Category Archives: Pagan Christianity?

Review, personal reflections and comments on “Pagan Christianity?” a book authored by Frank Viola and George Barna.

Reimagining Church

I reviewed a book by Frank Viola and George Barna called “Pagan Christianity” some months ago. There is a companion book to it that is out now called “Reimagining Church,” by Frank Viola. Some great reviews of the book can … Continue reading

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Chapter 5 – The Senior Pastor: Is He Biblical?

I am going to jump ahead in my review of the book Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola and George Barna, to Chapter 5 which is entitled: The Pastor: Obstacle to Every-Member Functioning. The reasons for doing this are many. The … Continue reading

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Chapter 3 – Major Influences on Worship

Continuing in Chapter 3 of Pagan Christianity?, writers Viola and Barna next tackle how the changes in early church buildings affected worship. Because Emperor Constantine was the #1 “lay person” in the church, a simple style worship service would simply … Continue reading

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Chapter 2: Exploring the First “Church” Buildings

Exploring the First Church Buildings In the book Pagan Christianity?, authors Frank Viola and George Barna continue Chapter 2 by exploring the evidence we have about the first “church buildings,” a trend started by the “Christian” Emperor, Constantine in the … Continue reading

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Chapter 2: Constantine-Father of the Church Building

Constantine-Father of the Church Building Viola and Barna now enter into the incredible story of Constantine, the founder of the concept of church as a building. In AD 324, Constantine became emperor of the Roman Empire. Constantine’s thinking was dominated … Continue reading

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Chapter 2: The Creation of Sacred Spaces and Objects

The Creation of Sacred Spaces and Objects Authors Frank Viola and George Barna record that a shift occurred in the late second and third centuries when Christians began reverencing their dead. Christians began to meet in two places… their homes … Continue reading

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Chapter 2: From House Churches to Holy Cathedrals

From House Churches to Holy Cathedrals As already stated in earlier posts, the early church believed that Jesus was the very presence of God and that the body of Christ (the church) constitutes his temple. The authors of Pagan Christianity? … Continue reading

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Chapter 2: Temples, Priests, and Sacrifices

Temples, Priests, and Sacrifices Continuing in Chapter 2 of Pagan Christianity? authors Frank Viola and George Barna point out that the Old Testament Hebrews had a faith experience centered around the Temple, the priesthood and the sacrifice. But Jesus fulfilled … Continue reading

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Chapter 2: The Church Building – Inheriting the Edifice Complex

Well, here we go. Chapter Two of Pagan Christianity? deals with the first specific example of a pagan practice adopted by the church. That being the idea that the church is a building or a place. The authors point out … Continue reading

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Other Blogs on “Pagan Christianity?”

I have a friend named Steve Tanner who has started reading “Pagan Christianity?” as well. Steve works for a non-profit Christian organization that equips and encourages those who are involved in Children’s ministry. He has posted about the book and … Continue reading

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