The other premise is that the earliest church was “the purest form” of Church “before it was tainted and corrupted” (page xviii). But then they weave through the entire book reasons why they believe the Church is worshiping in an ungodly way. One of these premises is that the New Testament does not prescribe an order of service for how a church should worship. The authors build their case on a few premises. The New Testament is not meant to be used for proof-texting, but in its overall message which should be understood within the context of the relationship of the author and the audience.Christian ministers over-emphasise the need for education to be a Christian minister.Baptism classes are a man-made invention that breaches the command of Christ to be baptised immediately.Paying Pastors a salary denies the Priesthood of all believers.Tithing is nothing more than a continuation of the Old Covenant’s sacrificial Laws and is therefore now obsolete.Contemporary church music is stupefying for genuine worship.Getting dressed up for church is hypocritical and ungodly.The concept of Pastor is the greatest hindrance there is to Christian ministry.The Sermon is the most stifling instrument to Christian maturity.The Order of Worship in churches today suffocates the spiritual life of believers.The modern church is not abiding by the Scriptures despite its ardent claims to the contrary.Here’s a summary of their charges against modern Christianity. It is, as they admit, an outrageous claim. This is the word that the authors have chosen to use to describe modern Christianity. While this was puzzling, what I found most puzzling was that George Barna put his name to it! One can only wonder at the damage this book has done to his reputation.Ī “Pagan” is someone who is either ignorant or has wilfully rejected the truth and as a result is an idolater (worships idols). After reading this book I understood why Tyndale were so apprehensive in publishing it. This type of disclaimer is especially rare for a publisher such as Tyndale. It’s rare that a Publisher commences book with a disclaimer by virtually saying we are publishing this even though we don’t agree with it. These authors then live up to these opening words in their Preface- that is, their assessment of the contemporary church is indeed: outrageous! So begins the highly controversial book by Frank Viola and George Barna. “Pagan Christianity”, Frank Viola & George Barna, Tyndale 2007:xx
“We are also making an outrageous proposal: that the church in its contemporary, institutional form has neither a biblical nor a historical right to function as it does.” Home > articles > How Pagan Is Christianity
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