I’ve finished the book (Pagan Christianity), but it took me a long time. Normally I just plow through books but this one was hard. It wasn’t Hemingway-hard, where you have to read and reread paragraphs to make sure you understand what was written. No, it was hard because the basic premise seems like such a slap in the face. After finishing the book the simplest sentence to capture what I felt is: “We’re right and you’re wrong. Our way of doing church, an organic church that meets in homes and has no defined leadership, is the only viable and truly biblical form of church. All other types of churches and worship are based on pagan practices and should be discarded.”
And I don’t agree. I believe a variety of churches meet a variety of spiritual needs. Paul himself says that “he will be all things to all people”, so that Gospel will be proclaimed. I think the same thing applies to churches.
There’s a place for the mega-church with a focus on reaching the seeker and ministry resources that can be astounding. There’s a place for the middle-size church, where members learn to stretch and grow their faith in serving God, each other, and those outside of the church. There’s a place for the small church, where those who don’t have a spiritual family can feel at home, and where those who have been hurt can find a place of peace.
There’s a place for traditional worship, choirs and litanies and ecumenical creeds. There’s a place for contemporary worship, where freedom in worship is explored and experienced. There’s a place for blended worship, a place where the glory of traditional worship blends with elements of contemporary worship. And there’s a place for home churches, growing together like the early church.
The Holy Spirit works through all these things to call hearts and souls to God.
Bless the authors for causing us to ask difficult questions, and shame on them for making the rest of us feel guilty.
