Braden’s Thoughts on Christianity

I just finished a book called Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices by Frank Viola and George Barna and I must say that it is one of the most spiritually challenging works I’ve ever read, besides the Bible itself. I firmly believe that it is a book that every Christian should read. No matter what fellowship or denomination you’re a part of, this book probably applies to you.

So what’s the big deal? Why am I getting so excited about some book that’s not the Bible?

For a long time, I’ve wished for a comprehensive work that addresses the non-biblical human traditions that have infiltrated Christendom over the past two thousand years. This book comes closer than any I’ve ever heard of. From church government to worship to liturgy to salvation, Pagan Christianity leaves few stones unturned with regards to the problems that have evolved in Christianity throughout the course of its existence.

To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, this book addresses the following questions and more:

Why do our preachers/ministers preach every Sunday?

Where does our “order of worship”/liturgy come from?

Why do we seem like passive spectators in church rather than active worshippers?

What’s the difference between modern churches and the church of the first century?

Basically much of the book speaks to the question: “Why do we do the things we do?”

At the very least, some of this book will surprise you. If you’ve ever questioned whether or not the practices of your church are truly rooted in the scriptures, this is something you should read.

Granted, I don’t necessarily agree with everything in the book, specifically some of the solutions they offer based on the conclusions drawn in it. But for the most part, their ideal vision for what the church should be is far better than the status quo in Christendom.

However, I must issue a warning. This book is not for the close-minded. It’s not for those who are content with keeping their religious views the same. This book will likely challenge the way you view your faith, your church, and Christianity in general. Whether you’re a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, or a member of the church of Christ, this book is an assault on the manmade traditions that have led Christendom away from the word of God.

I strongly urge anyone who would bear the name “Christian” to read this book with an open mind. I can only hope you will do so and reap the benefits of it as I have. May God bless you in your search for the truth!