Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola Essay

The book Pagan Christianity by Frank genus Viola and George Barna leads readers into the world of religion, apparitional customs and rituals, sermons and unearthly clothing. The authors signal how the church has changed over successions and what brand-new practices and beliefs it has adapted. Frank Viola is know to be an American writers and speaker who has published a series of books utilize to problems with church calling people to return to the biblical principles.Therefore, the central dissertation of the book is that people should get back to biblical principles in their religious beliefs because modern church practices ar rooted in secular or Pagan practices which have nothing to do with the Bible and Gods commandments, as well as the church doesnt resemble the wee church which was described in the book of Acts. Modern church is base on hierarchical structure whereas the author directs Jesus came with the strong look to put an end to legalism, structure and hierarchy .The book is very interesting from historical viewpoint and I think that it is broadly 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 untimely centuries churches described in the overbold Testament. With the partaking of the Traditional Church the author became very interested difficult to reveal what we went on. The maiden 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 living would move on to another church. The author thinks we are the Children of Lights, although he admits that he doesnt reserve with any theologian and preacher offering his aboveboard review. It is said that the rule book pagan is a part of books title and it is applied to the churches being discussed. However, even the authors agree that often thi s landmark is not applicable. In the second chapter the author discusses the issue of the Church twist 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 gradual development of Holy Places and things which are considered chief(prenominal) parts of religious world. The authors discuss Constantine as he was one 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 cultures along with customs and rituals. In the third chapter Viola provides overview of the tack of traditional Worship and comment of Sunday morning sets. He argues that standard order should be held in all churches with only slight diff erences. For example, he writes You can scour your Bible from beginning to end, and you will never shape anything that remotely resembles our order of worship.Further, the authors describe contributions of historical Church leadership 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 federal agencys 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 government minister is the fundamental figure in Protestantism and he is often better known, more(prenominal) 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 curate isnt a roofing tile instead, it is a function. Viola notes that the word pastor is referred to in Ephes ians 411 only one time a scanty piece of point on which to hang the Protestant Faith. In this regard there seems to be more biblical authority for snake handling than there is for the contemporary 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 beside 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 specify Baptism, its totality principles and fundamentals.They explain that Baptism has replaced the Sinners Prayer. The Lords Supper was firstly a festive banquet and, therefore, lost its concrete picture of The Body and caudex. The final chapters are devoted to religious education and how it is possible to fulfill the qualificatio n to Minister the gospel. Viola and Barna provide 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 somewhat religious order, customs, traditional music and dressing. The book is very illuminating, modern and well-organized. Moreover, it is very interesting from historical perspective as it is challenging and thought-provoking. The authors constitute many references about the culture of time, adaptation of church, etc. I standardized 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 conglomerate 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 suc h situation shouldnt happen in church, although he puts himself on superior position. Viola calls people to leave their church as all of them dont follow 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.