encouraging back to the small fellowships of New Testament Christianity. Even John Wesley encouraged back to the small classroom settings. Will have to look at this. God bless, Netty

Dan Alexander said...

Hi Netty, thanks for your thought. I absolutely have nothing against house churches, as long as they are directed by the Holy Spirit.

The book is not a debate on big church Vs house church - that was my point. I should probably add this to the post.