Paul's Idea of Community - The Early House Churches in Their Historical Setting
by Robert Banks (published by Anzea Publishers), 288 pages, paperback $12.95. (U.S. Postage: $1.85, Foreign postage: $6.00)
What distinguished the Christian communities of the 1st century? Were they "organized"? How did they function as a community? Robert Banks (Macquarie University, Sydney) provides Biblical and historical answers.
I've noted that some see problems in the Society but fall back on the reasoning that the organization/community of JWs closely resembles the early Christian community. I was wondering if anyone has read this book and whether or not it gives insights on the validity of this assertion.
I've noted that some see problems in the Society but fall back on the reasoning that the organization/community of JWs closely resembles the early Christian community. I was wondering if anyone has read this book and whether or not it gives insights on the validity of this assertion.
Just received the book in the mail. Looking forward to seeing if it sheds any significant light on the question under discussion. It certainly would seem scriptural to accept some degree of organization in the 1st century, but not to the extent that a few men would be 'masters over our faith'. It is almost laughable how we are told 'not to go beyond the things that are written' then procede directly to do just that. I guess Paul meant 'written in the WT'.
