Pagan Christianity
January 23rd, 2008 | by Scott |(I know commonly held opinion is that I should give The Eagles’ “Hotel California” 5 stars. But I just can’t. I’m being generous giving that level of pompous fluff 4 stars. But I digress.)
You may notice on my sidebar that I have been reading the book “Pagan Christianity” by Frank Viola and the Cardinal of Evangelical Statistics George Barna. I picked it up based upon the provocative nature of the title and thinking it might somehow fit into my series on Postmodernism and Missional Living.
For those of you who are considering picking up the book let me save you some hard-earned dough. Here is what you can learn (amply foot-noted, at that):
Church Buildings–Bad
The Steeple–Bad
The Pulpit–Bad
The Pews–Bad
The Order of Worship–Bad
Liturgy–Bad
The Sermon–Bad
The Pastor (or minister)–Bad
Dressing Up for Worship Services–Bad
Clergy Attire–Bad
Choirs–Bad
Worship Leaders–Bad
Praise Teams–Bad
Tithing–Bad
Salaries for Ministers–Bad
Ushers–Bad
Collection Plates–Bad
The way we do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper–Bad
Christian Education–Bad
Seminaries–Bad
Sunday Schol–Bad
Youth Ministers–Bad
Small Groups meeting in homes–Good
Even when I might agree (few and far between those moments might be) with the authors I was so turned off by the strident tone that there was no place for me to engage with what ideas that they offered. Maybe I’m just too close to the topic but the idea of jettisoning everything that didn’t emerge from that pristine period of the church between 30-70 A.D. just makes me want to break stuff.
Can we not see that even then those early followers didn’t have it all nailed down? Each of these arguments is as theologically shallow and tired as the “no instruments until hundreds of years later” argument. I’m way over the idea that there was a gap of some 1400+ years between biblically based churches.
Let’s move past focusing on restoring what was never fully there in the first place and fix our eyes on Jesus. How’s that for a concept?
Next.
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12 Responses to “Pagan Christianity”
By Mike the Eyeguy on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
“Maybe I’m just too close to the topic but the idea of jettisoning everything that didn’t emerge from that pristine period of the church between 30-70 A.D. just makes me want to break stuff.”
It’s not just you. And I’m assuming that you had your tongue firmly planted in cheek when you used the word “pristine”–correct?
On another note, I’m pleased to see that you’re showing Constantine a little more love these days. Who knows? With enough time, you and Augustine may kiss and make up too.
By Scott on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
My tongue was poking through my cheek on that comment.
Oh, and make no mistake: there is no love for Constantine here. Maybe a little grace.
But no love
Seriously, I still think Constantine deserves the criticism. I just don’t think that Augustine should get a free pass.
By matt elliott on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for saving me the time and money. You rock.
By Scott on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
No problem.
Did you realize that as a worship minister you are essentially a pagan?
By matt elliott on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
Pretty much, but it took George Barna saying it before it really sank in.
By Mark on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
How was The Year of Living Biblically? I thought it looked kind of amusing.
By Scott on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
It was good but in serious need of some editing. I thought it could have been about 100 pages shorter.
By Steve D on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply
I am kinda surprised that Frank Viola is writing about this. I wondered what had happened to him after he retired from the Twins.
Wait, maybe this is a different guy with the same name. If that is the case, the book is already losing my interest.
Seriously, anything that pushes style of any kind over substance is missing the point.
By matt elliott on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply
Good point, Steve. That kind of career change is downright disturbing:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Viola
By Steve D on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply
Frank V, the former pitcher, actually spent some time in Greeneville TN watching his son pitch for the Bristol White Sox. Joining him in the suite that night was Roger Clemens watching his son Koby play 3rd base for the Greeneville Astros. They were joined by Garth Iorg (former Blue Jay) watching his son Eli play for the Astros as well. Three former major leaguers in the park on one night, the town was abuzz.
By Joe Miller on Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Hi, an excellent alternative to Viola’s book is “The Ancient Church As Family” by Dr. Joe Hellerman. His work is well researched and addresses many of the “pagan” influences on our faith. Dr. Hellerman’s contribution is a blend of good history AND respectful discourse.
By Scott on Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the tip, Joe. I will definitely be looking into that source.