Quote:
Originally Posted by Sabby
What you are describing sounds like something I read 30 or so years ago in a book called Mystery Babylon, written by a man by the name of Ralph Woodrow. His views (at the time) seemed nearly revolutionary.
He recent publications reflect some softening of his views.
If Viola is right then the entire protestant church must de-construct it's form, liturgy, methodology, tradition, venues and so on; only then will we become liberated from christian paganism, that is, if it is indeed pagan christianity.
But what of the good components of the way "church" is presently done? There must be some linkage of old w/the new in order to derive that which is good from it. By that I mean, if our christianity needs to dramatically change, it will not happen overnight. Any transition is hard, especially when organizational/denominational power structures and paradigms interfere. Transition is hard, and it will take patience for positive changes to occur.
Church leadership just doesn't happen like a poof of angel dust. It is intentional. So then, what mechanisms are in place for the 5 fold ministry to flourish in the type of environment Viola suggests? I can see where many more cults will develop without good leadership. Is the American church spiritual enough to rise above it?
What say you, Amanah?
|
I think the church is changing and adjusting.
The Pastors on this forum are the proof of it.
Younger Pastors are less authoritarian.
They see the fallout of the mistakes of their Fathers.
There is a movement towards including home church meetings,
there is a softening in the approach of preaching.
And a movement away from preaching unbiblical standards.
Viola vehemently opposes an attack on the precious men and women of God who are Pastoring our churches and doing the best they know how with what was handed to them when they began. When I get home I'm going to find the statement that he made to that effect and post it.
It's not a light thing to transform the way you minister. It's done very cautiously so as to preserve like precious faith.
And it's easy to critique, but let's give credit for the prayers and fasting and hours of blood sweat and tears that have been poured out by concerned precious men and women who are doing their dead level best to lead the Church. I have made it a point to tread very softly in my review of this book out of love and concern for those who are giving their life for the gospel.
The countless men and women who will have received the Spirit and been baptised in the Name will rise up and call many on this forum blessed for their work and service to the Lord.
And if this post turns into a bash fest then I will request that it be locked.
Threaded Mode
