This post continues my review and commentary on Greg Boyd's excellent book "The Myth of a Christian Nation." In this chapter Dr. Boyd brings some weighty matters to bear concerning the mixture of American nationalism with Christianity beginning with a sobering story. He attended a July 4th church service shortly after the Gulf War started and was appalled at the infusion of patriotism with the g...
Learn MoreIn chapter nine Frank and George deal with two specific corporate events that have undergone significant transformation from their original function and practice: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These two sacred activities, or “sacraments,” held unique significance for the early believers. Baptism, by immersion, was originally the “believer’s initial confession of faith before men, demon...
Learn MoreThis is a subject over which I have poured hours of research and study so I will be diligent to keep my comments brief and focused on the books treatment. First and foremost, I appreciate Frank's statement that although tithing is biblical - being that it is found in the bible. However, tithing is not Christian, in that there is literally no New Testament evidence to support the practice or rule ...
Learn MoreIn preparing a different post regarding chapter 6 of Pagan Christianity I was researching a man Frank mentions named Horace Bushnell. Needless to say this guy was, and is, fascinating. He was a prolific writer and prominent theologian whose influence remains. Some titles of his works include “Moral Uses of Dark Things,” “Work and Play,” “The New Life,” and a work from which the followi...
Learn MoreIn chapter two Myth of a Christian Nation" Dr. Boyd continues his differentiation between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. Here are a few quotes that I found particularly powerful.