Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
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A must read
I agree with Sapphire, "I do not agree with all the authorsâ conclusions and assertions, but I still strongly recommend this book" and add my name to those recommending this book.
Many in the Christian Church decry Christians taking part in Halloween celebrations (Easter sunrise services etc...) for its Pagan roots and yet put up a Christmas tree (taken from Paganism) as well as many other Pagan rituals - those people need to read this book.
So then what? Do we throw out those practices which are Pagan in origin? I would say - no, but we ought to know the origin of our Church traditions and rituals so as not to elevate tradition above God and His Word.
This book will put a light on the trivial things that cause division and upset in our churches, and that will upset a lot of people who have made tradition a first place thing and not secondary to Christ. People who will tell you not to read this book, but I contend this:
If you are not reading to challenge yourself but read and study only thos whose voice will affirm your current position - you are wasting your time, I will say it again you are WASTING your time and are singing to the choir - such behaviour does not produce spiritual maturity. Must we read everything contrary to our own beliefs? no, but we must not also swing too far in the opposite direction and read only those who affirm us. We must all challenge ourselves as our faith can and will stand up to it amd this book is an excellent place to start.
I will close my reivew with the same quote I started it with by Sapphire, "I do not agree with all the authorsâ conclusions and assertions, but I still strongly recommend this book." I am a pastor in a mid-sized church, we have a nice building, we have worship leaders, we follow many to most of the practices outlined in this book as Pagan in origin, but we do it for the glory of Christ, and so in my personal opinion we redeem those rituals for Christ - but I am keenly aware that the traditions of our church are secondary things which must be seen through the lense of Christ and are not to be elevated to first things - that would be idolatary.
December 21, 2012
Truly Life-Changing
Aside from the Bible, I only consider three books I have read to be deserving of my saying, âÂÂIt changed my life.â This is one of those three. I do not agree with all the authorsâ conclusions and assertions, but I still strongly recommend this book.
For years, I have grown increasingly dissatisfied with the large, institutional churches IâÂÂve attended, yet noticed that I felt so enlivened at small-group gatherings where we could all edify each other and experience the Lord together. Yet, I experienced extreme guilt for feeling this way. âÂÂPagan Christianityâ liberated me by using the Word of God and history to *justify* what IâÂÂve come to feel. It made me realize that IâÂÂm not crazy or wrong â IâÂÂm simply hungry for the type of church that God intended us to experience.
If you feel bitter toward church or are in a rebellious stage, do not read this book just to fan the flames. *But*, if you sense something missing from your church experience and are yearning for a more genuine church community, definitely read it. It will rock your world.
July 27, 2012
WoW!!
A must read book. Makes you think why we do what we do and dig deeper. Gives so much information.
June 30, 2012
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