Poetry

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The author Frank Viola is a good writer
His writings have been influenced a lot by Watchman Nee(my perception)
Who had a lot of house churches because the context suited it!
China had underground churches because the Chinese government
Try to stop the impact of Christianity in its country
When I read Pagan Christianity I see a lot of Watchman Nee
I enjoy the writings of Watchman Nee—Frank also speaks with
The same authority as Watchman Nee spoke—Nee was criticized for this

The book paints the picture that the early church was untainted
This might be a strange suggestion—the book is valuable reading
I feel it lacks further elaboration on the word ekklesia (political word/church)!
It was the term for assembly of citizens of a city to make governmental choices (ekklesia)
The ekklesia or church is all about Government!
Which church do the authors (Frank Viola and George Barna) want to go back to?
The word organic church is used in the book and
Refers to the non-institutional church

The authors tend to put the past on a pedestal
But was the past any better—many died in the past
To see the past as some ‘golden age’ and
The present as some kind of strange experience is challenging,
The first century church also had its troubles—and today we have ours

The book Pagan Christianity will drive many out of the conventional church
The book Pagan Christianity will give ammunition to some
The book will not change everyone’s mindset but it will make people think
As Christians we must think deeply about out faith
Jesus’ whole ministry was about correction
In this day and age we need to live by Kingdom Principles
We should focus on the Kingdom—Jesus is forming His Wife

I will recommend that mature Christians read this book and
I will also recommend that Christians read ‘Faith Undone’ by Roger Oakland
Who wrights about the emerging church who many say that
Frank Viola is affiliated with because of his attachment with Brian McLaren

This short synopsis of the book ‘Pagan Christianity’
Does not aim to discredit it because
I am in the process of reading it many times etc.

Please give me your opinion of the book Pagan Christianity

N.B I did converse with Frank Viola through email concerning his thoughts on a certain matter.

Poet Marcheleo

Copyright 2008

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