It wouldn’t be possible to fully introduce this subject in a single blog post, but most of those that know me know that I’ve been on a journey for a number of years now searching for authentic expressions of the Church — the true ekklesia. This is a multi-faceted discussion, so in some ways I’m opening Pandora’s box by throwing out a single facet of it like this. On the other hand… you’ve gotta start somewhere!
George Barna — the famous pollster and monitor of all things “Christian” — has teamed up with the lesser-known Frank Viola — author of several books that examine the history of church practice — to write what promises to be a book that rocks quite a few boats.
I haven’t read this book yet (although I’ve seen the previous work of both authors), but I stumbled across a location where you can download a sample chapter of Pagan Christianity.
These concepts — and concepts like them — are going to figure significantly in the days ahead as the Church tackles the problem of its eroding (lost?) cultural leadership.
I’m posting this with the hopes of providing a platform for discussion amongst those who visit. You may join in by adding a comment below.
*Update* (January 4th): The comments are now set up correctly so that you can add yours! 
January 4th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Well, I read the sample chapter and I definitely want to buy the book now. I think it’s going to be quite startling and distressing to see how many current church practices have their roots in pagan culture.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I had read once before that because of the demand of some cities by their leaders that all citizens were to become Christians; people began to “act” like Christians without the relationship. This led to their falling into Pagan practices in order to comply with the Religious order. It seems to me that “church” should spend more time teaching and leading their congregation into the communion dimension. Remember what Jesus said when Mary sat at Jesus feet while her sister was running around doing all the preparation….
January 5th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Thanks, Jill and Allen, for joining the discussion!
Allen — with a sweep of his sword, Constantine declared the entire Roman Empire “Christian.” All the pagan priests still had jobs - just with a new boss: the Pope.
That might be a bit oversimplified, but it isn’t far from the truth.
Communion… experiencing God… learning how the Kingdom gets expressed in everyday life… actually training on (not just learning about) the disciplines of living as a spiritual being… becoming empowered to advance the Kingdom in every sphere…
This is where we must go.
January 6th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
WOW, an eye opener to be sure with just the teaser sample, my brother in law who has a PHD in theology told me to flip over to Jer 10:3-5 and asked me what does this sound like in 2007, it’s scary to think how far we may ave drifted from center. This all has to be approached with wisdom in picking your battles but the questions must be raised.
January 8th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Ron,
Thanks for sharing. I thought I’d post the text of the passage you referenced for everyone’s benefit:
You definitely have a point about picking battles. There’s also a tendency, as we allow ourselves to question that which is familiar, to throw the proverbial “baby” out with the “bathwater.” It can be difficulty to discern what’s “baby” and what’s “bathwater.”
The most intriguing questions I’m hearing, however, have to do with what “shape” the Church will take in the future. We cannot be committed to forms and functions, but must instead be committed to the true mission to which we have been called: discipling nations.
Lord help us!
January 9th, 2008 at 10:18 am
David,
Thanks for the reference. Read the bonus chapter. Good insight to today’s church compared to where our emphasis should be. Looking forward to reading the book. If there was ever an opportunity to evaluate and make course corrections, boy we have that opportunity at this time in history at our church. We are at the juncture I have looked forward to for many years, now and I sure don’t want us to blow it. This just may be the most important time in our church’s journey. Thanks for your ministry!
TJ
January 14th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
TJ! Welcome to the site! It’s great to have you here. From what I’ve seen, your congregation is far from alone. There seems to be an enormous shift in the Church at large.
There are lots of genuine folks who are fine with the status quo, but there seems to be a growing hunger for something more authentic and more organic. I seem to be having more and more conversations around missional Christianity and discovering new shapes and expressions of the Body. It’s an interesting time to be alive!
Thanks again for your comment. Blessings! -dgj
January 15th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
You’ve peaked my interest. But one thing I want to emphasize is that while many of our practices have roots in paganism (i.e. Christmas being celebrated on Dec. 25 — winter solstice) that doesn’t mean they’ve stayed there. God can make all things new and we can even see places in our modern world where God is making all things new. The people who have been coming into my office are people who want to know that the love of God transcends the church. While it came out a few years ago, BLUE LIKE JAZZ revealed to me a way to envision God’s church as God’s work in the world through the people of God in all of their humanness. I enjoyed observing Christians and non-Christians honestly speaking to one another in the midst of our sin and discovering relationship with God without pretending perfection. I could go on and on. Now I’ve got to look up the book!