Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola Essay Example for Free

Pagan saviorianity by Frank genus genus Viola EssayThe platter Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna leads readers into the world of religion, ghostlike customs and rituals, sermons and religious clothing. The authors show how the church building service has changed over metres and what newborn practices and beliefs it has adapted. Frank Viola is known to be an American writers and speaker who has promulgated a series of books devoted to problems with church c aloneing 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 atomic number 18 rooted in secular or Pagan practices which have nothing to do with the Bible and idols commandments, as well as the church doesnt resemble the early church which was exposit in the book of Acts. Modern church is based on hierarchical structure whereas the author claims the Naz atomic number 18ne came with the strong intent to put an end to legalism, structure and hierarchy.The book is very interesting from historical pedestal and I trust that it is broadly accurate offering us new insights and facts from religious past. Pagan Christianity The authors take over their narration with strong claim that modern churches have little resemblance with the early centuries churches mentiond in the New Testament. With the get goingaking of the Traditional Church the author became very interested trying to reveal what we went on. The first chapter is censure of authors inquiries on the subject of interest.For example, Viola questions whether thither was a need to turn down light and to postponement when the Spirit would move on to another church. The author thinks we are the Children of Lights, although he admits that he doesnt equalise with any theologian and preacher offering his unbiased check into. It is said that the word pagan is a part of books tit le and it is applied to the churches being controverted. 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-goersbelievers.It is emphasized that the Church has construct 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 important 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, medicinal drug, steeples, architecture, thrones borrowed from other cultures along with customs and rituals. In the third chapter Viola provides overview of the order of traditional theology and descri ption of Sunday morning sets. He argues that standard order should be held in all churches with completely slight differences. For example, he writes You can scour your Bible from beginning to end, and you will neer 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 better known, more than 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, i t is a function. Viola notes that the word pastor is referred to in Ephesians 411 only one time a bare(prenominal) piece of evidence 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 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 close 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 core principles and fundamentals.They explain that Baptism has replaced the Sinners Prayer. The Lords Supper was for the first time a festive banquet and, therefore, lost its concrete picture of The Body and Blood. The final chapter s are devoted to religious education and how it is possible to receive the qualification 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 about religious order, customs, traditional music and dressing. The book is very informatory, innovative and well-organized. Moreover, it is very interesting from historical perspective as it is challenging and thought-provoking. The authors curb 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 peremptory speaker and the founder of knowledge. It is evidence of hierarchy which he manages to escape. Moreover, he claims that such situation shouldnt overtake 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.