Monday, July 07, 2008

BW3 on pagan christianity

I've had this post set to publish for a few days. I didn't realize Ben Witherington's review of Pagan Christianity would start the fight all over again, but I really just wanted a place to store his posts so I could read them in their entirety later. I don't really care to say anything more about the book or any responses to it. Ben's reviews are here: BW3 on PC1; BW3 on PC2; BW3 on PC3; and BW3 on PC4.

5 comments:

Jim said...

Thanks for this! I'm very interested to read what he has to say about Barna and the other guy whose name I've forgotten.

dan said...

Frank Viola.

Yeah... I have to say, I lost some respect for Barna with this book in particular. He seems to like to point the finger, but I've begun to question how he markets his books, or how his name is used anyway. I dunno... I think Christian authors ought to be subject to the same integrity as church leaders.

Jim said...

Thanks. I have not yet read the book (I hope to eventually), but the last time I heard Barna speak (it was either last year at Catalyst or the year before) I remember talking with Dave Green about how much he was criticizing the church. I don't have a problem with critique, but this was beyond that and it appears to me that is what is happening in this book. I must admit, though, I have a high view of the church (not quite Catholic, but close) as an entity and he doesn't. So...I think I'm with Dr. Ben on this one.

Anonymous said...

Witherington’s review is being critiqued quite effectively by another scholar. Parts 1, 2, and 3 can be read at this site, http://www.paganchristianity.org/zensresponds1.htm
William

dan said...

You obviously do your job well if you found my blog, Jillie. But frankly my dear, I could care less about another Frank Viola book (or blog). Cheers.