Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola Essay

The book Pagan Christianity by dog genus Viola and George Barna leads readers into the world of religion, religious customs and rituals, sermons and religious clothing. The fountains show how the church has changed over times and what stark naked practices and beliefs it has adapted. bold Viola is known to be an Ameri target writers and speaker who has published a series of books apply to problems with church calling people to return to the biblical principles.Therefore, the central thesis of the book is that people should sting back to biblical principles in their religious beliefs because modern church practices are rooted in worldly or Pagan practices which have nonhing to do with the Bible and Gods commandments, as sound as the church doesnt resemble the premature church which was limnd in the book of Acts. advanced church is based on hierarchical structure whereas the author contains Jesus came with the strong intent to flummox an end to legalism, structure and hie rarchy.The book is very interesting from historical viewpoint and I think that it is in the main accurate offering us new insights and facts from religious past. Pagan Christianity The authors start their narration with strong claim that modern churches have little resemblance with the early centuries churches described in the New volition. With the partaking of the Traditional church service the author became very interested trying to reveal what we went on. The first chapter is reflection of authors inquiries on the subject of interest.For example, Viola questions whether there was a need to turn down light and to wait when the Spirit would move on to another church. The author thinks we are the Children of Lights, although he admits that he doesnt agree with any theologian and preacher offering his unbiased review. It is said that the vocalize pagan is a part of books denomination and it is applied to the churches being discussed. However, even the authors agree that often this term is not applicable. In the second chapter the author discusses the issue of the Church Building and modern church-goerselievers.It is emphasized that the Church has built itself. The original meaning of the word refers to the Greek language ekklesia and it means a group assembled. Viola argues that time and words are describing the tardy development of Holy Places and things which are considered important parts of religious world. The authors discuss Constantine as he was genius of the first Christians who gave legitimacy to the Christian Religion. Constantine promoted and supported grand displays of religious architecture.Further, the authors review religious clothing, music, steeples, architecture, thrones borrowed from other glossinesss along with customs and rituals. In the third chapter Viola provides overview of the order of traditional Worship and exposition of Sunday sunrise sets. He argues that standard order should be held in all churches with only slight dif ferences. For example, he writes You can scour your Bible from beginning to end, and you will never find anything that remotely resembles our order of worship.Further, the authors describe contributions of historical Church leaders Luther, the Puritans, the Pentecostals, etc. In the fourth chapter they describe the sermon abandoning principles of Protestantism. The authors argue that the early churches were not the sermons instead, they were places for gathering and Jesus functioned as its Head. In the fifth chapter Viola and Barna introduce the Pastor which is viewed as an obstacle to functioning of every member.The pastor is the fundamental figure in Protestantism and he is often relegate known, more highly raised, and more heavily relied on than Jesus Christ Himself. (p. 65) And it is a serious mistake. It is noted that the word pastor isnt a tile instead, it is a function. Viola notes that the word pastor is referred to in Ephesians 411 only one time a scanty piece of demon strate on which to hang the Protestant Faith. In this regard there identifyms to be more biblical authority for snake handling than there is for the present-day pastor. p. 66) In the sixth chapter there is a detailed description of Sunday morning costumes. The authors describe dressing up for church, what clothing is appropriated and why. The next chapter is devoted to the origins of Music Ministry and description of the hierarchy of clergy. The eighth chapter analyzes Tithing stressing that it is used in the New Testament and Clergy Compensation, although it is never used by the Christians. Further, the authors affirm Baptism, its core principles and fundamentals.They explain that Baptism has replaced the Sinners Prayer. The Lords Supper was firstly a festive spreading and, therefore, lost its concrete picture of The Body and Blood. The final chapters are devoted to religious command and how it is possible to receive the qualification to Minister the gospel. Viola and Barna p rovide new insight into the New Testament offering so-called second glance at Jesus, churches, pastor functioning, religious customs and education. Conclusion Strengths & WeaknessesFrank Viola and Geroge Barna offer new ideas and facts nearly religious order, customs, traditional music and dressing. The book is very informative, modernistic and well-organized. Moreover, it is very interesting from historical perspective as it is challenging and thought-provoking. The authors incorporate many references about the culture of time, adaptation of church, etc. I like their idea about church building that church is not the place it is the people. Nevertheless, there were several controversial moments I cant agree with.I see that Viola offers his own version of organized empire and it seems that he is supreme speaker and the founder of knowledge. It is evidence of hierarchy which he manages to escape. Moreover, he claims that such situation shouldnt happen in church, although he puts hi mself on superior position. Viola calls people to leave their church as all of them dont abide by Biblical principles. However, he tells we are the Body of Christ contradicting himself. I think that we shouldnt worry about such doctrinal issues. Despite certain weaknesses, the book is very informative and fresh.