David Bolton says:
I cannot think of a more significant book for the Church in this day. Frank Viola and George Barna shine the light of historical and contemporary research onto virtually every aspect of modern day church practice in order to uncover the long-forgotten roots, subsequent developments, and present-day fruit of each one. The truth revealed is that little of what we consider normal church practice today actually finds its origins in the New Testament. These practices originated instead from the incorporation of Pagan influences into Christendom throughout the Church’s long and often compromised history. As a result, the deceptive power of human tradition has taken hold of the Church and held it captive for some 1700+ years at a most fundamental level. "Pagan Christianity" is an illuminating and emancipating look into this history and a fresh exploration of God’s original design for church life and practice as seen in the pages of the New Testament.
As radical as this book is in its propositions, exposition and conclusions, it is extremely well researched and documented. (One needs to get the printed copy to read the some 1,200 footnotes). Additionally, it is entirely Christ-centered and Christ-exalting in its focus and is Biblically sound in its ecclesiology. One cannot listen to this book without being deeply burdened and broken over the tradition-bound condition of Christ's church today and yet equally invigorated with a fresh passion for a return to the simple and powerful ways of New Testament church life, as God originally intended it.
Would that every believer would listen to this audio book with openness, humility and a prayerful heart. I cannot more highly recommend it.
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Steve Schmidt says:
A challenging book. I do not agree with all of his conclusions and definitely do not agree with all of his applications. However, the mondern Church needs to hear this overall message.
See an excellent review by Ben Witherington.
http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2008/06/pagan-christianty-by-george-barna-and.html
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