LEAVEN AND THE SPIRIT OF RELIGION: The conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of the His day is a major issue in the New Testament, and yet this "elephant in the room" has been almost universally ignored by the Church. Our position? “Pharisaic Christianity” is what keeps the Church from functioning like a Body, where every member is treated with equal dignity, respect and value. In this document we explore the meaning of leaven and the system that keeps the Church ensnared in divisive and ungodly practices, attitudes and traditions. Our hope and goal is that Christians could find again the freedom with which Christ has set us free.
The book below is presented here two ways: first, as a single downloadable document in .pdf format and second, as individual chapters in .pdf format, for ease of accessing specific charts or chapters. If you are interested in getting a feel for this thesis, may we suggest glancing through the True Church/False Church Chart, the Pharisaic Church Wheel and Characteristics of the Pharisaic Church, as well as the New Testament Church Wheel and Characteristics of the New Testament Church.
One person described the book as "so shockingly insightful, so unflinchingly honest, so relentlessly scriptural, it is sure to elicit yowls of protest from the pharisaic class. It makes mincemeat out of a dozen sacred cows." Whatever your reaction, we hope it stimulates some new perspectives with regard to your own view of the Church and your part in it.
NOTE: At the risk of sounding patronizing, we suggest doing your best to leave fear, presumption, prejudice and self-interest at the door when reading the following articles if you can. You will not be able to appreciate any viewpoint that is presented here otherwise. We have done the same while writing them. That's partly how we got here. It is not our intention to offend or to inflame anyone's ire. And certainly our analysis is not perfect. But it's our best effort so far and we hope it at least furnishes some fodder for discussion in your own life and circle. We bless you for being willing to explore this topic. We speak with as much candor as we can muster and hope you will receive it as our hearts intend.
(Rev:8/30/2010)
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Leaven and the Spirit of Religion:
We offer this link for those who would prefer to download the entire book onto a disk or to their hard drive in one easy step. The document runs 270+ pages.
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Leaven and the Spirit of Religion |
Preface I
~ Why a book on Pharisaism? Why now? And why us? ~
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Dismantling Pharisaism
~ Being the Church in the midst of Pharisees ~
Two parts:
1) Dismantling Pharisaic forms in your own life
2) Confronting Pharisaism: Becoming Christlike in a leavened Church
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Frequently Asked Questions
~ A work in progress ~
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-- Last Updated 8-30-2010
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