Many of you have requested a more formal review of Pagan Christianity, and I feel obliged to provide one. It should be said, however, that Out of Ur is not usually a place for reviews. We offer snippets and opinions and let you guys do the talking. However, this is an important topic, and it deserves a response (in the absence of a true review).

My concern with this book is that it is not what it claims to be. Viola argues that he has presented a careful and thorough exploration of Scripture and Church history. He simply hasn't.

In the chapter "The Pastor," Viola's entire biblical argument against the modern pastorate is based on the fact that the word "pastor" appears only once in the New Testament. He does reference (in parentheses) several other passages, as some of you have noted. But he does not interpret them and allow them to challenge his conclusion. Consider the following (Look these up; I can only list them):

o James 3:1

o 1 Timothy 3:1; 5:18

o 1 Peter 5:2

o 1 Corinthians 9:9

Taken ...