If you’re looking for an eye-opening exploration of the roots of Christian church practices, Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices is an invaluable resource. Authors Frank Viola and George Barna thoroughly explore how many of our current church practices originated from pagan rituals and beliefs. With their expansive research and thoughtful analysis, they provide a unique look into the history of Christianity that offers both a fascinating read and practical insights to today’s churches.
The authors take readers on a journey through early Christian history, showing step by step how various pagan religious practices were adopted into what has become modern day Christianity. They review the origins and impacts of such elements as Sunday services, liturgical calendars, sacraments, clergy/laity systems, and more. They also highlight areas where churches could return to a biblical approach that better reflects the teachings of Jesus and New Testament apostles.
Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices Review
Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices is a comprehensive and enlightening book that delves into the history and origins of the fundamental practices of modern day churches. Written by Frank Viola and George Barna, this informative and thought provoking book encourages readers to take an honest look at their own church traditions and beliefs in order to discover what is truly essential for Christianity.
Key Features:
1. Examines the ancient pagan roots of today’s church services and traditions
2. Reveals how modern church life has departed from its original intent
3. Proposes ways to remove non-essential elements while retaining what is essential
4. Identifies practical methods for restoring balance and power to the body of Christ
5. Presents a fresh vision of gospel-centered, Spirit-empowered house churches
For anyone looking to gain a better understanding of their faith, Pagan Christianity is an invaluable resource that provides insight into the deeper roots of our church practices. From Sunday morning worship services to holiday celebrations, the authors reveal how many of our customs have been shaped by pagan rituals over time. They then provide guidelines on how we can restore balance in our churches and focus on what is truly essential for Christian life. In addition, Pagan Christianity offers a new vision for spiritual growth through house churches—small groups where Christians can share their beliefs and experiences in an intimate setting.
Whether you’re just starting out on your spiritual journey or seeking to renew your faith, Pagan Christianity will open your eyes to the rich heritage behind our church practices and inspire you to make meaningful changes in your own life.
Product Details
Product Name | Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices |
Author | Frank Viola and George Barna |
Publisher | Baker Publishing Group |
Format | Paperback |
Language | English |
Pages | 256 |
ISBN – 10 | 1414364555 |
Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices Pros and Cons
1. Pros of Pagan Christianity
- It offers an insightful and thought-provoking exploration into the origins of many Christian practices and traditions.
- The authors challenge traditional views of church history, opening up new possibilities for understanding.
- The book is full of research, references and interviews that support their conclusions.
- The authors provide a fresh look at how Christianity has been shaped by other religious traditions over time.
2. Cons of Pagan Christianity
- The book may be too challenging for some readers who are not familiar with the history of religion and its influence on Christianity.
- Some readers may find the authors’ conclusions controversial or difficult to accept.
- The book can be overwhelming due to its breadth and depth of information.
Overall, Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of Christian practices. By examining the influences of pagan cultures on Jesus’ teachings, this book provides an interesting perspective on how modern Christianity has evolved.
Who are They for
Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices is an essential book for anyone interested in understanding the origins of modern church practices. Written by renowned authors Frank Viola and George Barna, this book delves into the fascinating history of Christian church practices to uncover their pagan roots. It helps readers understand why certain traditions are still so entrenched in our churches today, even though they don’t always align with Jesus’ teachings. The authors provide an insightful exploration of both biblical and non-biblical sources that reveals how many of our current religious rituals and beliefs have their roots in ancient cultures.
This book exposes the origins of everything from tithing and clergy robes to altar calls and Sunday School curriculums, showing how these traditions have been passed down through generations and become ingrained in our culture. Along the way, readers will discover new ways to approach worship and gain a greater appreciation for the importance of Scriptural authority. By connecting modern-day church practices with their pagan counterparts, Pagan Christianity provides readers with a deeper understanding of how Christianity has evolved over time.
At its core, Pagan Christianity is a call for believers to look beyond tradition and rediscover authentic faith. This book is sure to challenge long-held beliefs and encourage readers to take an honest look at their own spiritual journeys. Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader or just someone seeking truth, Pagan Christianity is an invaluable guide for exploring the rich history behind contemporary church practices.
My Experience for Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
I was once a skeptic of the idea that our modern Christian practices have roots in paganism. I thought it was just a crazy conspiracy theory, until I read Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna. This amazing book changed my perspective completely!
The authors provide an in-depth look at how Christian practices such as church buildings, Sunday worship, and clergy were adopted from ancient pagan religions. They explain the historical context and show how these beliefs have been misunderstood for centuries. But more importantly, they offer practical advice on how to re-think our current church practices in light of our shared history.
Pagan Christianity is an eye-opening exploration of our religious past that will challenge your preconceived notions about the Church. It’s an essential read for anyone who wants to better understand their faith and how it has evolved over time.
What I don’t Like
1. Lack of Scriptural Support: Some of the practices explored in Pagan Christianity have little to no scriptural support and may not be in line with traditional Christian beliefs.
2. Dated Material: The authors primarily focus on practices from the early church, which may not be applicable to today’s modern church context.
3. Emphasis on Criticism: The book is largely critical of many current church practices, which could be off-putting for some readers.
4. Unclear Guidelines: Though the authors identify several issues with current church practices, they do not offer clear guidelines for how to make changes or implement new practices.
5. Lack of Practical Advice: While this book is thought-provoking and offers a unique perspective on church history, it does not provide practical advice on how to apply its points to contemporary churches.
How to Deepen Your Understanding of Church Practices with Pagan Christianity
Do you want to deepen your understanding of church practices and uncover the origins of our faith? Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna will take you through an exploration of the roots of our church practices. This book provides insights on how early church, practices evolved over time and offers a new perspective on how to apply them in today’s world. Here are some ways you can use Pagan Christianity to go deeper into understanding the history and application of church practices.
1. Read Through the Book from Cover to Cover
Start off by reading through Pagan Christianity from cover to cover. You’ll gain a broad overview of the history and origin of early church practices as well as an introduction to the authors’ views on their application in modern times. This is also a good way to get familiar with all the topics covered in the book and decide which areas you might want to explore further.
2. Research Further Into Specific Topics Covered in the Book
After reading the book, select specific topics that you find particularly interesting or relevant for your faith journey. Then, do further research into those topics. Look up scholarly articles or other books about those topics and see if there is any new insight or information that isn’t covered in Pagan Christianity. This will help you dig deeper into these topics and enhance your understanding of them.
3. Discuss With Others About What You Learn
Discussing what you learn from Pagan Christianity with others is a great way to gain more insight and perspective on these topics. Sharing your thoughts and ideas with friends, family members, or even a study group will help broaden your understanding of these church practices and give you more clarity on their application in today’s world.
Using Pagan Christianity, you can gain greater knowledge about early Christian beliefs and practices that have shaped our faith today. Reading through this book, researching further into specific topics, and discussing what you learn with others can help deepen your understanding of church practices so that you can better apply them in your own life.
Questions about Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
Q: What is Pagan Christianity?
A: Pagan Christianity is the exploration of how ancient pagan practices have been incorporated into modern Christian worship. Authors Frank Viola and George Barna examine the roots of our church practices, exposing both their origins and implications.
Q: How does Pagan Christianity address problems in modern churches?
A: Pagan Christianity looks at the current state of religious institutions and offers a fresh perspective on how to overcome issues such as dead religion, legalism, and lack of spiritual vitality. It examines our traditional church methods in light of Scripture, suggesting alternative approaches that can bring about a more meaningful relationship with God.
Q: Who should read Pagan Christianity?
A: This book is for anyone looking to challenge their preconceived notions about Christianity. Those who are interested in exploring faith from a different angle or reevaluating their own beliefs will find Pagan Christianity’s insights illuminating.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.