Frank Viola :: Blog :: It's Open Comments Wednesday on the "Reimagining Church" Blog

Comments

1. Frank,

   I recently read Pagan Christianity. Loved parts of it, other parts, not so much. But that's okay, if I agreed with all of it I would not have had to read it. It is good to have my thinking and ideas adjusted from time to time. I think you are correct in that much of the shaping of the church since the early centuries was done by culture and not necessarily by a biblical vision. But that leaves me with a question. We often look to the practice of the first century church and hold that up as the "biblical model". But yet, much of what they did was also shaped by their culture and not necessarily by biblical mandate. For instance, we know they met house to house. But how much of that was a result of the social, political, and religious climate as opposed to it being the one way for all time? It is a question I have been thinking about as it relates to models of doing church, especially as I work with other people to see how the mega-church and house church can collaborate for the sake of Christ's Kingdom.

   Dan Lacich on Wednesday, 20 August 2008, 12:49 CDT # |

2. Hi Dan. thanks for writing. PAGAN CHRISTIANITY is only the first half of a very involved conversation. It's the deconstructive side. The second, more important half is contained in the constructive sequel that just released. It's called REIMAGINING CHURCH. (You can get read a sample chapter at www.reimaginingchurch.org with endorsements). REIMAGINING deals with your question of contextualization in great detail. I think you'll find it of help. PC isn't complete without RC.

   Frank Viola on Sunday, 24 August 2008, 15:45 CDT # |

3. Frank,

   Thanks for the note. I am looking forward to RC as well as the House Church Conference in Dallas this week. It looks to be a very educational and inspirational time. I'll pick up a copy of RC there. I assume it will be available

   Dan 

   Dan Lacich on Wednesday, 27 August 2008, 18:19 CDT # |