Cardinal Spin* reviews Pagan Christianity, by Frank Viola and George Barna.
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Utter crap
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* Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles published on Chrisendom are those of the authors alone. They do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Chris Tilling Really Very Holy Ministries, or its staff, nor do they represent the views or opinions of Her Majesty the Queen, the McDonalds restaurant chain, the Pope, or any entity of heavenly, intermediary or earthly nature. Just that of the author.
15 comments:
Yep! That was Ben Witherington's assessment as well. Although he took about 4000 words to say what you said in 2!
Hi Chris, I was asked to review the book, and found it unreadable, and struggled to find some thoughtful ways to express my frustrations with it's poor methodology and strange conclusions. So gave up trying.
Now you are moving to a teaching post, is this the new laser like insightfulness and zen like reductionism/focus that I can hope to achieve for book reviews in a few years time, post PhD?
agreeing with BW(3)? that's a worry...
Love the disclaimer! Love the review.
Steph, stalking Chris and I again? :-)
Now, what is your problem with Uncle Ben?
Lazarus, Turin Shroud, James Ossuary, a commentary on Mark, the "Word of God" and all that evangelical history... Someone I know knew him as a student in Durham and liked him well enough. Congenial bloke. Now - stalking? I doubt it and I've only just worked out that you're the NT fan. Other than that you're nameless and faceless - like I am to you! As for Chris, that's a worry isn't it? I'll sure cut off his ears if he runs over any more cats! :-)
The Imonk (Michael Spencer) seemed to like it and the follow-up book.
"Pagan Christianity" is a classic case of writing a book to promote a none too subtile agenda of one's belief that the only valid definition of "church" is the house church, and a rejection of anything resembling trained and equpped clergy.
This is all done with a healthy dose of half-truth.
Russ
sounds quite emergent russ.
Stunning review. Natural, yet foul. Powerful, yet repugnant. Profound, yet stinky. Perfect.
House Church is not necessarily emerging/emergent Jim. Why do people keep insisting on making emering whatever they find distasteful about Christianity? It's a bit frustrating for those of us trying to define what is going on at the edges of the Church.
edges of the Church sounds like Augustine-speak for heresy! ;-)
I reckon the proverbial cat is out of the proverbial bag. Quick Chris, run it over!
Scott, I love your comment - it has such a poetic ring to it!
I've not read the book, but as with the book unChristian, much of what comes from Barna and his group is well -- the reviewer said it well -- utter crap!
Hi Jason, you may use the review in your classes if you want, the Cardinal has given you permission.
Scott, you hit the nail on the head!
Personally, I though the cardinal's review was utter crap, but that is enough irony for one night.
Mrs Chris!!
Poosie Mcsniff!
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