Adapted and Inspired from Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola and George Barna.
Sorry, but when it comes to your ability to understand your Bible, you got shafted.
All of the books are out of order. It was chopped up into fragments with the addition of chapters and verses, causing you to want to use it more like a manual than a story. Let's face it, you don't know the historical context. Even F.F. Bruce, one the greatest scholars of our time said that reading the letters of Paul is like listening to one end of a phone conversation.
So, what do we do? We approach the Bible with the cut and paste method. We come with scissors and glue, ready to cut, paste and create a basis for our thoughts, feelings, and our favorite doctrines and practices. This is how we justify our man-made, encased traditions and pass them off as "biblical." And don't think your preacher is immune because they went to seminary or Bible college. They can be the worst offenders. This, after all, is traditionally the way they are taught.
It is no wonder we can approvingly nod our heads at paid pastors, the Sunday morning order of worship, sermons, church buildings, religious dress, choirs, worship teams, seminaries, and a passive priesthood. I know what you're thinking, "But here it says..." Nope, that's what you were taught it says.
Sorry, you and I both got shafted. If you're fortunate, you'll find that rare person you can glean from that has undertaken the task of overcoming the shaft.
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