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character_in_transition, July 14, 2008 (view all comments by character_in_transition)
Reviewed by: Nicholas Andrew Depew
Author: "Character in Transition – A Guide to Not Burning the Bridge"

"Pagan Christianity?" is a must read for anyone who is sincere about seeking truth and who is willing to ask difficult questions regarding matters of the practice of faith.

Having personally authored a book that examines both the right and wrong ways to handle personal and professional transitions, I can attest that within "Pagan Christianity?," the authors are not trying to advocate the onset of a mass civil war as some reviewers would lead you believe. Instead, they are simply presenting the substantiated facts to validate those who have chosen a route that leads beyond the typical confines of tradition. They are attempting to open up a dialogue for greater freedom, purpose, and participation. As the authors assert on page five in reference to people reading their Bibles through conditioned lenses and never challenging denominations or what they teach, “At this moment, all the rebellious hearts are applauding and are plotting to wield the above paragraphs to wreak havoc in their churches. If that is you, dear rebellious heart, you have missed our point by a considerable distance. We do not stand with you. Our advice: Either leave your church quietly, refusing to cause division, or be at peace with it. There is a vast gulf between rebellion and taking a stand for what is true.” It is also worthy to note what author George Barna writes in his introduction on page xxx, “If you are skeptical – and we encourage healthy skepticism that leads to fact-finding and truth – then commit yourself to identifying exactly what did happen over the course of time. This matters!”

Is this book for everyone? The answer is, "No." To continue "The Matrix" analogy (only slightly modified for proper context), “Most people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inert, so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to protect it.” Nevertheless, if you are someone who has questioned why churches are the way they are, why nothing ever seems to change, or why the hype of their varying prospects and programs is often short lived with things rarely coming to fruition, this book can definitely point you in the right direction for finding some of those long-time, elusive answers. For those who may be just a little curious about "Pagan Christianity?," but who are not certain about taking the plunge, I would kindly and benignly offer the following as food for thought: Insanity has often been defined as doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting different results.

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Product Details

ISBN:

9781414314853

Subtitle:

Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Author:

Viola, Frank

Author:

Barna, George

Author:

Viola, Frank A.

Publisher:

BarnaBooks

Subject:

History

Subject:

Church renewal

Subject:

Christian Theology - Ecclesiology

Subject:

Christianity - History - General

Subject:

Christian Rituals & Practice - General

Subject:

Church -- Biblical teaching.

Copyright:

2008

Edition Description:

Revised, Update

Publication Date:

January 2008

Binding:

Hardcover

Language:

English

Pages:

295

Dimensions:

7.78x5.69x1.05 in. 1.02 lbs.