Pagan Christianity? (Revised and Updated)
Exploring the Roots of our Church Practices.
Frank Viola and George Barna
(Publisher - Tyndale House)

Tyndale is known for publishing Christian books and has shown a daring initiative in publishing this book that questions traditional church practices.  In the publisher’s preface we read ‘Tyndale does not necessarily agree with all of the author’s positions and realises that some readers may not either.  At the same time, we stand united with Frank and George in our desire to see the church operate according to biblical principles and be a full expression of God’s grace and truth.  Furthermore, the authors raise important questions based on their careful research, study, and experiences, and we believe these questions should not be ignored.  Our aim is for you to consider their conclusions and then pray seriously about your response’.

This book is a revised and expanded hard cover version of the book Frank Viola published some years ago, and he has teamed up with George Barna, well known for his research and statistics of church, and who has been hailed as “the most quoted person in the Christian church today”.  Barna’s book ‘Revolution’ is being widely read in home churches across the world.

Many traditional church practices are often unquestioned and regarded at least as a ‘given’, or are thought to have had their roots in the Bible.  When many of these are examined and researched as Frank has done, they are shown to be man-made traditions that the earliest church knew nothing of and in fact many hinder the church.   Some practices within the following aspects of traditional church life are addressed in this book - ‘The Church Building’, “The Order of Worship’, ‘The Sermon’, ‘The Pastor’, ‘Sunday Morning Costumes’, ‘Ministers of Music’, ‘Tithing and Clergy Salaries’, ‘Baptism and the Lord’s Supper’, and ‘Christian Education’.  If you are happy in a traditional church pew, then don’t read this book!

The actual content of the chapters is little different to the older edition, but the big advantage of this book lies in the additions Frank has made in corroboration with George Barna.  There is a ‘Delving deeper’ section at the end of each chapter, couched as a dialogue between Frank and George, tackling questions raised from the chapter just read.  They have done this very well, and these could be the basis for small group discussion and sharing.

Another helpful aspect of the book is that it can be read on two levels.  The copious footnotes that point to sources, further points that could be considered, extra reading or explanations, provide an opportunity for deeper study.  However, a straight read through the book without a serious look at the footnotes, provides lots of information and challenges.  A downside of the book is that the footnotes are in very small print unlike the earlier edition where the footnotes were much easier to read.

A very helpful part of this later edition is the Afterward.  The first section is entitled ‘The Next Step’ and calls for a response and for community.  The challenges are listed as
i. A new approach to worship
ii. A new approach to spiritual growth
iii. A new approach to managing resources
iv. A new look at identity
This is followed by an excellent question and answer chapter dealing with ‘hot potato’ issues arising from the challenges to traditional church and its practice, found in the book.
Both editions have a helpful summary of origins and dates when church traditions and practices commenced, and also a listing of key figures in church history with a brief word or two about their contribution.

A major add-on to this book is a web based download with a free discussion guide and resources for groups and individuals.

One of the difficulties home churches struggle with is the ‘pull’ back to the old familiar ways people have come from in traditional church.  It is one thing for folk to step out of the traditional way of church, but to get the traditional ways out of us is much harder, when many of us have been conditioned in these ways for a long time.   Some harbaur secret, or overt fears, that they might be stepping ‘out of the ark’ by moving to a home church.  This book will be an enormous help for groups to ‘kill the sacred cows’ that still ‘stick’.  It brings ways and practices out into the cold light of day and exposes them for what they are – backed by thorough research.  While we hang onto the past, we often remain ‘stuck’ and fail to move forward in freedom towards the future Jesus is calling us to.  I suggest that groups study this book and slaughter those ‘cows’!  (Ed)

For a short time, this book is available from Carl Fechner (OIKOS Team) for $25 including packaging and postage.  This is cheaper than you will get it when it hits the book shops!  Call him on 03 9790 1055

Posted by Bessie on Friday, January 18th, 2008 at 3:47 pm.