Pagan Christianity

Posted by Joe Thorn - 23/01/08

Perhaps I am getting lazy (seriously, that may be part of what’s going on here). Maybe I’m just bored (That is definitely a part if it). But mostly I just don’t think writing about Pagan Christianity is worth what little time I have. I have read the book, and my attitude while reading it went from frustration to indifference; not because some of the criticism isn’t valid, but because the huge leaps that are made from showing a corruption in practice to an outright rejection of practice is so over the top I don’t believe most will find the book convincing, or even that troublesome. For example, it’s one thing to suggest that churches are distracted by buildings they own but have little justification for, often treat buildings as idols, and that major change needs to happen. It’s something different to suggest that owning a building is an inherent obstacle to spiritual development. The same goes for the authors’ comments on preaching and pastors, and everything else in the book. Since I do not believe the book will have the impact others do, I am not compelled to continue blogging on it. For a fun and detailed look at the book check out Bob Hyatt’s posts.

3 Comments

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  1. Good for you. I perused this book at the bookstore today. It honestly looked like an irrelevant and most of seemed like a stretch. The book struck me as a boring read and needless to say is resting comfortable upon the bookstore shelf.

    Comment by Scott — January 23, 2008 #

  2. yup…I won’t be buying it, either. I’m somewhat burned out - ok, bored! - with the onslaught of books ‘tinkering’ with the church…let’s move on.

    Comment by Sean LeRoy — January 24, 2008 #

  3. Y’know, Joe, I am getting the impression from the negative buzz on this book that Barna has completed the jumping of the shark (started with Revolution?)

    I know a lot of people ignored him from the start and a lot more have become disenchanted with him of late. Who’s left?

    Do you get that impression? Or is he still viable for a future word to the church?

    I guess that will depend on whether or not he produces data and analysis that makes sense, but predispositions to reading the next book are going to hurt his ability to get an automatic readership. He’ll have to work hard. At least that’s my take…

    Loving your pics, btw…

    Comment by Art Rogers — January 25, 2008 #

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