I have finally gotten my hands on a copy of “Pagan Christianity” by George Barna and Frank Viola and I wanted to review it. 

Perhaps it is because I have read a great deal on this topic already but this book was a great deal of rehashed information to me.  It is very well cited and hence is great for research.

If you haven’t been exposed to how culture has changed the way we do church over the last 2000 years it may be a very interesting read.  They address a few sacred cows showing the history of why we dress up for church, or why we have a pastoral staff.

I suppose my response would be a resounding: And?
I believe the way we present the gospel is now and will be subject to the culture in which we are operating.  Simply because something came from a cultural issue doesn’t always make it wrong.  It is good to understand these things so that we can separate the required from the non required.  Issues arise when we insist that something is a biblical command and proof text it to make our case when it is really not a vital issue.

I am more concerned with the message of the church than the form it takes.  I believe our larger issue it the fact that many if not most churches in America are simply not preaching the gospel.

You can see this book in my library.
Another good review of Pagan Christianity

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