Pagan Christianity: The Origins of Our Modern Church Practices

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: As a Christian, I never knew why we did the things for church that we do. I love God and have always wanted more. This book showed me why church is so stagnant today and it pointed me to what is missing and how it can be restored. I look forward to reading other books by this author. I have searched for a book like this for a long time but this is only book I know of available today.

Rating:
Summary: Finally set free from the prison of religion
Review: I know this book will have its critics, but it will only be those who will attempt to keep the institution called 'Church' alive, those who derive their very livelihood from it.

For years, I had this nagging feeling deep in my spirit that something is very, very wrong in my walk with Christ. I never doubted Him, I just doubted what I was busy with. Reading Viola's book was like coming home from a long imprisonment. Lord knows, I have tried all the 'formulas' of what the institutional church told me a 'good Christian' should do, but I almost ended up a bigger mess than when I got there in the first place. All along, Jesus was calling me not to do it their way, but to do it His way.

Pagan Christianity simply confirmed in words and with scripture what my own spirit was screaming out since my conversion - I just did not have the ability to define it myself. Reading this book gave me the confidence that what I sensed all along was not 'rebellion', but simply God's Sprit trying to teach me the Lord's ways and not the church' ways. While reading, my spirit literally leapt at each page and after reading it, I felt like a mountain was off my shoulders - I am now free to worship God in Spirit and Truth.

I thank God for faithful saints like Frank. The research in this book is staggering, the footnotes endless and the truth liberating. If someone told me to throw out all my books, except the Bible and one other book, then this book will be it. Even though this book is packed academically, it's still a very easy read and the comfortable style with which the subject is conveyed makes for one of those rare books which one cannot put down once you have read the first page. It captivates the heart and alerts the soul.

If you are bored with Church, then this is the read for you ...

Rating:
Summary: Smug, nasty silliness
Review: I know this book will have its critics, but it will only be those who will attempt to keep the institution called `Church' alive, those who derive their very livelihood from it.

For years, I had this nagging feeling deep in my spirit that something is very, very wrong in my walk with Christ. I never doubted Him, I just doubted what I was busy with. Reading Viola's book was like coming home from a long imprisonment. Lord knows, I have tried all the 'formulas' of what the institutional church told me a 'good Christian' should do, but I almost ended up a bigger mess than when I got there in the first place. All along, Jesus was calling me not to do it their way, but to do it His way.

Pagan Christianity simply confirmed in words and with scripture what my own spirit was screaming out since my conversion - I just did not have the ability to define it myself. Reading this book gave me the confidence that what I sensed all along was not `rebellion', but simply God's Sprit trying to teach me the Lord's ways and not the church' ways. While reading, my spirit literally leapt at each page and after reading it, I felt like a mountain was off my shoulders - I am now free to worship God in Spirit and Truth.

I thank God for faithful saints like Frank. The research in this book is staggering, the footnotes endless and the truth liberating. If someone told me to throw out all my books, except the Bible and one other book, then this book will be it. Even though this book is packed academically, it's still a very easy read and the comfortable style with which the subject is conveyed makes for one of those rare books which one cannot put down once you have read the first page. It captivates the heart and alerts the soul.

If you are bored with Church, then this is the read for you ...

Rating:
Summary: Smug, nasty silliness
Review: Save your money, there is absolutely nothing new or reliable in this book. Viola's thesis is that _real_ Christianity, from the first century, was quickly corrupted by Pagan Catholicism. WE protestants are right; YOU Catholics are pagans; and we're not real sure about some of the protestants.

This is a very old horse to ride, as in:
-- Melanchthon, Aplologia Confessionis Augustanae, 1530 AD, detailing Catholic rituals copied from Paganism
-- H. Bullinger, De originie erroris libris duo, 1539, detailing Catholic "cultic errors" copied from the Heathens
-- Isaac Casaubon, De rebus sacris et ecclesiasticus exercitationes 1614, about how the apostle Paul's use of terminology and ideas from the pagan mystery religions
-- Conyers Middleton, A Letter from Rome Shewing an Exact Conformity between Popery and Paganism, 1729

and dozens and dozens of books since, as sad protestants have built themselves up by tearing Catholics down; claiming to show how after the apostles (as they see it), Christianity adopted Pagan rituals, ideas and Greek philosophy.

Not only is Viola's bigotry dated, his scholarship is amateurish. The cover says he's is a high school teacher who also writes books about Jesus. That fits. What you get here is certainly high-school level stuff - simplistic fundamentalist conclusions supported by superficial evidence; lots of friendly references, all to secondary sources. This is the sort of stuff other lonely kooks post on internet news-groups; Viola has found an evangelical press to put his screed on paper.

This isn't really scholarship at all. It's rolling-in-the-sawdust tent-revival silliness. Smug, nasty silliness.

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If you're interested in a reliable synopsis of the modern scholarship on Christianity's Pagan origins, try Professor Jonathan Z. Smith's "Drudgery Divine."

If you're interested in a reliable point-by-point history of the survival of Pagan myths, rituals and theologies, try: Jean Seznec's "The Survival of the Pagan Gods."

Rating:
Summary: interesting but not persuasive
Review: The objective of the book, which is just part of a 5 volume series, is to convince people that the traditional Christian church's practices are of Greek and pagan origin and ought to be immediately discarded and the 1st Century church re-established.

It is part of restorationist literature, which has a long and interesting history. (the other pessimistic model of church history is remnant) What makes this book a good entry in the argument is the passion with which the author argues and the wide ranging sources he avails himself of. I intend to follow up on several of the references presented in the footnotes, which alone raise this book above most of its ilk.

What is lacking is a systematic review of the process of syncretism, in fact i don't believe he even uses this word to describe what is the process he is discussing. The other glaring deficiency is an explanation of why church history is not progressive, why a restoration of 1st century practices is desirable for today, simply put, why is this normative and not just illustrative or even prelude. These are two really big issues that the book is just silent about, and why i rated it as unpersuasive.

What is interesting is that i agree with most of his conclusions, but not for the reasons he presents, although the reasons are interesting and i am glad to have been exposed to them. Although the book will be persuasive to the choir, and unsettling to those with only a little awareness of church history, bcause the fundamental problem of syncretism is enormous and really needs to be dealt with in the church. Perhaps books like this and the house church movement will ignite a discussion, but one from first priniciples not just an emotional appeal.

Should the church build huge church buildings? no, but the reasons are not as simple as because cathedrals were built like roman temples over the sites of pagan rituals and that the 1stC Christians met in homes not specially constructed buildings. This is the opposite of the 'history is always progressive' ideal, and it is just as wrong.

it is a nice, easy to read, fun book. if i can find other of his books cheap i will read them, ie i will remember his name, but i am not moved to order them immediately and at full price because of what i read here.

Rating:
Summary: At Last
Review: This book may very well become known as the single most liberating piece of Christian work penned in the last 1700 years. It will hopefully become known as the single most influential piece of Christian literature in this new century. Without doubt it will be loved by many as it will liberate multitudes and for that same reason it is sure to be hated and feared by others.
Frank Viola has pulled back the covers to reveal the pagan origins of many if not all of the practices of this thing we call Christendom. In a very scholarly fashion he has traced the origins of the traditions practices and institutions of all that which makeup what we call Christianity today. In contrast he boldly illustrates the simplicity and almost tribal nature of the 1st century church the bride of Christ as she met with her groom in irresistible freedom, life and love.
I have suspected for many years that many if not all new Christians early in the adventure of their new life in Christ have deep and unsettling doubts about this institution we call church. Those doubts should not go unheeded. At last the great harlot of the 17th chapter of Book of Revelation has been revealed and the Spirit calls to all who are His, "Come out". May you be provoked to read this work and as you do may your spirit register the still faint voice of the Spirit say unto you, "Come Out".

Rating:
Summary: A must for every Christian
Review: This book will set the Christian church straight
regarding the origins and history of contemporary
church practices and worship liturgies which openly
contradict the model given in the New Testament.

Rating:
Summary: Incredible Read!
Review: Viola's book should be read by every Christian with a hunger for truth. The previous reviewer from Florida obviously wants to steer folks away from this book...and for good reason. It's an eye-opener, alright. Most of what goes on in so-called "church-services" is NOT in the Scriptures. It's simply man-made religion. Viola simply reveals what history books have said all along, and some of us salute him for that.

If God's people cannot face the facts, then they are not people of TRUTH. Check for yourself and see if "pulpits, pews, going-to-church, etc." are anywhere to be found in Scripture. I challenge my brothers and sisters in Christ to take an honest look. Get this book, read it, and make up your own mind. You deserve a good look at the facts! We need more books like this, written by men of courage and integrity who love God and his Word.

Don't let any "smug, nasty" reviewer steer you away from this book. Perhaps the straight-forward, simple writing style offend some people with an intellectual bent toward arrogance. Anyway, this book is a great read!